DURABLE OUTDOOR FABRICS – GRADES EXPLAINED
Grade A – This option offers high-quality, solid color and pattern choices and is approved for outdoor use at a lower cost. Grade A fabrics are made from polyester or polyester blends. Polyester is strong, durable, resists wrinkles, dries quickly and resists mildew, but lacks anti-fading advantages of other higher-grade fabrics.
Grade B – Value combined with quality offers numerous and sometimes the most extensive solid color and pattern choices. Grade B fabrics are typically made from a synthetic material called olefin. Olefin is soft, strong and comfortable and is good at resisting stains, mildew and fading.
Grade C – Grade C fabrics are typically made from synthetic polymers called acrylics, which are 100% solution dyed before they become a fiber for increased colorfastness. Acrylics are lightweight, extremely durable, and have a soft feel. Acrylic will resist mold, mildew, insects, oil-based stains and sunlight deterioration. Acrylic is by the far the best fabric for outdoor use.
Grade D – Grade D fabric offers the best material available and is typically solution-dyed acrylics like Grade C. Grade D fabrics feature unsurpassed manufacturing techniques, using multiple colors and intricate weaves and designs, requiring more time and material to provide the best result available. Grade D doesn’t necessarily use higher quality materials than Grade C, but Grade D does offer that extra upscale look and feel that other grades fail to provide.