Waterproof, water-repellent or water-resistant - which outdoor fabric should you choose?
When looking at outdoor fabrics, you’ll often see terms like ‘waterproof’, ‘water-resistant’ and ‘water-repellent.’ But what does each one mean and how do you know which waterproof outdoor fabric to choose? Here’s a quick guide to the terminology:
1. Waterproof fabric: Completely impervious to water which makes it ideal for use on boats.
2. Water-repellent fabric: Ideal for everyday garden for outdoor cushions and garden upholstery.
3. Water-resistant fabric: Can withstand light showers but will eventually absorb water if exposed for long periods.
What are the advantages of outdoor fabrics?
Standard indoor fabrics won’t cut it in the garden – they absorb moisture, fade in the sun, and aren’t built to handle the elements. On the other hand, outdoor fabrics offer a number of key benefits, including:
1. Water-resistance: no need to yo-yo back and forth with armfuls of cushions every time there's a shower, your cushions and seat pads will stay dry, even during light rain.
2. Fade-proof: when the sun does shine in the UK, it can be pretty intense. If you leave cushions or other soft furnishings in direct sunlight, even in a conservatory, the colour will fade. Fade-resistant fabrics maintain their vibrant colours, even when exposed to sunlight.
3. Mildew and mould-resistant: if you leave your cushions outside overnight or store them in a damp shed over winter, mould-resistant treatments on outdoor fabrics will help to prevent unpleasant odours forming and slow their deterioration.
4. Durable and easy to clean: outdoor fabrics are designed to withstand daily wear and tear. Whether it’s from spilled food and drink, or stains from birds passing overhead, outdoor fabrics are easy to wipe down.
Creative ways to use outdoor fabrics in your garden
Outdoor fabrics can be used in a variety of creative ways to transform your garden into a stylish retreat, no matter what the British summer throws at you! And the choice of designs, colours and textures has never been better - improvements in technology mean that many outdoor fabrics are soft enough to be used indoors as well. Here are some of our favourite ways to use outdoor fabrics:
1. Outdoor cushion covers: refresh your garden seating by making your own outdoor cushion covers using water-repellant fabric. Although there are lots of ready-made outdoor cushions available, going DIY gives you a greater choice of fabric colours and designs to suit your space - you can choose from vibrant prints or classic neutrals to suit your style.
We love: Braystones Outdoor Fabric for its muted colours and soft texture.
2. DIY shades: provide shade for those rare sunny moments by creating flowing drapes for your pergola or making a DIY parasol. Choose a vibrant floral design to bring colour and drama to every corner of your garden.
We love: Girona Outdoor Fabric - its leafy coverage makes for the perfect canopy.
3. String up a hammock: nothing says holiday like lying in a gently swaying hammock as the sun beats down! Recreate that feeling in your own garden by constructing a hammock with water-resistant fabric, so you can leave it swinging all summer long.
We love: The bold print and exotic vibes of Lima Jungle Outdoor Fabric.
4. Recover a deckchair: even if you're not beside the seaside, deckchairs are such a great way to soak up the sun in your garden or patio. Renewing the sling in a funky fabric is the easiest way to revive a tired chair - have a go by watching our video on How to recover a deckchair in 30 minutes.
We love: We have a huge range of deckchair fabrics to choose from - take a look at Brighton Outdoor Fabric with its bold, colourful stripes that resemble a stick of seaside rock.
5. Wipe clean tablecloths: eating al fresco is such a rare treat in this country, so you need to enjoy it at every opportunity! A dedicated outdoor tablecloth that’s water resistant, easy to clean, and can be left outside all summer long will transform your outdoor dining experience.
We love: Saltram Floral Acrylic Fabric - it has a softer texture than PVC but is still suitable for outdoor dining.
6. Outdoor bean bags: outdoor living is all about making your space as inviting as possible - and what could be more welcoming than a squishy, oversized bean bag? Read our How to make a beanbag and get ready to enjoy some casual lounging in your garden.
We love Iona Stripe Outdoor Fabric with its railroaded stripe design. A great choice for indoors and out.
Find the right outdoor fabric for the summer
Investing in the right outdoor fabrics ensures your garden furniture, cushions, and furnishings can handle the ever-changing British summer. We offer a range of waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellent fabrics that are perfect for your outdoor space. Visit us in-store to see our outdoor fabric collection firsthand, or order up to 6 free samples online so you can try before you buy.
