Outdoor fabrics are designed to withstand the stress of living outside. Textiles used for Extremis products are made from a variety of materials including acrylic, polyester, tarpaulin, mesh and synthetic leather. Not only do they perform well outdoors, the fabrics also add to the look and feel of your outdoor furniture pieces.
What to expect from fabrics
Shades
Always including a cover
Extremis umbrellas are made of polyester fabrics that are water and dirt repellent. These fabrics are also highly resistant to UV radiation and fading. Although - as with all materials left outdoors - slight discoloration is unavoidable over time.
To make sure that the shade fabric lasts for many years, it’s important to protect it with the supplied cover when not in use. Tree leaves, dust, pollutions and bird droppings may leave marks on the fabric, so keep this in mind when choosing the perfect location for your shade.
When not used for a long time – for instance during winter – we recommend storing the parasol vertically, with the cover and completely dry.
Upholstery
Heavy duty or marine-grade
Extremis upholstered furniture pieces like Walrus, Sol+Luna and Kosmos are made of fabrics that vary in aesthetics and functionality.
The Walrus sofa for instance is upholstered in Tarpaulin, a heavy-duty material ensuring you don’t need to bother bringing cushions inside or covering up the sofa for winter. With its completely weatherproof canvas, this sofa can handle whatever snowballs mother nature throws at it.
The Batyline mesh fabric of the Sol+Luna sofa sunbeds consists of a polyester fiber covered by a coating of PVC, making it resistant to rot and mildew. Its resilient properties make it an ideal material to place close to swimming pools or in other moist environments with chlorine or saltwater.
Kosmos can be upholstered in indoor leather, Sunbrella or synthetic leather. The two last materials are weatherproof, and synthetic leather is even a marine-grade fabric. Made with a tighter weave and a heavier finishing process than most outdoor fabrics, the synthetic leather is stiffer and built to endure rough weather and conditions.
If you put a cover over your Kosmos or Sol+Luna when not in use, make sure the fabric underneath can still breathe. That way you avoid mold or mildew.
Cushions
It’s also what’s inside that counts
Some Extremis cushions are made of wool felt, which is water repellent, but not waterproof. Which means you better not leave it outside. All the other outdoor cushions are made with Sunbrella fabrics, which are water repellent, mold proof and UV resistant. Sunbrella fabrics are as soft and luxurious as interior textile, but they have something extra: they perform well outdoors.
We all love a pretty face, but it's what's inside that counts. For cushions and upholstery, the inside determines the comfort and durability.
Extremis comfort and deco cushions are made with quick-dry PU foams that drain extremely well. For our seating and back cushions, we use an interliner around the foam to protect it against rain and humidity.
Remember: our fabrics are high performance, but that doesn't make them indestructible - they're not Rambo. Exposure to sun and rain can still wear them down over time. Here are some tips to prolong their lifespan:
- If not used for long periods, bring them inside or use a cover (but make sure the fabric underneath can breathe).
- When dirty, clean following our maintenance guidelines