The best fabric for outdoor furniture covers is a synthetic fabric such as polyester or vinyl. These fabrics are typically lightweight and durable, resistant to fading and wear from sun exposure, and can be easily wiped down to resist dirt and moisture.
Polyester and vinyl are both water-resistant and breathable, meaning they let air pass through but won’t let rain or other liquids through. Additionally, they come in a variety of colors and textures, so you can find the perfect fabric for your specific outdoor furniture.
What fabrics are as good as Sunbrella?
Some of the most popular alternatives are Outdura, Dickson, Covington, and SunGuard. Outdura is a high performance fabric made with 100% solution dyed acrylic that is both durable and long lasting. Dickson features an acrylic top coat on a polyester base, providing a soft feel, rich color, and excellent fade resistance.
Covington fabrics are made from solution-dyed polyester and feature superior UV, mildew and dirt-resistance, as well as superior durability and a luxurious hand. SunGuard from Herculite is also a polyester fabric with advanced UVA and UVB protection that stands up to tough weather conditions.
All of these fabrics offer superior performance and long lasting quality, making them excellent alternatives to Sunbrella.
Can I use regular fabric for outdoor cushions?
No, regular fabric is not recommended for outdoor cushions. Outdoor cushions should be made with outdoor fabric that is designed to withstand the harsh elements of Mother Nature. Outdoor fabric is created to resist fading from UV (ultraviolet) rays.
It is also generally water repellent, as well as soil and mildew resistant. Depending on the setting, fabric made with a higher degree of performance may be necessary. In addition, cushion filling should also be taken into consideration.
Traditional cushion fill, such as polyester or down and feathers, often need to be protected with a vinyl cover, so the cushion will not become waterlogged if exposed to rain or mist. For added protection, high-grade polyester fiber or reticulated foam may be better suited for use in outdoor settings.
Is acrylic or polyester better for outdoor fabric?
When choosing outdoor fabric, it is essential to consider the way the fabric will be used and the environmental conditions it will be exposed to, such as temperature and humidity. While both acrylic and polyester are strong and water-resistant, acrylic is generally the better choice for outdoor fabrics.
Acrylic fibers have high durability and lightfastness, which make them resistant to fading and damage from exposure to sun or rain. The fibers also hold up well against mildew, mold and staining. Acrylic is also typically softer, shinier and feels better against the skin, compared to polyester.
Lastly, acrylic is often more affordable than polyester, making it an excellent option for outdoor fabric.
How do you cover patio furniture with a tarp?
Covering your patio furniture with a tarp during the off-season or when you won’t be needing it for long periods of time is a great way to protect your furniture from the elements and preserve its life.
Here are a few steps you should follow when covering your patio furniture with a tarp:
1. Ensure that the tarp you are using to cover your furniture is an appropriate size that will adequately cover the items you need protecting. It should cover the furniture entirely, and should have some extra material to ensure it is secure.
2. Place the tarp on the patio furniture and ensure it is centered.
3. Secure the tarp using bungee cords, rope or heavy-duty elastic straps. Make sure the cords are tight enough to keep the tarp in place and prevent it from blowing away.
4. If needed, fold the tarp at the edges of the patio furniture and cover the cushions with either the tarp or another fabric of your choosing that is the same colour as the tarp.
5. Once the tarp is secured, use large rocks, bricks or specialized weighted devices to anchor it in place, such as sand weight bags.
By following these simple steps, you can easily and effectively cover your patio furniture with a tarp, protecting it from the elements and preserving its life for years to come.
How do you measure patio chair covers?
Measuring patio chair covers requires you to accurately measure the length, width, and depth of the patio chair. Start by measuring from the top of the chair to the ground, then measure from the back of the chair around to the front, and then measuring the seat depth.
It is important to measure in inches for accuracy. Once these measurements are taken, you can then select the cover that best fits your patio chair and order the appropriate size. Additionally, if your measurements fall between two sizes, consider ordering the larger size for a better fit.
Do outdoor furniture covers keep cushions dry?
Yes, outdoor furniture covers can keep cushions dry. Furniture covers are designed to keep out moisture, dirt, and any other elements that might damage your cushions. Depending on the material of your furniture cover, it may be waterproof or coated with a water-resistant coating to prevent any moisture from getting underneath the cover.
