Outdoor fabrics
What fabrics for terraces, balconies and conservatories can do and how to keep them looking good for a long time.
Outdoor fabrics are made for seat cushions, upholstery, curtains and shade sails outdoors. You can recognise them by the label “Suitable for outdoor use” in the product details. You will find a selection under Outdoor Fabrics.
What makes an outdoor fabric
- UV resistance and lightfastness: The colours fade much more slowly in the sun than with indoor fabrics. The fibres are often solution-dyed, meaning the colour is inside the fibre itself.
- Water-repellent: Rain runs off and the fabric dries quickly. Water-repellent does not mean waterproof: in prolonged rain, water can get through seams and the fabric.
- Mould and stain protection: Many outdoor fabrics have an antimicrobial and dirt-repellent finish.
- Durability: Outdoor fabrics are often very abrasion-resistant. One example from our range reaches 100,000 Martindale rubs. That is why they are also suitable indoors for heavily used furniture, such as a kitchen bench.
Tips for long-lasting enjoyment
- Filling: Use quick-drying outdoor foam or outdoor wadding for seat cushions. The best cover is of little use if the filling holds water.
- After rain: Stand cushions on their edge so that water can drain off. Do not leave upholstery wet for long periods.
- Cleaning: Brush off loose dirt and clean with lukewarm water and mild soap. Rinse well and leave to air-dry. Follow the care symbols in the product details.
- Winter: Store cushions and covers clean and completely dry in a ventilated place, not in airtight plastic covers.
- Sewing thread: Have outdoor fabrics sewn with UV-resistant polyester thread. Cotton thread becomes brittle in the sun.
What outdoor fabrics are not
Outdoor fabrics are not awning or tarpaulin fabrics. They are not designed for permanently tensioned, waterproof covers.