Sunbrella® Grade

Details at a Glance

Sunbrella fabric is engineered to handle direct sun, sudden rain, and the humid conditions that cause other outdoor fabrics to fade or grow mildew within a season. The fiber is solution-dyed, which means color is locked into the acrylic before it's woven, so UV rays can't bleach it the way they do with surface-dyed textiles. This grade reference is available at LOOMLAN Outdoor with free shipping on every order.

Why Does Solution-Dyed Acrylic Hold Up Better Than Regular Outdoor Fabric?

The color penetrates the entire fiber instead of sitting on top, so sun exposure won't strip it away. Sunbrella resists UV degradation season after season, which is why cushions left on a deck all summer still look sharp in September. The acrylic itself doesn't absorb water the way cotton or polyester blends do, so it dries faster after a storm and doesn't stay damp long enough for mildew to take hold. You're still looking at real outdoor performance, not just marketing -- this is the fabric spec you want when a piece lives outside from April through October.

Do You Need to Bring Sunbrella Cushions Inside Every Night?

No, but a weather cover extends their life if you're not using them for weeks at a time. Sunbrella handles rain and dew without issue -- it'll dry by mid-morning -- but leaving cushions out through months of winter snow and ice will eventually wear the seams and zippers faster than the fabric itself. If your area sees freeze-thaw cycles or heavy snow, store cushions in a shed or garage from November through March. In milder climates, a simple furniture cover keeps dirt and pollen off between uses.

Where Does Sunbrella Fabric Work Best on a Patio?

Anywhere you need seating that won't fade by July. It's the go-to for outdoor sofas, sectionals, and lounge chairs positioned in full sun, especially on south- or west-facing decks where cheaper fabrics turn chalky after one season. Sunbrella also handles poolside splash and the occasional drink spill -- spot-clean with dish soap and a brush, and the stain lifts without leaving a shadow. If you're designing a full outdoor room, our outdoor living space guide walks you through fabric selection and layout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Sunbrella fabric fade in direct sun?

It resists UV fade far better than surface-dyed fabrics, but no outdoor textile is completely colorfast forever. Expect years of vibrant color in full-sun exposure, not months.

Is Sunbrella suitable for a coastal or salt-air location?

Yes -- the acrylic fiber doesn't corrode, and salt air won't degrade the color. Rinse cushions with fresh water monthly to prevent salt and sand buildup in the weave.

Can Sunbrella cushions stay outside in winter?

The fabric can handle cold and moisture, but prolonged snow cover and freeze-thaw cycles stress zippers and seams. Store cushions indoors or under a weather cover if your area sees hard winters.

How do I clean Sunbrella fabric?

Spot-clean with a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, scrub gently with a soft brush, then rinse and air-dry. Many cushion covers unzip for machine washing on a gentle cycle.

Does Sunbrella resist mildew?

Yes, the fiber itself resists mildew growth. Let cushions dry fully between rain events -- mildew needs sustained dampness to form, and Sunbrella dries quickly enough to prevent it in most climates.

Do cushions ship fully assembled or do I add the filling?

Most Sunbrella cushions ship with foam inserts already inside the cover. Standard delivery is free curbside; assembly or setup services are available for an additional fee if requested.