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Worried your garden furniture won't survive the outdoor elements!? Let us explain what fabrics you should be looking out for to give your sofa set the best life possible.
In short. Yes, but also possibly not. Let’s explain. When it comes to fabric in outdoor garden furniture, it’s like wearing different kinds of jackets in rain showers, some will leave you droplet free underneath, others will have you completely soaked through. Weatherproof garden furniture is no different, it must be specific when it comes to which fabrics it’s made of.
What Happens If The Wrong Fabrics Are Used?
Quite simply they will not be able to withstand showers & direct sunlight and will visually deteriorate, ruining the aesthetic of your garden. In no time at all you’ll find your sleek slate grey garden sofa is infested with both mould & mildew, both fungi who thrive on moist surfaces. This can pose health hazards if left untreated, as if the horrible odour and look wasn’t already bad enough.
What Fabrics Do We Use For Our Outdoor Furniture?
Alexander Francis exclusively use Sunbrella & Olefin fabrics in our garden furniture. We believe in going the extra mile with our materials, to ensure when you purchase a set from us it’s built to last. We’ll go through each of these fabrics below and what specifically sets them apart from other fabrics.
Sunbrella Fabric
When it comes to weatherproof garden furniture, Sunbrella is the gold standard. If you haven't heard of it before, Sunbrella fabric gained popularity through its use in sailboats and luxurious yachts. Let's delve into the qualities of this fabric. Firstly, it's UV and fade-resistant, meaning that even with constant exposure to sunlight, Sunbrella will maintain its vibrant color. While other fabrics can be susceptible to mold and mildew, Sunbrella resists both. However, it's important to note that tough stains can still appear if the furniture is neglected. Fortunately, Sunbrella fabric is bleach-cleanable, allowing you to remove stains without losing color.
Olefin Fabric
Olefin is practically the cousin of Sunbrella fabric, given their similarities. Like weatherproof Sunbrella, Olefin is UV and fade-resistant, making it perfect for summer heatwaves. Olefin can also be cleaned with bleach for maintenance. However, while Olefin is stain-resistant, it doesn't quite match Sunbrella in this regard. Therefore, we recommend bringing Olefin cushions indoors during the winter months. Since Olefin isn't completely weatherproof, you'll often find it more affordable than sets using Sunbrella, partly because the Olefin fabric creation process is widely available.
Which Of Our Sets Use Which Fabric?
We currently have three sets (Moderno, Milano & Minimo) made with weatherproof sunbrella & two sets (Verona & Tosca) using olefin fabric. The sunbrella weatherproof garden furniture sets are the perfect opportunity to enjoy tranquil evenings all year round. Moderno, Milano and Minimo which all offer sleek and contemporary looks to your garden, in a range of different layouts to fit your vision.
Our Verona and Tosca sets feature olefin fabric cushions and have beautifully crafted rattan structure. Where olefin isn't entirely weatherproof the cushions should be brought indoors during wet, gloomy months, the rattan can withstand any weather conditions. These rattan sets are truly a statement pieces, perfect for alfresco dining or hosting summer gatherings with friends and family.
Hopefully we’ve provided some further insight into the selection process of picking the right fabrics when it comes to weatherproof garden furniture. If you’re shopping around for an outdoor sofa set be sure to check and see if Sunbrella or Olefin are mentioned anywhere, else you risk having to constantly replace it over time.
Why not have a browse of some our collections now that you understand the craftmanship behind them?
