Hanamint Chaise Lounge Cushion

Hanamint replacement Cushions Fabric Groups

Why Are Some Outdoor Cushion Fabrics More Expensive Than Others?

At Cascadia Outdoor Cushions, we offer a wide range of premium outdoor fabrics, including Sunbrella®, Outdura®, and other high-performance brands. While all our fabrics are engineered for outdoor durability, not all fabrics cost the same to manufacture—and that directly affects the final price of your custom cushion.

1. Yarn Content & Manufacturing Process

Outdoor performance fabrics are made using solution-dyed acrylic yarns, which means the color is added to the fiber during the liquid stage before it becomes a thread. This process ensures superior fade resistance, UV protection, and colorfastness.

However, not all yarns are created equal:

• Basic solid-color fabrics are typically woven using a single type of yarn in a uniform weave, making them simpler and more cost-effective to produce.

• Textured, multi-tonal, or patterned fabrics often use multiple yarn types, specialty threads, or complex weaving techniques—increasing both material and production costs.

2. Loom Type: Regular vs. Jacquard

Many solids and simple stripes are made on regular looms, which are efficient for consistent, repeatable patterns. In contrast, intricate patterns—such as florals, geometrics, or medallions—are created using Jacquard looms.

• Jacquard weaving is a highly detailed process that individually lifts warp threads to create elaborate designs.

• This type of loom requires more time, programming, and yarn control, leading to higher labor and equipment costs per yard of fabric.

3. Woven Patterns vs. Printed Designs

Unlike printed fabrics, where a design is applied on top of a base cloth, woven patterns are part of the fabric structure. Woven designs require precise control of multiple colored yarns, which not only adds to the fabric cost but also increases fabric waste when matching patterns during cushion cutting.

4. Fabric Repeat & Cutting Efficiency

When selecting a patterned fabric, it’s important to understand the concept of fabric repeat—the vertical or horizontal distance before the design repeats itself. Larger repeats or centered motifs mean:

• More fabric is needed to ensure symmetry across multiple cushions or cushion panels.

• For example, aligning a centered stripe or medallion requires extra material, especially on items like seat backs or boxed cushions.

• This results in more fabric waste, which is factored into the cost of the finished product.

The Bottom Line

Your cushion price reflects not just the size and construction, but also the complexity and cost of the fabric you select. Choosing a higher-grade fabric means you’re investing in:

• More luxurious textures and designs

• Superior craftsmanship and equipment

• Greater cutting precision and pattern matching

• Long-lasting performance and visual impact

Whether you prefer a classic solid or a bold Jacquard weave, our goal is to provide you with exceptional quality that enhances your outdoor space for years to come.

Does a Higher Price Mean Better Durability?

Not necessarily. One of the most common misconceptions about outdoor fabrics is that the more expensive the fabric, the more durable it must be—but that’s not always true. In fact, all of the performance fabrics we offer, including every Sunbrella®, Outdura®, and Tempotest® option, are made with solution-dyed acrylic yarns designed to resist fading, mildew, and wear, regardless of price point. The cost difference comes from how the fabric is woven, the design complexity, and the type of loom used—not from a difference in performance or durability. A solid-colored fabric and a multi-tonal Jacquard weave may perform equally well outdoors for years, even though the latter costs more due to manufacturing time, yarn usage, and fabric waste during cutting. So when you select a fabric, focus on the look, texture, and design that fits your style, knowing that you're getting lasting durability across all fabric grades.