Don’t Let the Elements Ruin Your Gear
Rain, sun, wind, snow, dust—outdoor environments are tough on your belongings. Whether it’s a high-end grill, your favorite patio furniture, or an expensive piece of lawn equipment, exposure to the elements can degrade gear faster than you think.
That’s why custom outdoor covers are an excellent investment. And if you're a business that manufactures, resells, or uses outdoor equipment regularly, the right fabric choices can make or break your product longevity and customer satisfaction.
At Seattle Fabrics, we offer heavy-duty outdoor fabrics specifically engineered for protection, durability, and weather resistance.
What Makes a Great Outdoor Cover Fabric?
The best materials for outdoor covers share a few key qualities:
Water resistance or waterproofing
UV resistance to prevent fading and degradation
Durability and abrasion resistance
Mold/mildew resistance
Easy to clean
The right fabric will depend on your specific use case—are you covering something soft (like cushions) or something with sharp corners (like power tools)? Do you want a fitted, elegant look or a rugged, utilitarian one?
Top Fabrics for Outdoor Covers
1. Marine Vinyl
Marine vinyl is one of the most popular and effective materials for all-weather outdoor protection.
Key Benefits:
Waterproof
UV-resistant
Resistant to mildew, mold, and cracking
Easy to wipe clean
Best for: Grill covers, power equipment, marine and dockside applications
2. Heavyweight Coated Polyester
Coated polyester offers a strong balance between weight, flexibility, and resistance to environmental stress.
Key Benefits:
Water-resistant (or waterproof, depending on coating)
Strong tear resistance
Good UV protection
Common Coatings:
PU (polyurethane): Lighter, flexible, waterproof
PVC (polyvinyl chloride): Thicker, more rigid, industrial-grade protection
Best for: Covers for furniture, BBQs, garden equipment, storage bins
3. Sunforger Marine Canvas
A tightly woven cotton duck fabric treated for outdoor use. It combines the traditional canvas look with modern performance.
Key Benefits:
Breathable
Water, mildew, and UV-resistant
Stays cooler in sunlight than synthetics
Best for: Patio furniture covers, shade covers, awnings, historic restorations
Other Fabric Considerations
Ripstop fabrics: Add tear resistance for lightweight or collapsible covers.
Clear vinyl panels: Add visibility to custom covers for toolboxes or appliances.
Mesh fabric: Use for ventilation panels on grill or generator covers.
Choosing the Right Weight and Coating
7–9 oz/yd² fabrics: Lightweight covers, easy to fold and store
10–12 oz/yd² fabrics: Medium-duty covers, furniture protection
14 oz+: Heavy-duty, commercial-grade gear and equipment covers
Coating Types:
Uncoated: Breathable but not water-resistant
PU-coated: Flexible, water-resistant, good for most B2C needs
PVC-coated: Industrial strength, full waterproofing, best for long-term exposure
Don’t Forget the Finishing Materials
Even the strongest fabric needs the right finishing materials:
UV-resistant thread (polyester or bonded nylon)
Reinforced webbing for handles and tie-downs
Grommets for anchoring to surfaces or bungees
Zippers or hook & loop closures for fitted access panels
Construction Tips for DIY Projects
For DIY Crafters:
Use a walking foot sewing machine for thick vinyl or canvas
Measure twice, cut once
Create a simple box or envelope pattern with corner darts for clean shaping
For Businesses:
Consider double-stitching or seam sealing for high-end builds
Provide clear install instructions if selling with furniture or grills
Add branding or labels for custom products
Project Ideas for Outdoor Covers
Residential Projects (B2C):
Patio furniture sets
Grill or smoker covers
Custom cushion protectors
Commercial Applications:
Restaurant patio seating
Event equipment
Lawn and landscaping tools
Industrial machinery and generators
Why Seattle Fabrics?
We’ve supplied thousands of customers with the materials they need to protect their gear and boost the lifespan of their investments. With our broad selection of outdoor-specific textiles, we make it easy to:
Source fabrics by the yard or roll
Match coatings and weights to your environment
Customize with hardware, fasteners, and thread
Get advice from real experts
Build It Once. Build It to Last.
A custom outdoor cover made from high-quality materials will save you time, money, and hassle over the long run. Whether you're a homeowner protecting your backyard setup or a business fabricating covers for resale or commercial use, choosing the right fabric is the first step toward longevity.
At Seattle Fabrics, we have everything you need to build with confidence—and we’re here to help every step of the way.