When it comes to fabrics for outdoor furniture, Cushionguard and Sunbrella are two brands that most consumers are likely to recognize. They both make similar claims about the qualities of their products, from durability to weather resistance to longevity. So it is important to understand Cushionguard vs. Sunbrella fabric and what you need to know.
What is Sunbrella fabric? What is Cushionguard? What are the differences between the two? And which is better?
Here’s your ticket to the match-up of the century. Keep reading to find out the difference between Cushionguard and Sunbrella fabric and which brand takes the crown.
Durability of the Fabric
Both Cushionguard and Sunbrella excel when it comes to durability. Each offers various protective features that, with proper care, can promote longer life, like:
- Water resistance
- Weather resistance
- Fade resistance
That said, Sunbrella products come with a five-year warranty, whereas Cushionguard fabric only guarantees its products for three years. Additionally, Sunbrella fortifies the fibers of its acrylic yarn with properties that protect the acrylic fabric against rips, cuts, and tears.
That means Sunbrella fabric takes round one, thanks to its more generous warranty period, longer life expectancy, and abrasion resistance. That is why it's a leader in performance fabric for outdoor use upholstery, home decor, and awning.
Fade Resistance of Outdoor Fabrics
Outdoor furniture fabrics are available in as many colors, prints, and patterns as furniture for inside the home. But if the fabrics aren’t fade-resistant, your color palette can quickly go from vibrant and bright to drab and dull.
Fortunately, both Cushionguard and Sunbrella fabrics are fade-resistant. But when it comes to protecting colors from sun and water damage, the prize has to go to Sunbrella.
Why? Because Sunbrella fabrics are made from 100% solution-dyed acrylic, which means that each acrylic fiber was dyed before it was spun into yarn and woven into an outdoor fabric. This facilitates maximum color absorption for brighter, longer-lasting colors.
Round two goes to Sunbrella.
Water Resistance of the Fabric
For obvious reasons, water resistance is a necessary component of any suitable outdoor furniture fabric. Outdoor furniture is susceptible to moisture from:
- Rain
- Sleet
- Snow
Without water resistance, those elements can drench outdoor furniture cushions and soak fabrics, leading to costly damage and dangerous mold and mildew.
The results are pretty much a draw when it comes to water resistance in a Cushionguard vs. Sunbrella bout.
Sunbrella rain fabric is waterproof, and Cushionguard also offers suitable water resistance that can protect your patio furniture from the elements, as long as exposure is not excessive.
Style Options of the Fabric
The best fabric for outdoor use is just as beautiful, comfortable, and soft as indoor fabrics. So when it comes to Cushionguard vs. Sunbrella, which brand gives you more options for creating an inspired and inviting outdoor space?
Both brands offer a variety of colors and styles to choose from. However, Sunbrella’s color catalog is extensive, and its meticulously crafted fabrics look and feel like the indoors—which is why they’re also used for indoor furniture.
Plus, Sunbrella fabrics are used in a range of products beyond outdoor furniture, including:
- Marine tops and covers
- Awnings and pergola shades
- Window treatments
The clear winner? Sunbrella.
Ease of Care for Cushionguard and Sunbrella
Thankfully, both materials are fairly easy to clean. Proper care and regular cleaning are vital to making your patio furniture last as long as possible. But that doesn’t mean it has to be a chore. The best patio furniture makes cleaning and maintenance easy, so between Cushionguard vs. Sunbrella, which one makes it easier?
Both brands keep ease and convenience in mind compared to some fabrics when cleaning. Warm water and a mild dish or upholstery soap will do the trick for occasional cleaning. But for Sunbrella fabrics, blotting with a dry cloth may be enough to take care of isolated spills and stains.
Sunbrella fabrics are also tough enough to withstand powerful disinfectants like bleach, giving it even more of an edge in this category. If you need help keeping your cushions looking their best, make sure to take advantage of our ultimate guide on how to clean your outdoor furniture cushions.
Reputation of the Brand
In this round, there’s really no competition. Sunbrella has the kind of reputation that most brands can only dream of, with a company history dating back more than 140 years, decades of expertise, and industry-leading quality standards. Sunbrella easily has a reputation as one of the best fabrics for outdoor furniture.
Sunbrella wins again.
Cost of Each Brand
If you’re looking for patio furniture that delivers durability and weather resistance without breaking the bank, Cushionguard fabric is the way to go.
Sunbrella has slightly higher price points, but you’re paying for quality, craftsmanship, and elevated design.
Cushionguard vs. Sunbrella Fabric Conclusion
When it comes to beautiful outdoor fabrics that stand the test of time, Sunbrella outdoor fabric is the obvious champion. And when it comes to bespoke, heirloom-quality outdoor furniture that uses Sunbrella, HC Luxury Outdoor is the classic choice.
HC Luxury Outdoor offers timeless, versatile pieces designed for elegant outdoor living. From club chairs and chaise lounges to outdoor sofas to alfresco dining tables, our expertly crafted designs combine comfort and craftsmanship for furniture that elevates any outdoor space.
Ready to refresh your outdoor oasis? Shop our outdoor collections today.
Sources:
Sunbrella. Why Sunbrella? https://www.sunbrella.com/sunbrella-fabric-difference#
Live Your Best Backyard. CushionGuard Fabric: 5 Must-Know Details. https://liveyourbestbackyard.com/cushionguard-fabric-details/
Sunbrella. How to Clean Sunbrella Fabric. https://www.sunbrella.com/how-to-clean-sunbrella-fabric
Casual Living. Sunbrella marks 50 years of innovation. https://www.casualliving.com/weather-trends/sunbrella-marks-50-years-of-innovation/#
