This blog article delves into the world of outdoor furnishing fabrics, addressing common concerns such as durability, cleaning, and weather resistance.

By exploring various options and providing valuable insights, we help you make informed decisions when selecting the perfect outdoor fabrics to enhance any outdoor living spaces, all while maintaining beauty and functionality.

Naturally we highlight the benefits of the FibreGuard Outdoor range of performance fabrics, which offer easy maintenance, stain and fade resistance, and suitability for outdoor use.

OUTDOOR FURNISHING FABRICS: A SPECIAL KIND OF UPHOLSTERY
Outdoor fabrics have special features that make them different from other materials, and they are perfect for designers who want to create beautiful and practical outdoor spaces.

These fabrics are made to handle all kinds of weather, like sun, rain, and changing temperatures. Outdoor fabrics need to be strong and easy to take care of, all while resisting different weather conditions: no small feat!

Outdoor fabrics are typically made from polyester or polyolefin and have a durable, water-resistant coating. They’re also treated so they can withstand UV rays for long periods of time without fading or becoming brittle. Because of this, outdoor furniture is often made with these materials as well.

Let's look at our own range of outdoor fabrics and what makes them particularly special.

FIBREGUARD OUTDOOR: KEY FEATURES
FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics boast several unique selling points that make them an ideal choice for outdoor furniture:

UV Resistance: FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics are designed to resist fading and damage from prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV rays, ensuring that your furniture maintains its vibrant appearance. They're certified under ISO 105-B02, a prestigious textiles qualification for colourfastness to light in materials. In fact, this standard is developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), which is an independent, non-governmental international organisation that develops and publishes standards to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency.

Free from forever chemicals: All FibreGuard fabrics are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified, meaning they are free from harmful chemicals and finishes, making them safe for both humans and pets.

Anti-microbial and Anti-bacterial: These fabrics help combat the growth of mould, mildew, and bacteria, as well as resist unpleasant odours often associated with humid environments.

The FibreGuard easy clean guarantee: Sunscreen and oils can be easily removed from FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics using a simple four-step cleaning process, with no need for bleach or special treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

ARE OUTDOOR FABRICS WATERPROOF OR WATER-RESISTANT? WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
Outdoor fabrics are waterproof, which means they are designed to prevent water from passing through the material.

Three levels of water resistance:

Water-resistant fabrics have a coat of protective finish that allows water to bead off the surface, but not pass through it. This can be useful for items like raincoats and umbrellas, where you want to keep the weather out but still be able to see through them.
A waterproof fabric does not allow water to pass through; a water-resistant material repels some but not all of the liquid.
Showerproof fabrics can withstand exposure to rain showers, and water repellent materials have been treated with an external coating that keeps liquids off their surface.

HOW DURABLE ARE OUTDOOR FABRICS? HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT THEM TO LAST?
The weather and other environmental factors, such as sunlight and wind, can weaken even the most durable outdoor fabrics over time. Here are the main culprits:

UV exposure. In areas where it’s hot and sunny year-round, such as states in the Southeastern and Southwestern portions of the U.S.A., some otherwise durable fabric types can start to degrade over time—even when handled gently by their owners during daily use.

Outdoor fabrics like FibreGuard Outdoor feature powerful UV resistance to give them the longest possible life. Making sure your furniture can stand up to heat is exactly what it’s made for!

Moisture. Most fabrics that are kept in humid or damp environments stand the chance of deteriorating more quickly than fabrics stored elsewhere. If your location receives a lot of rain, it's important to choose a fabric that is water resistant and dries quickly after rain showers.

The problems that stem from dampness can cause the fibers of fabric to weaken and tear more easily, making this a potential health hazard due to the growth of mould. FibreGuard Outdoor's anti-microbial protection, which protects against mould, mildew and bacteria, can also significantly extend the useful life of your fabric, and its resistance against all kinds of moisture damage.

Yes, even in renowned 'hot and humid' hotspots around the world, from New Orleans to Singapore, Bangkok.

HOW DO I CLEAN AND MAINTAIN MY OUTDOOR GARDEN FURNITURE FABRIC?
Cleaning FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics is easy with just four simple steps: blot, apply water, gently rub, and pat dry. This process can be used to remove most common stains and spills without the need for harsh chemicals or bleach.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MATERIALS USED IN OUTDOOR FABRICS FOR GARDEN FURNITURE?
Outdoor fabrics are typically made from synthetic materials, such as acrylic, polyester, and olefin, which are designed to withstand the elements and resist fading, mould, and mildew.

One of the most common questions we get asked is: what is outdoor fabric made of? There are two primary types of outdoor fabrics: woven and non-woven. Woven fabrics have been woven on large looms that create a tight bond between individual yarns, giving them strength and durability—making them great for upholstery applications.

Non-woven fabrics lack the strength of woven ones, but they're easier to clean because there are no spaces between threads. Vinyl and polyester mesh are examples of non-woven fabrics.

Can outdoor fabrics provide UV protection for my garden furniture?

Yes, outdoor fabrics can provide UV protection for your garden furniture. FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics are specifically designed to resist damage from the sun's harmful rays, ensuring that your furniture remains vibrant and fresh-looking even after prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV rays. The composition of your fabrics really matters, even beyond furniture.

We are not suggesting that you start dressing in FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics, but in fact, in apparel, it's useful to know that some fabrics can also even protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. Unbleached cotton, for example, contains natural lignins that act as UV absorbers.

WHAT ARE THE LEADING ECO-FRIENDLY OPTIONS FOR OUTDOOR FABRICS?
Yes, there are eco-friendly options for outdoor fabrics.

FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified, meaning they are free from harmful chemicals and finishes, making them an eco-friendly option for your outdoor furniture.

You can also look for synthetic fabrics with 100% recycled content as recycling reduces the environmental impact of textile production tremendously.

HOW DO I KNOW IF AN OUTDOOR FABRIC IS MILDEW-RESISTANT OR MOULD-RESISTANT?
Outdoor fabrics are specifically designed with anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties to combat the growth of mould and mildew, as well as resist unpleasant odours often associated with humid environments.

The anti-microbial properties of FibreGuard fabrics are rigorously tested according to these standards:

ASTM E2149 (2013) – to prove significant reduction of bacteria growth, the result must be a reduction of at least 90%.
ISO 20743 8.2 (2013) – to prove significant reduction of bacteria growth, the result must be higher than 2, ideally 3

CAN I USE INDOOR FABRICS FOR MY OUTDOOR GARDEN FURNITURE?
While it may be tempting to use indoor fabrics for your outdoor furniture, it is not recommended.

Indoor fabrics are not designed to withstand the elements and may fade, mould, or deteriorate when exposed to outdoor conditions.

HOW DO OUTDOOR FABRICS HANDLE DIFFERENT WEATHER CONDITIONS, SUCH AS RAIN, SUN, AND WIND?
FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics are designed to be weather-resistant, providing protection against rain, sun, and wind.

They are water-resistant, UV-resistant, and durable, ensuring that your furniture remains functional and stylish throughout the changing seasons.

HOW DO I PROPERLY STORE MY OUTDOOR GARDEN FURNITURE DURING THE OFF-SEASON TO PROTECT THE FABRIC?
To protect your outdoor fabrics during the off-season, it is recommended to clean and dry your furniture thoroughly before storing it in a cool, dry place.

Use protective covers to shield your furniture from dust, dirt, and moisture.

READY TO LEARN MORE?
If you're interested in discovering more about FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics and how they can enhance your outdoor living space, download our FibreGuard Outdoor factsheet for additional information and insights.