Look for covers that are designed with air vents so that air can circulate and moisture won’t become trapped underneath the cover. Most covers are made with UV-resistant material to ensure that your cushions won’t deteriorate over time due to sun exposure.
It is important to choose the right cover for your outdoor furniture to ensure it will keep your cushions dry.
Does covering outdoor furniture help?
Yes, covering outdoor furniture can help to protect it from the elements and ensure that it stays in good condition for longer. Outdoor furniture is exposed to a lot of wear and tear from the sun, rain, snow, and other extreme weather conditions.
Covering it with a waterproof material helps to keep it dry and prevent fading, cracking, warping, or other damage from occurring. Additionally, the cover can act as a barrier to dirt and debris, making it easier to clean.
Regularly cleaning and storing the furniture under the cover when not in use can help to further protect it from the elements and increase its lifespan.
Is it OK to leave outdoor furniture cushions outside in the rain?
No, it is not OK to leave outdoor furniture cushions outside in the rain. Rain can cause the cushions to absorb moisture and become heavy and potentially moldy, making them uncomfortable and difficult to use.
Additionally, furniture cushions left in the rain can quickly be ruined if the fabric is not waterproof or if the pieces of stuffing become lumpy or go missing from the cushions. As such, to keep your outdoor furniture cushions in good condition, it is best to store them indoors, in a dry area, when not in use or when there is inclement weather outside.
How do you waterproof outdoor chair cushions?
Waterproofing your outdoor chair cushions is an important step toward extending their life and keeping them looking new for years to come. To achieve this, you first need to choose a waterproofing product that is specifically designed for use on outdoor fabrics.
When applying the product, make sure to follow all instructions carefully to ensure that the fabric is properly protected.
Before applying a product, it is always a good idea to test a small area in a discreet spot to make sure that any waterproofing chemicals will not damage the fabric. Additionally, it is important to follow product safety procedures and wear protective gloves and clothing during the application process.
To waterproof your outdoor chair cushions, begin by shaking the bottle or aerosol of waterproofing product and then read the instructions thoroughly. Apply the product in a thin, even layer across the fabric, making sure to extend the protective coating slightly beyond the edges.
Allow the product to completely dry before use, and repeat the process once or twice more in order to ensure that the fabric is fully waterproofed. Finally, store the chair cushions in a waterproof container when not in use.
Does outdoor furniture get ruined by the rain?
Yes, outdoor furniture can be ruined by the rain. Depending on the type of outdoor furniture, it can be more or less prone to damage. Metal outdoor furniture, such as wrought iron, is particularly prone to rusting in damp conditions and even mild steel can be corroded.
Wooden outdoor furniture, if not treated or painted, can also be damaged by the rain. Long-term exposure to rain can cause wood to split, crack or rot, making it brittle and weak. Polypropylene or resin-based outdoor furniture is usually the best option when it comes to withstanding the rain, although prolonged exposure to the sun can dull its colors over time.
In order to protect your outdoor furniture from the rain, you should make sure it is covered, stored indoors in winter, and treated periodically.
Does wicker patio furniture need to be covered?
Yes, wicker patio furniture should be covered when it is not in use to protect the furniture from weather damage and dirt. Covers should fit the furniture snugly and should be made of waterproof material to ensure proper protection.
If the furniture is regularly exposed to the elements, it should be treated with a sealant or protective coating to ensure its durability and protect against weather damage. Additionally, furniture cushions should also be covered to protect them from dirt, moisture, and fading.
By taking these steps to protect wicker patio furniture, it should last for many years.
How do you protect patio cushions from rain?
Protecting patio cushions from rain is an important part of patio furniture maintenance. The first, and possibly most important, step to protect cushions from rain is to store them indoors when not in use.
To maximize protection, store the cushions in a dry, covered area, such as a garage or shed. If storing them indoors is not an option, there are some other ways to protect patio cushions from rain.
One way is to purchase a waterproof cover for the cushions. Waterproof covers come in a variety of sizes and materials, and can help protect the cushions from the elements when kept on outdoors. Another option is to buy or make a box or other waterproof container to store the cushions in.
This will protect them from rain and other conditions while they are left outdoors.
Finally, it is a good idea to wipe cushions off with a dry, clean cloth after they have been exposed to rain. This will help protect them from mildew, mold, and other damage caused by wet conditions.
Following these steps can help to keep your patio cushions in tip-top condition, even in the rain.