Sunbrella vs olefin: Everything you need to know

With so many different types of outdoor fabrics available, it can be hard to tell them apart. Sunbrella and Olefin fabrics are two of the most popular options for outdoor furniture, cushions, and other outdoor uses. However, there are key differences between the two types of fabric. To determine the best type of fabric for your outdoor space, it's important to consider your local climate and the type of elements that your outdoor living space is exposed to. We'll help you make an informed decision with a guide to Sunbrella vs olefin fabric, including pros, cons, warranty, durability and price comparison. Get to know the essentials for choosing between Sunbrella and Olefin fabrics in this comprehensive guide.

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Sunbrella

Sunbrella is the leading brand in durable outdoor fabric, consisting of 100% solution-dyed acrylic. It's celebrated for its endurance, standing strong against all weather conditions, making it a top choice for outdoor settings.

The advantages of Sunbrella fabric

Weather-resistance

Sunbrella fabric withstands consistent sunlight and heavy rains, making it fade-resistant and durable under UV rays. Its acrylic composition repels water and resists mold and mildew, ensuring longevity.

It's the go-to fabric for outdoor applications ranging from cushion covers and throw pillows to umbrellas, awnings, boat covers, and more.

Appearance

Sunbrella fabrics offer a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, enabling flexible and personalized outdoor design options. The solution-dyed acrylic ensures that the colors remain vibrant and fade-resistant under UV exposure.

Cleaning and maintenance

Cleaning Sunbrella fabric is straightforward, involving mild soap and water. For stubborn stains, a bleach solution can be used. A soft brush and rinse with clean water are typically sufficient for maintenance.

The fabric can also be machine washed, making it convenient for routine upkeep. For detailed care instructions, check out more on Sunbrella care guidelines.

What you need to know about Sunbrella fabric

One downside to Sunbrella is its cost, which might not fit all budgets. However, the investment is worthwhile given its durability and longevity.

Warranty

Sunbrella provides a limited warranty covering upholstery, specialty fabrics, shade and marine fabrics, and drapery fabrics. This ranges from 5 to 10 years, assuring protection against color loss, strength degradation, abrasion, and pilling.

Durability

Sunbrella's rugged nature makes it ideal for high-traffic outdoor areas. With resistance to weather, stains, mold, mildew, and abrasion, it retains its look and feel despite heavy use.

Price

Sunbrella's pricing varies depending on the type and application, reflecting its superior quality. Our outdoor furniture includes premium Sunbrella fabric, integrating recycled content in some collections. Free swatch kits are available to help you choose the perfect color.

Olefin fabric

Olefin fabric, synthesized from ethylene and propylene, was first developed in Italy in 1957. It has become favored in outdoor applications due to its water repellency and lightweight properties.

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The advantages of Olefin fabric

Weather-resistance

Olefin’s properties include resistance to fading, staining, abrasion, and mold growth. Water runs off its surface rather than absorbing, and it’s UV-resistant, quick-drying, lightweight, and breathable. It also prevents static, making it suitable for seating and apparel.

Appearance

Olefin fabrics are available in various colors, weaves, and textures, designed to resist fading over time.

Cleaning and maintenance

Much like Sunbrella, olefin is low-maintenance, requiring only mild soap and water for cleaning. Harsh chemicals like bleach can also be used for tougher stains.

What you need to know about Olefin fabric

While durable, Olefin is sensitive to heat and friction, affecting its longevity in high-traffic areas. It also doesn't retain its original shape as well as Sunbrella.

Warranty

Olefin warranties vary by manufacturer, ranging from one to five years.

Durability

Olefin’s durability extends to its water-repellence, UV resistance, and mold prevention, but it falls short in extreme heat conditions.

Price

Generally more affordable than Sunbrella, olefin’s cost-efficiency comes with a trade-off in longevity.

Other types of outdoor fabric

It's beneficial to understand all outdoor fabric options before making a decision:

• Polyester fabric
  Polyester, made from petroleum derivatives, is lightweight and water-resistant, often used in outdoor cushions and umbrellas. However, it’s not as breathable or sustainable as other options.
• Outdura fabric
  Similar to Sunbrella, Outdura is another solution-dyed acrylic fabric. It offers comparable weather resistance and color retention but is less widely known.
• Solution-dyed acrylic fabric
  Acrylic fabrics, dyed during manufacturing, provide superior color longevity and durability, making them top choices for outdoor use like Sunbrella.
• Upholstery fabric
  Designed for furniture covers, outdoor upholstery fabrics like polyester, olefin, and acrylic are weather-resistant, unlike indoor fabrics like cotton and linen.

Quality outdoor furniture with durable Sunbrella fabric

Sunbrella outshines olefin and other outdoor fabrics in durability, heat resistance, and warranty assurances. Unlike olefin, Sunbrella won’t fray or damage from friction and continues to look fresh in high-traffic areas.

At Neighbor, we exclusively use Sunbrella for our outdoor furniture, from sectional sofas to throw pillows, ensuring vibrant, fade-proof, and quick-drying performance. Explore our offerings to elevate your outdoor living space.

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