A Guide To Sunbrella Fabric For Outdoor Furniture

Since bursting onto the market in the 1960s as a revolutionary performance fabric of choice for outdoor furniture, Sunbrella fabric has grown from strength to strength. 

Synonymous with being durable, comfortable and stylish, this iconic, high-quality outdoor material has only improved over time.

In this blog, we will explore what Sunbrella fabric is and some of its outstanding benefits as an outdoor furniture material. You will also get to know the various grades of Sunbrella fabric, tips on choosing the right grade of Sunbrella for your outdoor furniture and learn about care instructions, 

On top of that, we will introduce you to some of Abbyson’s most beautiful outdoor settings (featuring Sunbrella fabric) to create long-lasting comfort and beauty in the outdoor areas of your home.

What is Sunbrella Fabric?

Have you ever wondered, what is Sunbrella fabric made of? We’re glad you asked. The highest grade of Sunbrella (grade C) is a 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabric. This means that every Sunbrella fabric thread is dyed all the way to the core rather than just on the surface. To compare this concept to a vegetable, it’s similar to the all-the-way-through color saturation of a carrot when it is cut. Contrast this to a cut radish, which is only red on the outer surface, and white (colorless) on the inside.

It is this saturated, solution-dyed quality of Sunbrella fabric that makes it stand out in the market. It is simply unmatched for maintaining its long-lasting true color. 

The Key Benefits Of Sunbrella Fabric

Is Sunbrella the best outdoor fabric? And is Sunbrella fabric good for outdoor furniture? We believe so. There are many great benefits to using Sunbrella fabric. Here are some of the reasons why it is one of the most popular performance fabrics used for the outdoors:

  • Fade Resistant

    Being a fully saturated, solution-dyed acrylic fabric, grade C Sunbrella excels at maintaining its color integrity over many years. It is resistant to the fading effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays and damage from rain, which normally break down chemical bonds and fade the color of other kinds of fabrics. The characteristics of different grades of Sunbrella are discussed later in this blog.

  • Waterproof

    So, is Sunbrella fabric waterproof? It certainly is. Sunbrella is a great choice for outdoor furniture and furnishings due to its resistance to water, mold and mildew. Having said this, it is still best to keep the fabric undercover so it is not fully exposed to rain and the elements. But even if water completely saturates your Sunbrella outdoor cushions or sofa pads, it is enough to slightly open the zipper and tilt to fully drain out the water.

  • Easy To Clean

    Sunbrella fabric’s enduring appeal as an outdoor material comes down to the fact it is easy to clean. Water simply pools on the fabric, so it is easier to care for. With minimal effort, it can be kept looking good as new for many years without needing to be replaced. See the information below for more details on Sunbrella care instructions to extend its life and appearance.

Grades of Sunbrella Fabric

Over the years, a lot of innovation has taken place to evolve the original Sunbrella fabric. Today, three main grades of Sunbrella fabric are on offer to cater to different environmental conditions, personal preferences and price points.

Each is characterized by increasing degrees of quality, sophistication of texture and patterns, and ability to withstand environmental factors. Grade A marks the basic level and progresses to grade C. But regardless of grade, Sunbrella remains a premium fabric that is superior to many others.

Grade A

Grade A is the introductory-grade Sunbrella fabric. It is made from polyester or polyester blends. While it is water, mold, mildew and stain resistant, it is not color-saturated and so color can fade with exposure to the sun and rain. The grade A fabric is ideal for use in outdoor furniture that is in well-protected patio areas. It is also the most affordable version of Sunbrella fabric on the market.

Grade B

The mid-range option of Sunbrella fabric is known as grade B, and is made from a base of olefins. This improves the fabric’s ability to resist fading, stains and deterioration. Grade B Sunbrella fabric is a relatively softer material than grade A. With its better ability to withstand wear and tear, grade B Sunbrella fabric is an ideal (but still affordable) option for use when pets and children are around.

Grade C

Grade C Sunbrella fabric is a premium-grade fabric made exclusively of acrylics, the fibers of which have been solution-dyed for total color saturation. This grade attracts the highest price point but is also the most resistant to wear and tear and fading. It’s ideal for use in heavily-frequented places such as restaurants and cafes. Some people also recognise a grade D of Sunbrella fabric, but this is essentially the same composition as the Grade C, being differentiated by more intricate design patterns and specialized weaves.

 How to Choose the Right Sunbrella Grade For Your Outdoor Furniture

When selecting the Sunbrella grade for your outdoor furniture, it is good to first pause and consider your requirements.

Before you purchase your outdoor furniture, consider:

  1. The level of ultraviolet ray sun exposure the fabric will be subject to. Exposure to a lot of sunshine will require grade B or grade C fabric. If you live in a cooler climate and your furniture is well protected, grade A is fine.
  2. Will the fabric be in an area that is heavily subject to dust and moisture? If so, grade B or C is appropriate. Otherwise, grade A Sunbrella is normally sufficient.
  3. Do you want a large variety of color-saturated designs and textures, or simply need a basic fabric with Sunbrella’s wonderful water, mold and mildew-resistant qualities? While the color and texture range of grade B and C may satisfy your need for color and texture, grade A is still a high quality performance fabric that may be sufficient for your needs.

The grade of Sunbrella fabric you choose should ultimately be matched to the environment in which the outdoor setting is placed in (exposure to sun, wind and rain) and your budget. 

How To Care For Sunbrella Outdoor Furniture

Like all fabrics, Sunbrella fabric must be kept clean to maintain it at its best. And given that dirt attracts mold and mildew, it is important to keep items made from Sunbrella fabric clean by brushing them with a soft bristle brush. For small stains, spot clean by spraying the area with water and a little mild soap and dab without rubbing. The quicker that spills and stains get cleaned off, the less likely that the fabric will be affected. For any stubborn stains, mix the water and soap solution with a small amount of diluted bleach. Spray onto the Sunbrella fabric and brush the area with the soft bristle brush.

Find Your Ideal Outdoor Setting with Abbyson's Santino Range Featuring Sunbrella Fabric

Now you can furnish your outdoors with the perfect outdoor setting made with Sunbrella fabric to create a luxe ambience that is made to last. Abbyson Home is synonymous with stylish, expertly crafted furniture. We carefully research the materials for our furniture to offer long-lasting beauty balanced with pricing that remains within reach. We invite you to browse our stunning range of patio furniture that includes the euro-inspired santino range of outdoor settings featuring Sunbrella fabric. We use grade C Sunbrella fabric for our outdoor settings. Take advantage of our nationwide delivery of just $95 and flexible, hassle-free terms and enjoy the comfort and convenience of Sunbrella.