The short answer is yes. Sunbrella is one of the highest-quality performance fabrics on the market and is widely considered the industry benchmark for outdoor textiles. It earns this reputation with exceptional durability, superior fade resistance, and powerful protection against mold and mildew.
While Sunbrella comes with a premium price tag, its longevity and low maintenance make it a worthwhile investment for outdoor furniture, awnings, and cushions that need to withstand the elements. It’s a classic case of paying more upfront to save money on replacements down the road.
How Is Sunbrella's Quality?
Sunbrella's quality is consistently top-tier, earning an 'A' grade for its technical performance, material science, and real-world durability. It is engineered from the fiber up to perform in harsh outdoor conditions for a decade or more.
- Advanced Materials: Sunbrella fabrics are made from 100% solution-dyed acrylic fibers. This means the color pigment is mixed into the fiber solution before it's created, making the color an inherent part of the fiber itself. This process provides extraordinary resistance to fading from UV exposure - testing shows it's 5 to 10 times more fade-resistant than conventional fabrics.
- Superior Construction: The fabrics feature a dense, tight weave with a thread count typically exceeding 200 threads per inch and a substantial weight of 9 to 13 oz. per square yard. This robust construction makes the fabric highly resistant to tearing and fraying, with a tensile strength that can exceed 300 pounds.
- Weather Resistance: Beyond just fade resistance, Sunbrella is engineered to be water-repellent while remaining breathable. This quality, combined with its inherent acrylic properties, makes it highly resistant to mold and mildew growth, a critical feature for furniture used in humid or rainy climates.
- Common Complaints: Negative feedback is rare and almost always relates to issues outside the fabric's control. Some users report slight pilling on high-friction cushion areas after many years of heavy use. Other issues, like failed seams, are typically due to poor construction by the furniture manufacturer, not the fabric itself.
Is Sunbrella Good Value for the Price?
Sunbrella represents a strong long-term value proposition. While the initial investment is high, its minimal replacement and maintenance costs deliver excellent returns over the product’s long lifespan.
Price Positioning
Sunbrella fabric typically costs between $20 and $40 per yard. This positions it firmly in the premium category, comparable to other high-performance brands like Crypton, and significantly more expensive than mass-market polyester or vinyl options that often cost under $15 per yard. The price reflects its advanced engineering, durability, and brand reputation.
What You're Paying For
The premium price pays for performance, longevity, and peace of mind. You're investing in a technical textile engineered to look vibrant and remain intact for over 10 years in direct sunlight and harsh weather. You're also paying for lower long-term costs, as you won't need to replace cushions or re-upholster furniture every couple of seasons.
Where You Get Good Value
- Outdoor Furniture in Direct Sun: For patio sets, poolside loungers, and any cushion exposed to intense UV rays, Sunbrella's fade-proof quality is unmatched.
- High-Humidity & Rainy Climates: Its resistance to mold and mildew makes it ideal for areas where other fabrics would quickly deteriorate.
- Marine & Boating Applications: Sunbrella is a top choice for boat cushions and covers due to its ability to withstand salt, sun, and constant moisture.
Where You Don't Get Good Value
- Indoor Furniture with No Sun Exposure: If a piece won't face UV rays or moisture, Sunbrella's high-tech features may be overkill, and a standard upholstery fabric would suffice for less.
- Very Tight Budget Projects: If the upfront cost is a major barrier, a lower-cost polyester fabric may work for a season or two, but expect to replace it regularly.
- Temporary or Short-Term Furnishings: The value of Sunbrella is in its longevity, it doesn't make financial sense for furniture you only plan to keep for a year.
Sunbrella Quality by Application
Because Sunbrella is a fabric supplier, not a furniture manufacturer, its quality is best judged by how it performs in different applications. It consistently excels across the board.
Outdoor Upholstery (Sofas & Cushions)
This is Sunbrella's signature application. Its durability resists tearing and fraying from constant use, while the solution-dyed acrylic fibers ensure cushions left in the sun all summer look just as vibrant at the end of the season. Its water-repellency and mold resistance mean a surprise rain shower won't ruin your investment. Verdict: The gold standard for outdoor seating.
