The exterior of your property is often the first thing your visitors see when they enter your property, and their first impression of your abode's outdoor spaces influences their perception of your overall residence. This becomes even more important when you’re using your property for commercial purposes, such as an Airbnb holiday house or shared accommodation for renters.
As such, you want your outdoor space to be comfortable, stylish, and resistant to the elements. One way to do this is to select your outdoor cushion fabric wisely.
Read on and discover how to choose the best outdoor cushion fabric to create weatherproof cushions.
What are the differences between outdoor fabrics and indoor fabrics?
Indoor and outdoor cushion fabrics are mainly selected based on performance. Outdoor fabrics must withstand extreme weather conditions, such as rain, humidity, sunlight, and varying temperatures. For durability, the fabric must also resist fading due to UV rays and mould growth.
Furthermore, outdoor fabrics undergo chemical treatments to prevent degradation and staining. This feature makes them suitable for outdoor use as they stay looking fresh for longer.
On the other hand, indoor fabrics put less emphasis on weather performance as they are typically shielded from the elements. They usually feature a tighter weave and more vibrant colours, making them great for decorative purposes.
Basically, you can use all outdoor fabrics indoors, but you can’t use all indoor fabrics outdoors.
What is a weatherproof cushion?
As the name suggests, weatherproof cushions can withstand even the harshest weather conditions. Its materials offer water, sunlight, and fade resistance, making the waterproof cushions ideal for your outdoor area.
However, note that water-resistant cushions are not completely waterproof. Over time, water and other elements may still penetrate the cushion due to degradation. Waterproof outdoor cushions feature a water-repellant coating to reduce the water penetration rate, but you might need to replace them over time.
A cushion's ability to repel water depends on the following:
- The material used
- The weave
- The quality of the coating or treatment
Common outdoor fabrics
While you have a wide range of outdoor fabrics used for outdoor cushion covers, some are more common than others. These materials are mostly preferred for their weather resistance, durability, and feel. Some of these common fabrics for outdoor cushions include acrylic fabrics and olefin fabrics.
What is acrylic fabric?
This material is an artificial fabric made from a combination of synthetic polymers. The polymers are mostly acrylonitrile, acrylic, and modacrylic.
Due to their acrylic content, acrylic fabrics have a soft, wool-like feel and are resistant to fading, mould growth, and mildew. The material offers unmatched warmth and insulation, making it an ideal fabric for outdoor cushions.
Depending on your preference, the fabric can be dyed to complement your patio's design. The material is breathable for extra comfort. The benefits of acrylic fabric include the following:
- Durable
- Soft to the touch
- Highly weather resistant
- Retains colour even after prolonged exposure to sun and rain
- Super affordable
What is olefin fabric?
Anyone looking for a sturdy yet affordable outdoor cushion fabric should consider olefin. Olefin fabrics feature synthetic fibres from polyolefin, such as polyethylene and polypropylene. The fabric is lightweight, fade-resistant, and highly able to withstand the elements.
Additionally, olefin fabrics have good fluid repellency and a low absorption rate. This feature makes the fabric suitable for cushions as they do not waterlog or rot easily. Olefin is also easy to maintain and offers superior UV protection, making them one of the most popular fabrics for outdoor cushions.
Olefin's benefits include the following:
- Highly durable
- Affordable
- Good fluid repellency and low absorption rate
- Easy to maintain
- Superior UV protection
The best outdoor cushion foam for weatherproof cushions
When selecting the best outdoor cushion foam for weatherproof cushions, numerous aspects come into play.
Comfort
You want your outdoor cushion to be comfortable for your family and guests. So, high-density foam is the best choice; the foam should be firm enough to offer support but still soft enough for comfort.
Durability
Your outdoor furniture is constantly exposed to harsh elements. You need quality foam that can withstand them and stay in good shape for a long time. Go for foam that's resistant to water, sunlight, and mildew.
Your cushion foam should also be mould-resistant, fire-retardant, and easy to maintain. Moreover, choose a material that you can easily clean and replace when necessary.
Hypoallergenic foam
Your loved ones' health matters, so you want to choose hypoallergenic foam that won't cause any adverse reactions. Look for a foam material that isn’t only hypoallergenic but also breathable and resistant to dust mites.
Also, consider mildew and mould-resistant foam for a healthier and safer outdoor cushion.
Reticulated quick-dry foams
Reticulated quick-dry foams allow moisture passage and are the best choice for outdoor cushions. The foam will dry off quickly to keep your outdoor furniture fabric stay fresh and comfortable.
These foams are durable and can provide your cushion with a longer lifespan. They don't absorb water and their material does not retain moisture or get soggy during rain showers.
Furthermore, reticulated quick-dry foams offer optimum comfort, support, and durability, making them ideal for the outdoors. The foam's air circulation is another excellent feature, as it helps keep your cushion dry and free of bacteria.
Looking for the most suitable fabric for outdoor cushions?
Outdoor cushions are essential for creating the perfect outdoor seating area. Choosing a suitable cushion fabric and foam can make a huge difference in comfort, weatherproofing, and safety.
Solution-dyed acrylic and olefin fabrics offer unmatched durability, while reticulated quick-dry foams ensure your furniture remains comfortable and dry. So, take your time to assess your options before you purchase one. Then, weigh the benefits and features of the various fabrics, foams, and cushion styles to find the right one for your patio.
You can trust us at Cushion House to provide quality outdoor cushion fabrics and foams to create the perfect weatherproof outdoor cushions. We offer dyed acrylic and olefin fabrics that are lightweight, fade-resistant, and highly durable to withstand the elements.
