Outdura Fabric Terminology and What It Means

Outdura Fabric Specs, Explained Simply: What They Mean (and Why You Should Care)

When you’re shopping for outdoor cushions, pillows, or upholstery, Outdura spec sheets can look a little “technical.” The good news: you only need to understand a handful of terms to know whether a fabric is a great fit for your patio.

Below is a plain-English guide to the most common Outdura upholstery specs—what each one means, how it affects real-life performance, and what to look for when you’re comparing fabrics for outdoor cushions (or indoor spaces that need easy cleanability).

Application: where Outdura is meant to be used

Listed as: Indoor/Outdoor Upholstery, Outdoor Cushions, Marine (varies by collection)

Outdura is designed as a true indoor/outdoor upholstery fabric—good for patios, porches, screened rooms, pool areas, and even RV/marine applications depending on the style.

Why it matters: If a fabric is rated for indoor/outdoor upholstery (and sometimes marine uses), you’re generally getting better performance against sun, moisture, and daily life than a fabric meant only for indoor décor.

Fabric content: what it’s made from

Listed as: 100% solution-dyed acrylic

Outdura is 100% solution-dyed acrylic, which means the pigment is integrated into the fiber (instead of dyed only on the surface).

Why it matters in real life:

• Strong fade resistance

• Long-term color stability

• Great performance for outdoor cushions that sit in direct sun

“Solution-dyed”: what that actually means

Solution-dyed means color is added during the fiber/yarn stage—so color goes deeper than surface dyeing. Outdura calls out “fully saturated fiber” and ties it to its long-term performance promise.

Buyer tip: If fading is your #1 worry, this is one of the most important specs you can look for.

UV protection / fade resistance: how well it handles sunlight

Listed as: “Fade resistant,” “UV protection,” “1,500+ light hours” (varies by listing)

Some Outdura resources reference testing of 1,500+ hours for fade performance, and retailer listings often include similar claims for specific patterns.

Why it matters: Outdoor cushions live or die by sun exposure. Better UV performance = your cushions look newer longer.

Abrasion (Wyzenbeek): how tough it is against rubbing

Listed as: 60,000 double rubs (common), sometimes higher/lower depending on style

This is a durability test that simulates repeated rubbing—think: people sliding in/out of chairs, kids flopping down, pets hopping up. Many Outdura upholstery fabrics are listed around 60,000 double rubs.

Simple translation: higher number = generally tougher fabric.

Buyer tip: For high-use patios, family rooms, and pet-friendly seating, abrasion resistance is a big “yes.”

Construction / weave: how the fabric is built

Listed as: Woven (most Outdura upholstery)

“Woven” means yarns are interlaced—performance is built into the textile structure, not painted on like a film.

Why it matters:

• Better stability on cushions

• Less stretching and sagging over time (Outdura specifically calls this out)

• A more “upholstery-grade” look and feel

Finish: water & stain resistance (set expectations)

Listed as: Stain/moisture resistant; sometimes AATCC water repellency ratings appear on spec listings

Outdura is often described as stain and moisture resistant and bleach cleanable.
Some product listings also show water-repellency test references like AATCC ratings.

Important nuance: “Water resistant” is not “waterproof.” After heavy rain, cushions should be allowed to air dry, and cushion construction (seams, zippers, inserts) still matters.

Mold & mildew resistance: what it really means

Outdura is described as mold and mildew resistant, but like any outdoor fabric, mildew can grow on dirt and debris left sitting on the surface.

Why it matters: Keep cushions cleaner and drier and you’ll reduce mildew issues dramatically.

Cleanability / bleach cleanable: how easy it is to maintain

Outdura provides straightforward cleaning guidance: blot spills, mild soap + warm water (not exceeding 100°F), rinse thoroughly, air dry.
Outdura cleaning/warranty PDFs also show bleach-based solutions for mildew and tough stains.

Why it matters: Outdoor cushions get sunscreen, pollen, food spills, and “life.” Bleach-cleanable performance can be a game changer—when used correctly.

Shrink & stretch: does it hold its shape?

Outdura is often described as shrink and stretch resistant with less sagging than other acrylics.

Why it matters: Better fit and cleaner tailoring for seat/back cushions—especially on structured patio furniture.

Width: how wide the fabric comes off the roll

Listed as: 54" (common)

Many Outdura upholstery fabrics are 54 inches wide.

