A common question we hear from homeowners is, “How long will my outdoor furniture upholstery last?” And it’s no wonder. With price tags often running into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars, you want to know if your investment is worth it.
Between sunlight, rain, dust, and daily wear and tear, outdoor fabrics face a constant battle against the elements. Keep reading to find out how long outdoor furniture upholstery lasts and how you can make yours last longer.
Let’s get started, but first, here is a quick overview.
What is outdoor furniture upholstery?
Outdoor furniture upholstery is any fabric or cushioning designed for outdoor use, usually for furniture on a patio or deck or by the pool. These fabrics use specialized materials like solution-dyed acrylic fabrics (such as Sunbrella), durable polyester blends, and moisture-resistant olefin to withstand outdoor conditions.
Additionally, they usually either have built-in protection or utilize protective coatings to fight UV damage, repel water, prevent mildew, and maintain color integrity.
Outdoor furniture upholstery usually lasts 2 to 7 years. However, premium materials like Sunbrella can last over 10 years, and in certain cases, fabrics can last up to 15 years.
That said, the lifespan of your outdoor furniture upholstery isn’t set in stone. It largely depends on two key factors: the quality of materials you choose and how well you maintain them.
What factors impact the lifespan of outdoor furniture upholstery?
There are a handful of factors that determine how long your outdoor furniture upholstery lasts. Let’s take a look at the main ones.
Material Quality: The secret to long-lasting outdoor upholstery starts with material quality. We’re partial to Sunbrella, which leads the pack in terms of durability and fade resistance, along with solution-dyed polyester and polyolefin. These materials, combined with quick-dry foam, generally offer a long-lasting result.
Cleaning and General Upkeep: Regular care matters just as much as the choice of material. Simple things like lightly cleaning your fabrics with soap and water can extend your upholstery’s lifespan.
Furniture Frame: Your furniture’s frame also plays a role in how long your outdoor upholstery lasts. As one example, wicker frames need fabrics specifically designed to prevent sagging and wear. Without the right type of fabric, your outdoor wicker upholstery will stretch, sag, and deteriorate more quickly. This is just one of many different examples.
Environment: Mother Nature also affects the lifespan of your outdoor furniture upholstery. UV rays, for instance, gradually fade and weaken fabric fibers, while rain and humidity can trigger mold growth and fabric breakdown. Even wind and dust take their toll. You can pick the best, most durable outdoor upholstery fabrics in the world, but if your environment is extreme, it will eventually wear your fabrics down.
Storage and Covering: Additionally, proper storage and/or weatherproof coverings provide vital protection during harsh weather or off-seasons. Imagine you’ve just invested in beautiful new outdoor furniture upholstery, and after just one season, you find that your cushions are faded and worn out. This can happen when you don’t store and cover your outdoor furniture upholstery properly.
How to increase the lifespan of outdoor furniture upholstery
Choose weather-resistant fabrics like Sunbrella or solution-dyed acrylics
Remove spills and stains quickly
Clean with mild soap and water
Store cushions when not in use
Allow wet cushions to dry completely before storing
Use furniture covers, or, bring cushions indoors during harsh weather
Keep furniture in shaded areas when possible
Maintain proper ventilation to prevent mold and mildew
Rotate cushions every once in a while
Common mistakes that shorten the lifespan of outdoor furniture upholstery
It’s easy to fall for some common mistakes that can shorten your outdoor furniture upholstery’s lifespan. Here’s what to watch out for.
Using the Wrong Cleaning Products: Many of us reach for whatever cleaning supplies we have on hand, but harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners can do more harm than good. They often strip away protective coatings and weaken fabric fibers. Instead, stick to manufacturer-recommended cleaning solutions and gentler cleaning methods.
Not Covering Your Furniture: Neglecting protective covers might seem harmless. After all, outdoor furniture is meant to be outside, right? But constant exposure to sun, rain, and environmental debris can quickly fade and weaken your upholstery. A weather-resistant cover is one of the smartest investments you can make to protect your furniture.
Forgetting To Clean Regularly: It’s easy to overlook routine cleaning, but those accumulated leaves, dirt, and unaddressed spills slowly compromise your upholstery’s integrity. Regular cleaning, even just a quick brush-off, goes a long way in preserving your furniture’s appearance and durability.
Storing Furniture in Wet Areas: Proper storage is crucial. Leaving furniture in damp or exposed areas invites mold, mildew, and wear. Choose a clean, dry, sheltered storage space to protect your outdoor furniture during long periods of disuse.
Ignoring Manufacturer Guidelines: Finally, the care and maintenance guidelines that come with your furniture are your roadmap to long-lasting outdoor upholstery. Ignoring them can lead to improper care and damaged furniture.
Challenges of desert climates on outdoor furniture upholstery
For those located in the Las Vegas area, or any desert climate for that matter, you might think your area’s dry climate makes maintaining outdoor upholstery easy. However, desert environments can actually shorten your upholstery’s lifespan.
Sunlight
Desert sunshine is relentless and bombards outdoor furniture with intense UV radiation, leading to more than just simple fading. Fabric fibers actually weaken and degrade over time, potentially leaving your upholstery brittle and prone to damage.
Moreover, desert winds carry fine dust and sand particles that settle on and grind into your furniture upholstery. Even worse, this dust can work its way into fabric weaves and potentially compromise your cushions.
Wind
Desert life also includes dramatic temperature swings from day to night, which force fabrics to expand and contract constantly and can lead to structural weakening, cracking, and warping over time.
Note: If you’re reading this and you live in a wet climate, this brings its own challenges, including mold and mildew growth and fabric deterioration caused by prolonged moisture exposure. We can help you choose fabrics that are optimal for your location.
Myths about weather-resistant upholstery
So, given everything we’ve covered, the question is, how do you find the right fabric for your needs? Well, people usually think any fabric labeled “weather-resistant” will work. In reality, different materials offer protection against different elements.
While some fabrics have high UV resistance, they might perform poorly in high-moisture environments. Others might be water-resistant but fade quickly under prolonged sunlight. The key is understanding that weather resistance isn’t a one-size-fits-all feature; it’s a spectrum of different protective qualities that must match your environment.
For instance, fabrics like Sunbrella offer superior UV resistance, while PVC-coated polyester is usually better for areas with frequent rainfall. Olefin provides excellent moisture resistance and quick-drying properties but may not handle extreme heat very well.
If you have questions, we can help!
Contact Redesign Upholstery for the perfect outdoor furniture upholstery
Before investing in outdoor furniture upholstery, it’s a good idea to talk with the experts. After all, your outdoor furniture is a big investment, and it deserves the best possible fabrics. With the right materials and upkeep, your outdoor furniture upholstery can last for years.
Ready to start a discussion? Contact the pros at Redesign Upholstery. We will transform your outdoor living space with upholstery that offers comfort, durability, and style.
