Outdoor Fabrics

Welcome to the amazing world of outdoor fabrics. Today's synthetics aren't your mom's fabrics of yesteryear. Stiff, canvas, wimpy cotton, and sloppy sun bleached upholstery is passé. The seamless blending of design and technology has made the incredible durability of outdoor furniture fabrics possible. Do you like lounging on fashionable, durable, Sunbrella patio furniture, dipping in a blue pool, and flipping burgers? Is this the extent of your backyard excursion? Or are you feeling adventurous enough to ski, climb a mountain or run a marathon? You can gear up in high tech, weather repellant Gor-Tex or e-Vent breathable perspiration wicking fabric. There’s a synthetic textile for every need.

Do you ever wonder what makes today's outdoor fabric so different? Most are synthetic yarn consisting of polypropylene, fluorochemicals and a UV inhibitor. Some UV inhibitors are comprised of hindered amines and benzophenones. After a series of patented weavings in the "wrap" direction and "filling" direction, the product is washed in mild detergent. This removes the stiffness in polypropylene fabric. The fabric weight is seven ounces per square yard. It has a tensile strength of ninety, and filling tear strength of twenty six or more. All this is fancy industry talk for indestructible beauty.

Some of the best known names in designer outdoor fabrics like Tommy Bahama ($10.95), Susan Sargent ($16.95), Nautica Outdoor ($20.00) and Solarium ($10.95) sell by the yard using a 54 in. wide roll. Discounts can be found at houseoffabrics.com. JoAnn indoor/outdoor fabric has Solarium, Phifertex, Naotolex Marine, and Croscill Outdoor at joann.com, averaging $24.99 a yard. Over at onlinefabricstore.net Sunbrella Indoor/Outdoor (also comes in velvet and jacquards). Waverly (timeless designs) and Outdora (dyed acrylics) are being used for both indoor and outdoor upholstery fabrics. Costly, but incredibly smart, interior decorators are using it in kitchens, dinning rooms and kids bedrooms. Stain and moisture resistant and, mildew proof, it is as lovely as indoor fabric. It beautifully withstands kids, pets, and people, both inside and outside your house. Some local stores like Hancocks and Fabric warehouses carry outdoor fabric.

Seattle Fabrics Inc. www.seattlefabrics.com carries Gor-tex, (moisture proof, breathable and wind resistant, two-ply fabric with Teflon shielding). Lycra stretch fabric, Neoprene, Ripstop nylon, perfect for tents and tarps, and Polartec Power Shield fabrics for the most protective synthetic outerwear. The newest textile is eVent fabric, at www.eventfabric.com. The membrane is impregnated with minute pores that breathe. Sweat can't collect; it air dries. Over 70 companies are manufacturing eVent products. It is used in sleeping bags and bivy bags as well as footwear and outer clothing.

There are a few tips in cleaning outdoor patio fabrics. Brush away loose dirt with a soft bristled brush, hose off, and air dry. A mixture of diluted weak bleach, max 8 oz. and 2 oz. soap, mixed with one gallon of warm water can be used for problem areas. Always follow manufacturer's recommendations. Fabrics can be retreated with APCO, Uniseal or Sunseal.

So, take a hike, camp, climb, or hang out on your deck or patio. Today's outdoor fabrics have you covered.