Patio 411: Part II - Cushions, Fabrics, and Slings

• Cushions
  • Quality manufacturers typically use cushions which are meant to be left outside! Did you hear that?? They are meant to sit in the sun and rain. Don’t get me wrong: they are going to get wet when it rains, but they dry out quickly. Here are the two common cushion options.

1. Indoor foam wrapped in a ticking material to prevent water from penetrating.

2. Open cell or reticulated foam, which allows water to flow through and dry out.

•   Fabrics
  • Outdoor fabrics sure have come a long way. They are softer to the touch, fade resistant, and not to mention are available in endless colors and patterns. Here are some common outdoor fabric types:
    • Solution Dyed Acrylic – also known as brands such as Sunbrella and Outdura. Solution dyed, means the color is integrated into each fiber so the color goes all the way through, like a carrot. This provides the best protection against fading in the sun, as well as being mildew and stain resistant. These fabrics can be cleaned with a bleach and water mixture and still keep its color! These fabrics are soft and breathable, excellent for cushions, umbrellas and pillows.
    • Solution Dyed Polyolefin –These are contract grade fabrics used both outdoors and in the hospitality environment. Many brands, such as Bella Dura, have up to 100% recycled content. This fabric has similar qualities of solution dyed acrylic in regards to color fastness, clean ability, and stain resistance.
    • Solution Dyed Polyester – similar concept to Solution Dyed Acrylic, but polyester doesn’t hold the color in the sunlight quite as long as acrylic.
    • Printed Acrylic and Polyester Fabrics – These are mildew and stain resistant too, but the color will not last very long in direct sunlight. Printed fabrics will have a pattern on the front side, with a neutral color on the back side. The color is only on the top, like an apple. If you had outdoor cushions that faded quickly in the sun, it was probably a printed acrylic or polyester fabric.

• Slings
  • This type of material is vinyl coated polyester and used on what the industry refers to as “sling” chairs. Most often seen on dining chairs and recently added to lounge seating, slings are known for easy maintenance and clean ability and a popular outdoor choice.  Many sling chairs now come with comfortable lumbar support for your back and a rocking/swivel mechanism to ensure long lasting comfort.

Believe it or not Peters will be rolling out our full array of patio furniture at the end of February. Aren’t you excited?  I know I am. It’s such a nice change of pace from the gloom of winter. Let’s just hope this spring comes sooner than last year. Remember that awful snowfall in May?! Ick. If you need a winter pick me up, come on in!

*** View Patio 411: Part 1 - Frame Materials for more even more patio furniture information.