is outdoor fabric waterproof
Is outdoor fabric waterproof? The short answer is that most of it is water-resistant, not fully waterproof. Outdoor upholstery fabric is made to shed rain, resist mildew and hold up in the sun. How much water it actually blocks depends on the fiber, the weave and any coating or finish.
Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof Fabric
Water-resistant outdoor fabric, including many solution-dyed acrylics and polyesters, lets water bead up and roll off while still breathing. That means outdoor cushion fabric dries quickly instead of trapping moisture. Truly waterproof fabric, such as vinyl-coated fabric or material with a polyurethane backing, stops water from passing through. The tradeoff is that it breathes less.
What to Look For
- Intended use: Choose a breathable water-repellent fabric for cushions and pillows. Choose a coated or vinyl fabric for covers, awnings and boat projects.
- Finish or backing: Check each product description for water-repellent treatments or waterproof coatings.
- Seams: Even waterproof material can leak at the stitching, so plan to seal the seams on covers.
- UV and mildew resistance: These matter for anything that stays outdoors year-round.
Find the Right Outdoor Fabric
Ready to choose? Browse the water-resistant and waterproof outdoor fabrics below to find the best fit for your patio, porch or boat project.