The choice of fabric for an awning is very important because the quality of the fabric affects both the awning’s lifespan and the experience of using it. For example, good awning fabrics are thick and made from high-quality materials, making them ideal for protecting people underneath from wind and rain.
Natural Fiber Fabrics
Cotton Canvas
Advantages: Soft to the touch, breathable, and gives a natural, comfortable feeling. It has good moisture-absorbing properties, keeping the area under the awning dry. Cotton canvas is durable and offers good value for money. If you own a café or restaurant, this fabric is a great choice for its affordability and ease of use.
Disadvantages: Fades easily, poor waterproofing, and can mold or rot if exposed to sun or humidity for too long. Needs regular maintenance and replacement.
Linen
Advantages: Has a natural texture, elegant look, excellent breathability, and high moisture absorption. It keeps people cool and comfortable by quickly absorbing sweat. Linen also gives a natural, plant-based feel, ideal for relaxing and socializing under the awning.
Disadvantages: Rigid texture, prone to wrinkles, not very UV resistant, and can wear out or tear with long-term use.
Synthetic Fiber Fabrics
Polyester
Advantages: Good light resistance, doesn’t fade or age quickly under sunlight, excellent wrinkle resistance, and maintains its shape well. Waterproof polyester fabrics block rain effectively. It’s relatively affordable and durable, especially in windy and rainy conditions, making it ideal for places like beachside cafes or restaurants.
Disadvantages: Less breathable compared to natural fibers, which can make it feel stuffy in hot, humid conditions. It also has poor moisture absorption and tends to generate static electricity.
Nylon (Nylon Fabric)
Advantages: Strong, durable, tear-resistant, lightweight, easy to carry and install. It has excellent waterproof and UV protection properties and maintains its color well. Great for outdoor activities like camping, as it provides good coverage against both sun and rain.
Disadvantages: Rigid texture, not as soft as cotton canvas, and less breathable. It becomes stiff and brittle in cold weather.
Acrylic
Advantages: Excellent weather resistance and color retention. Can last up to five years without fading if used in good environmental conditions. Provides good UV protection to prevent fading from sunlight exposure. It’s soft, comfortable, and feels like wool.
Disadvantages: Poor moisture absorption and breathability, flammable, and releases harmful gases when burned.
Faux Leather and Plastic Fabrics
PVC Coated Fabric
Advantages: Affordable, highly waterproof, and effective at blocking rain and moisture. It’s durable, easy to clean with a damp cloth, and resistant to wear and corrosion.
Disadvantages: Poor aging resistance, hardens, becomes brittle, and fades when exposed to sunlight for long periods. It’s not very eco-friendly and may release harmful gases in high temperatures.
Knife-Coated Fabric
Advantages: High strength and durability, able to withstand large amounts of pressure and stress. Excellent water and UV protection, mildew-resistant, smooth surface that’s easy to clean, and long-lasting.
Disadvantages: Rigid texture, less flexible than fabric-based materials, tends to crease when folded, and is heavier, making installation and transportation more difficult.
Other Fabrics
Fiberglass Coated Fabric
Advantages: Excellent heat resistance and can handle high temperatures without changing shape. Strong UV protection and prevents damage from sunlight. Very durable and long-lasting.
Disadvantages: Rigid texture, difficult to fold and store, more expensive, and requires professional installation and maintenance.
Sunbrella Fabric
Advantages: Made of 100% polyester, Sunbrella focuses on design and high performance. It prevents fading and degradation from sunlight and chemicals, is comfortable to the touch, eco-friendly, easy to care for, and has a long lifespan.
Disadvantages: It is more expensive, and its weather resistance may not be as high as some specialized outdoor fabrics in extreme environments.