5 Reasons Why We Love Sunbrella Fabric

5 Reasons Why We Love Sunbrella Fabric

If you’ve clicked onto this blog it’s probably because you’ve been browsing the web looking for a new furniture set (or perhaps just replacement cushions for an existing set). If that’s true, we bet you’ve seen the word ‘Sunbrella’ pop up over and over again, and for good reason... We all know that purchasing high quality furniture is never cheap, so you want to make sure that what you do end up choosing will be an investment that not only looks good, but will also last you many years. With that being said, our experts here at GardenSite would recommend opting for a Sunbrella fabric, and in this handy Q&A blog, we’ll explain why.

First things first, what is Sunbrella fabric?

Sunbrella fabrics are made from 100% solution-dyed acrylic fibres with a fluorocarbon finish. First used by Glen Raven inc. in the 1960s, these versatile fabrics have been continuously developed and are now so well engineered that they are used in the production of both indoor and outdoor furniture, awnings, window treatments, boat covers and convertible automobile tops.

Why does Sunbrella fabric come so highly recommended?

There are many reasons why the GardenSite team loves Sunbrella fabric and would choose it over other materials, with our 5 main reasons being:

Below we will discuss each of the above in more detail.

Sunbrella's resistance to outdoor elements

With an estimated lifespan of 10 years under heavy outdoor use (approximately 3 times longer than other outdoor fabrics currently on the market), it’s safe to say that the biggest USP for Sunbrella fabric is its increased resistance to the elements. Not only is Sunbrella fabric waterproof, but it also prevents the growth of mould and mildew, too. Instead of soaking into the fibres, any liquid will simply bead and roll off, meaning it can be left outside during rainfall without worry (although we would recommend bringing cushions indoors during any heavier-than-usual downpours).

Colour retention of Sunbrella fabrics

Our range of Barlow Tyrie furniture comes with a choice of over 20 Sunbrella fabric cushion colours and this is something that we offer with confidence, knowing that no matter which colour our customers choose, it will stay true over time and will not fade through cleaning, wear and exposure to the elements, in particular the worst culprit - direct sunlight.

Sunbrella fabrics undergo a unique process that saturates the fibres with colour and UV-stabilised pigments before being spun into the yarn, meaning the pigment goes all the way into and through the fibres (rather than simply sitting on the outside of the yarn). This distinctive and thorough manufacturing process produces the most exceptional textiles which ensure robust performance and a worry-free product.

Comfort provided by Sunbrella fabrics

Sunbrella fabrics are synonymous with unparalleled comfort and coziness. They are made with soft and durable yarns that include a variety of different weaves and surface textures that are woven into each and every fibre, meaning the fabric is tough enough for the outdoors but soft enough for indoor use too. Sunbrella fabrics are also very breathable and don’t trap heat, allowing air to pass through them which will keep you and your guests cool.

Cleanability of Sunbrella fabrics

At some point it’s inevitable that your fabric will fall victim to the odd spill, sticky finger or mucky paw print from a furry friend. The great thing about Sunbrella fabrics is that they’re built to withstand the happenings of every day ‘real’ life whilst still maintaining their strength and integrity. To explain, the majority of regular fabrics offer a protective surface finish only, whereas Sunbrella fabric injects stain-resistance into the core of each fibre, meaning it will continue to look new and fresh for years to come.

When an accident does happen, cleaning is simple with gentle soap and luke warm water. For bigger messes, Sunbrella fabrics are even bleach cleanable.

Eco-friendliness of the Sunbrella production process

A main contributing factor to Sunbrella fabrics’ durability and long-lasting nature is a combination of the high quality of raw materials used in manufacture and the considered techniques used in production.

The colour-saturation process is undertaken using an innovative technique that reduces water and energy consumption, thus maximising efficiency whilst minimising environmental impact. As mentioned previously, Sunbrella cushions also boast a maximum lifespan of 10 years, meaning you shouldn’t have to worry about re-buying until very far in the future. This means you can enjoy your Sunbrella fabrics guilt-free, knowing the environment has been considered throughout each and every step of the production journey.

Conclusion

Founded on the belief that fabrics should be both visually-pleasing and functional, here at GardenSite we believe that Sunbrella fabrics can meet the needs of all of our customers, including designers and landscapers, thanks to their versatility and reliability. The fabric’s versatility means it can be used in practically any and every space imaginable, allowing people to bring their visions to life whilst being safe in the knowledge that they will stand the test of time.