• Using weather-resistant fabrics dresses up outdoor living spaces.outdoor furniture image by isatori from Fotolia.com
  
  Fabrics that are treated or naturally suited to withstand the elements are ideal for applications such as upholstery for outdoor furniture, awnings and boat covers. Outdoor fabrics generally resist fading from the sun as well as water damage, mold and mildew. When choosing the type of outdoor fabric, consider how and where it will be used. Because of the various treatments used to make fabrics weatherproof, check the potential health hazards of exposure before buying.
  
  

Canvas

• Canvas has been used for centuries, not only in marine environments, but as tents in marketplaces and on battlefields. Today's canvas fabrics are much more technologically evolved, and typically made of solution-dyed, woven acrylic that has been treated for water resistance. Sunbrella is the leader in acrylic canvas and is widely used for upholstery, awnings and boat covers. It is available in dozens of colors and prints and, when used correctly, lasts for years. SeaMark is essentially Sunbrella backed with a waterproof vinyl coating, increasing both water and abrasion resistance.
  
  

Vinyl

• Vinyl is a waterproof, abrasion-resistant fabric that tends to also be relatively stiff, although newer, cotton-backed vinyl fabrics have more drape than the oilcloth fabrics of the past. Vinyl fabrics include denim-backed or cotton-backed vinyl, which is useful for virtually anything from cushions to outdoor tablecloths, and vinyl laminate, consisting of two layers of vinyl over a scrim of polyester thread, and typically used for awnings, boat Biminis and dodgers. Vinyl-coated mesh is used for light filtration, screening or slipcovers. Clear vinyl can be used in lieu of glass for screened-in porches or boat cockpit enclosures. The weakness of most vinyl fabrics, especially upholstery-grade, is that they do not stand up well to UV exposure. It is recommended that vinyl fabrics be sprayed with UV protective spray; however, if the project will be used in the South, faster fading and deterioration are likely.
  
  

Nylon

• Nylon fabrics run the gamut from the very lightweight rip stop used for sailboat spinnakers and windbreakers to heavier nylon, such as Cordura, which is excellent for backpacks, luggage, furniture and horse blankets. Cordura is waterproof, rot and mildew resistant, easily cleaned, quick drying and extremely strong. Nylon oxford cloth is also waterproof, mildew and rot resistant, made of polyurethane coated nylon and lighter-weight than Cordura, making it another good choice for outdoor furniture.