Sunbrella Fabric Outdoor: Awning vs Furniture Canvas

Sunbrella fabric outdoor collections are made to live outside, and choosing the right one starts with knowing how the canvas is built. We group Sunbrella Canvas into two groups.

How we group Sunbrella outdoor canvas

Group 1: Awning canvas

Awning fabrics are waterproof, thick and ultra durable to wind, rain, snow and sun. Choose this group for awnings, canopies, boat and patio covers, and any project that has to shed water and stand up to full exposure year round.

Group 2: Furniture weight (non-awning) canvas

Furniture weight or non-awning canvas is water friendly, sometimes water repellant, and is soft, easy to sew and great for outdoor upholstery. Reach for it when you are recovering patio cushions, sling chairs, pillows and headboards that need drape and a comfortable hand.

Choosing the right Sunbrella outdoor fabric

If the piece takes direct rain and needs to stay dry underneath, start with awning canvas. If it needs to be sewn, stuffed and sat on, start with furniture weight. Both groups share the fade resistance and easy care Sunbrella is known for, so you can mix them across one outdoor project. Browse the Sunbrella fabric outdoor selection below to compare colors, weights and patterns.