How to choose the best fabric for commercial outdoor umbrellas & bean bags?
Discover the top outdoor fabrics for commercial projects, including Sunbrella and Olefin. Learn about the durability, maintenance, and aesthetic qualities of solution-dyed acrylic and eco-friendly fabrics for bean bags, umbrellas, and more. Make an informed decision for your outdoor spaces with Exterio.
At Exterio, we understand that outdoor fabrics for commercial projects are not just short-term soliton , they represent a long term commitment to quality and durability. We want our clients to experience the long-term value of Exterio outdoor bean bags and commercial umbrellas, showing our superior quality and for fostering a mutually beneficial long-term business relationship with us. We are passionate about outdoor furniture and eager to share that passion with our client.
Outdoor bean bags shouldn’t just adhere to human-design functionality, they must also be aesthetically pleasing. It’s a delicate balance between functionality and beauty , and we at Exterio , thrive in exploring this adventure in the world of fabrics.
An outdoor canopy or bean bag, need not only adhere to human- design but also be aesthetically pleasing. It’s a delicate balancing act between the two, and Exterio thrives on exploring such an adventure in the world of furniture.
Now, with this long-winded introduction about Exterio’s love for beautiful & durable outdoor fabrics , we dive into the essential difference between the top two fabrics commonly used for umbrella’s and bean bags for outdoor spaces. Our goal is to help you, our client , to make an informed decision when planning your outdoor spaces.
So, what exactly is a solution dyed acrylic fabric (SDA)? And why do you need to know about it ?
Solution dyeing is when a fiber is dyed during the manufacturing process, rather than after it has been woven or knitted into fabric. In traditional dyeing methods, color is applied to the finished fabric’s surface. But in solution dyeing, color is added to the liquid acrylic polymer before it is spun into yarn. This means that the color is an inherent part of the fabric and runs all the way through the fibres (source: Sailrite.com) .
So it can be understood that the more color the fibre has imbibed, the longer the color will last. For us it means that these fabrics can withstand the elements better, including UV rays, saltwater, chlorine , all the while maintaining your brand colors and visual appeal for a longer time. They not only look good but also offer lasting durability, a win-win for our industry .
Sunbrella Fabric: The Leading Name in Solution-Dyed Acrylic Fabrics
Having discussed in depth about SDA , we cannot not mention the global leading name and Exterio partner in solution – dyed acrylic fabrics : Sunbrella. A leader in this industry since 1960’s , Sunbrella believes in worry-free fabric. (who is not a fan of anything worry-free?)
Sunbrella fabrics are easy to clean, durable and ultimately beautiful for everyone to enjoy in any given outdoor space. Their brainstorming start over a discussion where they wanted to increase the lifespan of cotton awnings, (hence the history lesson above) eventually, coming up with the what we have now after much product research and development. Over the years, Sunbrella has expanded their portfolio, developing new fabrics and technologies specifically designed for outdoor furniture, bean bags and more .
Olifen : The environment friendly outdoor fabric
Olefin, also known as polypropylene fiber, is another excellent choice for outdoor furniture. Polypropylene is made from the gas propylene, which is a co-product of ethylene production from oil production. Originally considered waste material, propylene is now used to create olefin—a highly durable, stain-resistant fiber.
During manufacturing, solution-based dyes are applied to polypropylene because it is chemically stain-resistant. Once the polypropylene is turned into thread, it’s spun into yarn and woven into fabric. (Source: Revolutionfabrics.com)
Interestingly, the Italian chemist Giulio Natta and his partner Karl Ziegler won the Nobel Prize for their development of polypropylene, which has been widely used in the textile industry ever since.
Olefin vs. Sunbrella:
When choosing materials for outdoor furniture, it’s important to consider various key properties. Here is a comparative list between Sunbrella (SDA) and Olefin:
- UV & Fade Resistance: Both fabrics are resistant to fading. While Olefin is not naturally UV resistant, it undergoes a process that incorporates UV inhibitors, putting it on par with Sunbrella.
- Eco-Friendliness: Olefin takes the lead here. Its manufacturing process has a lower carbon footprint, and it can be recycled up to 10 times. On the other hand, Sunbrella’s acrylic is not biodegradable and is harder to recycle.
- Comfort: Olefin has the edge over Sunbrella as it doesn’t transmit static charges.
- Durability: Olefin outperforms Sunbrella in durability, particularly when it comes to resistance against abrasion.
- Water Resistance: While Sunbrella generally offers superior water resistance, Olefin maintains its integrity over time, even with constant exposure to saltwater & chlorinated water.
- Maintenance: Both Olefin and Sunbrella are low-maintenance fabrics that can be easily spot-cleaned, and both tolerate bleach. However, Olefin is sensitive to high heat and should be air-dried rather than placed in a dryer.
By considering the differences between these two fabrics, you can make an informed decision when choosing outdoor furniture for your commercial spaces. Both Sunbrella (SDA) and Olefin offer outstanding qualities for durability, comfort, and style, but it’s important to consider your specific needs—whether it’s eco-friendliness, long-term durability, or maintenance needs.
At Exterio, we are dedicated to offering you the best outdoor furniture options made from the highest quality fabrics, ensuring both functionality and beauty in your outdoor spaces. Let us help you create the perfect environment for your business