Awnings & Umbrellas
Sunbrella's UV stability and strength make it a perfect material for shade applications. It effectively blocks sunlight, retains its color without fading, and withstands wind and rain far better than traditional canvas or polyester materials. Verdict: An excellent, long-lasting choice for reliable outdoor shade.
Marine Upholstery
The marine environment is one of the harshest tests for any fabric, with constant exposure to salt, intense sun, and moisture. Sunbrella's marine-grade fabrics are engineered specifically to resist these elements, making them a default choice for boat cushions, bimini tops, and sails. Verdict: The top-tier professional choice for boating and marine use.
Drapery & Shades
For both indoor rooms with large, sunny windows and outdoor patios, Sunbrella drapery provides fade-proof beauty. It protects interior spaces from UV damage while maintaining its color and integrity, something a standard cotton or linen curtain could never do. Verdict: A smart investment for sunny windows and outdoor living spaces.
Our Verdict: Is Sunbrella Worth It?
Absolutely. For any outdoor application where durability, colorfastness, and weather resistance are priorities, Sunbrella is worth the investment. It is the leading high-performance fabric for a reason, delivering on its promises of longevity and low maintenance in real-world conditions.
Quality Grade: A
Sunbrella earns a top grade for its material science, construction, and proven performance. The use of 100% solution-dyed acrylics provides heirloom-level durability against UV degradation, which is the primary killer of outdoor fabrics. With proper care, it delivers on its promise of lasting 10+ years without significant deterioration, making it a reliable and exceptionally well-made product.
Value Grade: B+
Despite its high initial cost of $20-$40 per yard, Sunbrella delivers excellent long-term value. The savings from not having to replace faded or mildew-damaged cushions every few years easily justifies the upfront premium. Its price is the only thing holding it back from a perfect 'A' in value, but for discerning buyers, the total cost of ownership is far lower than cheaper alternatives.
More Quality Brands Like Sunbrella
While Sunbrella is the category leader, a few other high-performance brands offer similar quality and are worth considering for specific needs.
Crypton
Crypton fabrics also use solution-dyed fibers and feature an embedded stain and moisture barrier. They are renowned for having a softer hand (feel) than some Sunbrella weaves, making them an excellent choice for indoor-outdoor transitional spaces like sunrooms. Crypton is typically priced comparably or slightly less than Sunbrella.
Shop now at crypton.com
Perennials
Often seen as a more design-focused luxury competitor, Perennials also crafts its fabrics from 100% solution-dyed acrylic. The brand is known for its high-end, sophisticated textures and designer patterns. If you're seeking a unique aesthetic with performance similar to Sunbrella and have a flexible budget, Perennials is an excellent choice.
Shop now at perennialsfabrics.com
Kravet
Housing brands like Robert Allen Duralee, Kravet offers a massive library of decorative fabrics, including many high-performance indoor/outdoor options. While they offer solution-dyed acrylics, you must check the specifications for each specific fabric line. Kravet is a go-to for interior designers looking for a specific pattern with performance qualities.
Shop now at kravet.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sunbrella fabric completely waterproof?
Sunbrella fabric is water-repellent, not waterproof. It is treated with a finish that makes water bead up and roll off. However, the fabric is still breathable, and during a heavy, prolonged downpour, water can eventually saturate the cushions. It is designed to dry quickly without promoting mold or mildew.
How long does Sunbrella fabric really last?
With proper care, Sunbrella fabric typically lasts for 10 years or more, even with regular outdoor exposure. The color is guaranteed against fading for 5 years under its limited warranty, but countless users report vibrant colors lasting well beyond a decade. Lifespan depends on factors like climate, exposure, and physical wear.
Can you use bleach to clean Sunbrella fabric?
Yes, one of the biggest benefits of Sunbrella is its cleanability. Because the color is locked into the fiber, you can safely clean stubborn stains like mildew or bird droppings with a diluted solution of household bleach and mild soap without damaging the fabric's color. Always rinse thoroughly with clean water afterward.
Is Sunbrella fabric soft enough for indoor use?
While it is a durable performance fabric, Sunbrella has evolved significantly and offers a wide variety of weaves and finishes. Many of their modern collections are surprisingly soft and suitable for indoor family rooms, dining chairs, and other high-traffic areas where stain resistance is a priority.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
