Shopping for outdoor fabric is not as easy or straightforward as it seems. There are several factors to consider in order to choose the right one that could withstand the outdoor elements. First and foremost, you still need to look for the same qualities that you expect from a quality indoor fabric – comfort, style, and durability. The main difference that you have to consider when shopping outdoor fabric is the weather outside and other harsh elements. Thankfully, there are more options available now than many years ago and it is up to you to consider the kind of weather you have in your area.

You can use outdoor fabric for the upholstery of outdoor furniture, tabletops, and awnings for your patio or deck. The fabric you choose must be able to withstand various weather conditions throughout the year (and the seasonal changes) to maintain its structural integrity and visual appearance. Other practical considerations to make would be the amount of work and effort needed to maintain the outdoor fabric materials.

Rain

The rain is the most basic type of weather factor to take into account when shopping for outdoor fabric. Not all areas experience snow or other weather elements, but everyone experiences rain at some point throughout the year. But some areas experience more frequent rainstorms than others. If you live in this area, make sure you choose an outdoor fabric that is built for water-based issues. Retained moisture is another common issue, aside from rain. This is common with areas that experience high humidity.

Exposure to rain or standing water can cause certain types of fabric to degrade faster. Make sure that you choose a fabric that can withstand the exposure to water and frequent rains.

Mold and mildew are two of the most common issues that you face when dealing with rain. There is also a tendency for the fabric to warp (such as twist or bow) due to water penetration. Make sure neither of these happens when you choose a water-resistant fabric for outdoor use.

Sun

Do you live in a sunny area? If you do, choose an outdoor fabric that is built to withstand the UV rays from the sun. Some areas experience harsher sunlight than others. If this applies to you, you need to specifically look for UV resistance in the outdoor fabric you choose. It is also important to take note the dramatic fluctuations in the weather condition – from extremely sunny to very cold.

Fading is one of the main issues you have to deal with on fabric for outdoor use. When the fabric fades, it can lose its vibrancy in color and visual appeal. Cracking is also another issue with sun exposure. Make sure your outdoor fabric is durable enough to withstand the heat and UV rays from the sun.

Wind

The wind factor is another element to take into account when buying outdoor fabric. This is especially important when you are choosing fabric for the awnings. It should be able to resist the gust of wind and durable enough to keep its shape without compromising on the quality.

What other factors do you consider when shopping outdoor fabric?