While searching for umbrellas on the internet, you may have noticed that there are many different fabric options available. With so many options, you may be wondering, “What’s the difference between all these fabrics?” In this article, we’ll cover the different types of fabrics to help you choose the best option for your outdoor space.
Sunbrella fabric
Sunbrella is a common name when it comes to fabric. In fact, many people use the term “Sunbrella umbrella” when requesting information. However, there is really no such thing as a Sunbrella umbrella. Sunbrella is simply a fabric manufactured by Glen Raven factories. But because Glen Raven has been a leader in the manufacture of performance fabrics for forty-five years, people assume that it also makes umbrellas. Sunbrella is a heavy-duty solution-dyed acrylic fabric made with fixed colors. The long color life of Sunbrella fabrics is one of the main reasons to buy umbrellas made with this product. Umbrellas and cushions made with this durable fabric come with a 5-year fade guarantee and typically outlast any other fabric in the industry.
Sunbrella is also well known for its UV resistance. Sunbrella umbrella fabrics have been tested and shown to provide up to 98% UV protection in shade applications and have been awarded the “Seal of Recommendation” by the International Skin Cancer Foundation. Along with UV protection and color retention, Sunbrella has great water repellency. This does not mean that it is waterproof, but because the fibers are woven so tightly, there is a high degree of water resistance that allows them to stay outdoors even in light rain.
solar acrylic fabric
Suncrylic is another solution-dyed acrylic fabric you can get on your outdoor umbrella canopy. Slightly less heavy than Sunbrella, Suncrylic also offers a high degree of UV resistance and water repellency. The biggest difference between Suncrylic and Sunbrella is in the ability to resist fading and the warranty offered. Suncrylic fabrics are guaranteed to be colorfast for a period of 1 year from the time of purchase.
olefin fabric
Another fabric option for patio umbrellas is Olefin. This is also a solution dyed acrylic fabric that is considered to be high density yet lightweight. Olefin is a woven fabric that holds its color well, provides protection from harmful UV rays, and resists stains. It’s durable and easy to clean, with a one-year warranty against fading. Texsilk is a brand of Olefin fabric that can be used as an umbrella canopy. Although Texsilk is water resistant, it is machine washable for easy cleaning.
polyester fabric
Like acrylic, polyester is a man-made fabric. This fabric is lightweight, breathable, and less expensive to the manufacturer, so it is commonly used by outdoor clothing and furniture manufacturers to make economically suitable products. Polyester is not a natural fabric that is resistant to water or fading. For this reason, polyester canopies are sometimes coated with polyurethane or Scotch Guard protection to aid in fade resistance. Although patio umbrellas with polyester fabrics are inexpensive, they do have certain qualities that may be undesirable for some consumers. The main reason to switch to an acrylic type fabric is that polyester fabrics generally fade much faster than anything else on the market. Specifically, if you’re in a region of the country with severe or extreme weather like Arizona, polyester fabrics may not be the best choice for you unless you’re diligent about covering or storing them when not in use. If buying an item with polyester fabrics, it’s best to stick to anything above 600 thread count or higher to get the best value for your money. Also, here’s a quick tip: You’ll notice far fewer fading issues with lighter colored polyester fabrics. White, natural, and beige seem to last much longer than blues, reds, and blacks.
Also, it is important to keep polyester fabric umbrellas away from any sources of flame, such as torches, candles, and patio heaters, as it is flammable.
coolaroo fabric
Coolaroo is a unique canopy fabric that provides up to 90% UV protection while keeping temperatures cool in the shade. Shading your patio table or chairs with a Coolaroo canopy reduces temperatures by up to 30%. This breathable fabric is mildew resistant, easy to clean and comes with a 5-year warranty against UV damage.
There you have it, a wide range of fabrics and colors to choose from, whether you are shopping for an aluminum umbrella or a wooden market umbrella for your next outdoor umbrella purchase.