Outdoor Fabric

Outdoor fabric is specially designed to withstand the elements. Unlike standard curtain or upholstery fabric, it is woven or coated to be water-resistant or waterproof, UV-resistant to reduce fading in sunlight, and robust enough to cope with frequent use outdoors. This makes it the perfect choice for garden cushions, outdoor seating, and even awnings. Many of our outdoor fabrics also achieve high Martindale rub test scores, giving extra reassurance of their durability.

Yes — outdoor fabrics are ideal for making garden cushions, seat pads, and even beanbags. They are resistant to moisture, stains, and sunlight, so they stay looking fresh even when used outside. If you’d prefer a ready-made option, we also offer a wide range of outdoor cushions, including a beautiful William Morris outdoor cushion collection, perfect for adding instant style to your garden.

Most outdoor fabrics are water-resistant, some are waterproof, meaning they repel rain and spills effectively. This makes them practical for outdoor seating, table covers, and garden accessories. While water-resistant fabrics provide strong protection against rain showers, we recommend storing cushions or furniture indoors during prolonged wet weather to extend their lifespan. Many outdoor fabrics are also stain resistant options to ensure low-maintenance, practical solutions.

Definitely. Outdoor fabric is not only tough and durable but also stylish, making it a clever choice for busy indoor spaces like kitchens, playrooms, or conservatories. Because it’s resistant to stains and fading, it’s a practical option for family homes and pet-friendly areas. Many customers use outdoor fabric for hardwearing seat pads, washable loose covers, or even tablecloths, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living.

Outdoor fabric is designed for easy maintenance. Simply wipe down with a damp cloth or sponge to remove everyday dirt and spills. Many of our outdoor fabrics are also washable at low temperatures, making them particularly convenient for cushions and covers. To prolong the life of your outdoor furnishings, bring them indoors during harsh weather or winter months. Our inspiration guides offer further tips on keeping outdoor fabrics looking their best year after year.

The quantity of fabric depends on what you’re making. A standard garden chair cushion may require around 1–2 metres of fabric, while a larger bench seat or several scatter cushions will need more. For awnings or parasols, measurements vary depending on size and design. As with upholstery fabric, it’s best to measure carefully and allow a little extra for seams and pattern repeats. Free fabric samples are available to help you choose the right outdoor fabric before committing.

How you wash your outdoor fabric depends on the fabric itself. Always read the product description first, but generally it's safe to wash outdoor fabrics on a 30 degree, gentle cycle. Always choose air drying over tumble drying. Avoid using bleach-based detergents as they can destroy the coating on outdoor fabrics. For fabric covers that are difficult to remove, you can simply blot stains there and then. Use dish soap and water to gently sponge the stain (and if possible, apply this on both sides of the fabric). Stretch fabrics when wet over their frames (particularly true for umbrella covers, deckchair or outdoor seating fabric) as this avoids shrinking.

The key to keeping your outdoor furniture in tip top condition comes down to three things:

Regular inspections / cleans
Checking your outdoor fabric after each use will help prevent missed stains from setting in. Always clean up spills as soon as they occur. We recommend overall cleans of your outdoor furniture about four times per year: once at the beginning of the summer, once at the end and a couple of times in between (depending on how much entertaining the furniture has seen). To make life easier, opt for stain-resistant fabric.

Cleaning correctly and according to instructions
Never use bleach on your outdoor fabric as it can fade the material and destroy any protective coatings. For removable covers, always check the manufacturing instructions before throwing them in the washing machine.

Protection from the elements
To prolong the lifespan of your outdoor fabric keep it covered when not in use, or store removable elements inside. Outdoor fabric regularly exposed to rain, dew or frost will become mouldy and fabric in constant, direct sunlight will fade quickly.

Our inspiration guides are a great place to start. You’ll find practical tutorials such as how to recover a deckchair in 30 minutes, step-by-step advice on how to make an outdoor cushion cover, and broader ideas on how to use outdoor fabrics creatively for seating, cushions and seasonal projects.

Deckchair fabric is a strong, woven fabric traditionally used for deckchairs and outdoor seating. It’s known for its durability, bold stripes and ability to withstand regular use.