Why it matters:

• Impacts seams on larger cushions

• Affects pattern placement and efficiency (waste/yield)

Fabric weight: how substantial it feels

Listed as: ounces per square yard (example: 8 oz/sq yd appears on many listings)

Weight is a “feel” and construction clue—often showing up around 8 oz/sq yd for common Outdura upholstery styles.

Buyer tip: Weight alone doesn’t equal quality—but it can help compare similar fabrics.

Pattern repeat & direction: why stripes/plaid cost more sometimes

Listed as: repeat size (for patterns), plus orientation/direction notes

If you pick a stripe, plaid, or large pattern, repeat and direction affect layout, matching, and fabric usage.

Why it matters: Pattern matching can require more yardage to look intentional (especially across multiple cushions).

Certifications: what those “codes” usually mean

Outdura listings may include certifications like:

• OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 (tested for harmful substances)

• UFAC / NFPA 260 / CAL 117 (upholstery flammability performance references—often required in commercial/contract contexts)

Cascadia note: Certifications can vary by collection/pattern. The safest approach is: check the spec line for the exact fabric you’re buying.

Warranty: what “10-year” really means

Outdura is widely described as having a 10-year limited warranty / 10-Year Promise, but warranty handling can depend on where it was purchased.

Why it matters: Always keep your order confirmation and fabric info. If you ever need a claim, documentation matters.

The big takeaway: Outdura specs help you buy smarter

When you read specs like abrasion, content, UV performance, cleanability, width, and certifications, you’re not reading fluff—you’re reading clues about:

• how long the fabric will look good

• how easy it will be to clean

• how it performs in sun and moisture

• whether it’s a good fit for high-traffic, pet-friendly outdoor cushions

Outdura vs Sunbrella: What’s the Difference?

Both Outdura and Sunbrella are premium, outdoor-rated performance fabrics made from 100% solution-dyed acrylic—which is why both are known for excellent fade resistance, outdoor durability, and easy maintenance. If you’re shopping for custom outdoor cushions, patio pillows, or indoor/outdoor upholstery, either fabric can be a great choice. Here’s how to compare them in real-life terms:

1) Fiber & fade resistance: very similar foundations

• Sunbrella uses its Color to the Core™ process (solution-dyed acrylic with pigments built into the fiber).

• Outdura is also 100% solution-dyed acrylic, with pigments infused into the fiber before yarn is spun—same “color-through-the-fiber” concept.

What this means for you: Both are strong picks if fading is your #1 worry for outdoor cushions in direct sun.

2) Feel, texture, and “designer look”

This is where shoppers often decide.

• Sunbrella offers a massive range of textures and styles (from clean solids to rich jacquards and designer patterns) and is widely specified by designers.

• Outdura is also style-forward, but it’s often described as having a softer feel and strong “woven to last” durability positioning, with collections that feel very upholstery-friendly.

Cascadia tip: If you’re torn, order swatches and judge in person—texture and hand-feel are the “can’t tell from a screen” factor.

3) Where they’re made (and why that matters)

• Outdura states its fabrics are woven at their mill in Hudson, North Carolina, using imported yarns.

• Sunbrella is produced by Glen Raven and is best known as a long-established U.S.-made performance standard (exact manufacturing details vary by product line, but warranty and technology are clearly published by Sunbrella).

What this means for you: Both brands have mature manufacturing and performance programs behind them, but Outdura is very explicit about Hudson, NC on its FAQ.

4) Cleaning & maintenance

• Sunbrella is famous for being bleach cleanable (when diluted properly) and publishes detailed care instructions and warranty support around that.

• Outdura is also positioned as superior cleanability and durable performance upholstery; individual care instructions and warranty PDFs are commonly provided through channels that sell it.

Big reality check: Neither is “magic-proof.” Oil-based stains (like sunscreen) can be stubborn on many outdoor fabrics if they sit too long. The best fabric in the world still likes quick cleanup.

5) Warranty: this is a real difference on paper

• Sunbrella upholstery is backed by a 5-year limited warranty (per Sunbrella’s published warranty information).

• Outdura is backed by a 10-year warranty (commonly published as a comprehensive 10-year warranty in Outdura/Sattler documentation).

What this means for you: If warranty length is your tie-breaker, Outdura typically wins on duration. If brand recognition and massive style availability is your tie-breaker, Sunbrella often wins.

6) “Waterproof” expectations (important!)

Both fabrics are generally water resistant, not waterproof. Outdoor cushion performance also depends on:

• seams and zippers

• cushion inserts/foam

• whether cushions are covered during storms

• letting cushions fully air dry after rain

In plain terms: These are outdoor upholstery fabrics—not dry bags.