If you’re after a new outdoor canopy but aren’t sure which fabric is best, you might need some assistance when it comes to choosing your canopy fabric.
Here at A&S Landscape, we offer an extensive range of fabric canopies suitable for all types of businesses. Whether you’re after a new entrance, cycle shelter, or food kiosk, we have plenty of canopies by design that suit your needs.
However, one thing that can be tricky to find is the best fabric for your canopy. You might not realise it, but there are lots of factors to consider when choosing a canopy fabric. In this guide, we will give you tips on how to find the best canopy fabric material and the differences and benefits of certain fabrics.
Let’s delve in deeper.
What to Consider Before Choosing Your Canopy Fabric
Although it might not be obvious, there are some clear things that you should consider before choosing your canopy fabric. Whether you like it or not, there are some deciding factors that might make you change your mind before setting your heart on a specific fabric type.
We recommend considering the following:
Aesthetic Requirements … or Wants
Aside from the structural design and functionality of your canopy, visual aspects are an important thing to consider when it comes to choosing your canopy fabric.
Think about the use of your canopy, and whether this determines its look. For example, if you’re after a playground shelter, does the fabric need to be bright, colourful, and interesting to look at?
You should also think about what colour the fabric comes in. At A&S Landscape, we have an extensive canopy colour range, allowing you to choose the right colour in your own time. Our Maxima Teepe™ fabrics come in shades ranging from bright Colza Yellow to a sophisticated Dusty Grey.
The Need for the Canopy
As we have briefly mentioned, the need for your canopy can significantly influence your fabric choice. Canopies are mostly made for outdoor use, therefore having a weatherproof fabric is essential.
If you’re after a school canopy, it is likely that you are using a canopy as a covered walkway, a playground shelter, or an extended dining area. All canopies by A&S Landscape are designed to withstand the full force of the British weather.
This is why most school canopies, such as our Maxima Sail™, are available in shade cloth and PVC fabric, both high-strengthening waterproof fabrics that are strong and durable for outdoor use.
Your Maintenance Time
The final thing you should consider is how much time you have to maintain your canopy. As with other items, the type of fabric you choose can determine how much time you should be spending on canopy maintenance.
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity of most fabric types, such as tensile fabric canopies. Tasks might include regular cleaning to prevent dirt buildup and mould, inspecting for tears or loose stitching, and addressing minor issues promptly.
At least some maintenance is expected when buying a canopy, so make sure you have thought this through before deciding on a canopy fabric.
The Different Types of Fabric for Canopies
Now that you know the sort of things to consider before choosing your canopy fabric, it’s time to tell you about some of the fabrics we strongly recommend. We have a variety of different fabric types, which all have different benefits, but mostly, they are all suitable for outdoor use.
PVC Fabric
PVC fabrics are highly durable and resistant to a lot of wear and tear. Perfect for outdoor use, PVC can withstand harsh environmental conditions, making it extremely beneficial as a canopy material.
Some of its main benefits include:
- Unique coating technology that limits the build-up of dirt and microbe growth
- Noise reduction when it is raining
- Waterproof material that can withstand strong winds and rain
- Extremely hard-wearing and durable
If this fabric has caught your attention, then you might be interested in our Maxima Tepee™ canopy which is made from PVC fabric and available in 2 weights and 17 colour options.
Shade Cloth
Shade cloth is one of the most comfortable forms of personal protection from ultraviolet radiation (UVR). This fabric can provide as much as 95% UV block while still allowing air to pass through for a more pleasant outdoor experience, making them a great fabric choice for canopies.
Key benefits of shade cloth include:
- Offers excellent UV protection
- Resilience to damage due to wind or hail
- Resistance against water
If shade cloth sounds like the fabric for you, then take a look at our Maxima StarSail™. This is a spectacular combination of a Shade Sail and Umbrella design around a centre post, promoting a cool and breezy look.
Our shade cloth material is also available in over 14 colours!
The Importance of Sun Safety
When an individual spends a lot of time outdoors, whether that’s a student eating their lunch, or a customer dining al fresco, it’s important for them to have access to a shaded and safe area. Therefore, we would advise you to remember the importance of UV protection for safety in the sun.
As mentioned above, our canopy fabrics offer great protection against harmful UV rays. By using these fabrics to offer shaded areas, it is protecting individuals from the sun’s harmful UV rays and reducing the risk of skin cancer.
Quality shade can reduce UV exposure by up to 75%, so keep this in mind when choosing a new outdoor canopy!
What Canopy Fabric Would Our Experts Recommend?
You might now understand the difference between canopy fabric types, but maybe you want a real-life comment from a specialist. Luckily for you, we asked one of our experts what canopy fabric they would recommend.
“If you are looking for a weatherproof solution, consider our waterproof PVC fabric. This durable material is commercial-grade and will stand the test of time. See it for yourself and request a free sample!”
– Stefanie Lomas, Canopy Consultant
Looking for a New Fabric Canopy? Get in Touch With the Experts
Hopefully, this guide has taught you all you need to know about canopy fabric types. Remember, each fabric has its strengths and benefits, so consider external factors before setting your sights on one of our canopies.
At A&S Landscape we offer completely bespoke custom canopies. We understand that every client has specific needs that might not be met by a standard offering, which is why we can help you to transform your outdoor space.
To find out more, get in touch with our expert team who will be more than happy to answer your enquiries. Don’t forget you can also request a free consultation and design online today!
