Perennials vs Sunbrella Fabrics - A Detailed Comparison Guide
When selecting the perfect outdoor fabric for patio furniture, shade sails, cushions and more, two premium brands stand out - Perennials and Sunbrella. Both offer exceptional durability, vivid fade-resistant colors and stylish textures ideal for outdoor living spaces. But with different design aesthetics, price points and availability, choosing between the two can be tricky.
This in-depth guide provides an unbiased look at how Perennials and Sunbrella outdoor fabrics compare across factors like weather resistance, cost, sustainability and more. Read on for the ultimate fabric face-off and our recommendations to help you make the optimal choice for your needs and style.
Durability and Performance - Withstand the Elements
The number one priority for outdoor fabrics is durability. Both Perennials and Sunbrella deliver exceptional performance that stands up to sun, wind, rain, snow and moisture.
Weather Resistance
Perennials and Sunbrella both utilize solution-dyed acrylic fibers, making them inherently resistant to UV radiation and preventing fading or deterioration from sun exposure. Solution dyeing permeates color deep into the fibers themselves rather than just coating the surface. This ensures vibrant, consistent color that lasts for years with proper care.
Both brands back their outdoor fabrics with extensive warranties against fading - Perennials offers a 5-year limited warranty and Sunbrella guarantees their fabrics for 5-10 years depending on the collection. Real world performance typically exceeds warranty periods.
The tightly woven construction of Perennials and Sunbrella also prevents the growth of mold and mildew. These fabrics allow moisture to pass through rather than absorb, staying dry instead of damp. Their durable nature withstands rainy and humid environments beautifully.
Stain Resistance
Spills and dirt are no match for Perennials and Sunbrella fabrics. The solution-dyed acrylic fibers have an inherent ability to repel oil, water and other common stains. Many stains can simply be removed with mild soap and water.
For extra protection, both Perennials and Sunbrella offer proprietary stain guard treatments that create an invisible barrier. This added coating causes liquids to bead up rather than soak in. It allows for quick blotting of spills before stains have a chance to set.
Sunbrella offers a few different optional stain guard formulas, while Perennials uses a single proprietary coating. Independent testing shows both result in excellent stain resistance, but Sunbrella's special Nanotechnology formula rates slightly higher in performance.
Strength and Longevity
When cared for properly, both Sunbrella and Perennials fabrics last for many years outdoors. Their warranty coverage speaks to a lifespan of at least 5 years, but realistically these fabrics will outlast a decade outside if using cleaning best practices.
One advantage of Sunbrella is the availability of heavier, more rugged fabric weights designed specifically for intense public/commercial applications. But the standard weights from both Sunbrella and Perennials handle normal wear and tear exceptionally well.
The tight weaves resist snags, fraying and tearing - you can count on seasons of enjoyment without abrasions or pulls compromising the surface. Independent testing shows high tensile strength from both brands as well.
Design and Appearance - Fashion Meets Function
While both deliver outstanding performance, Perennials and Sunbrella take different approaches when it comes to style and design sensibilities.
Pattern and Color Options
One key difference is the variety and uniqueness of patterns offered. Perennials focuses on an upscale, high fashion aesthetic with lots of proprietary designs not found anywhere else.
They also take a highly curated approach to their collections, carefully selecting a range of on-trend color stories. This creates a very luxe, cohesive palette but less variety overall compared to Sunbrella.
Sunbrella offers hundreds of both traditional and modern patterns, ranging from basic solids and classic stripes to more adventurous geometrics and florals. Their expansive selection provides more choice in finding a perfect pattern match.
Texture and Feel
When it comes to texture, Perennials fabrics tend to feel softer with a more pliable, supple hand. The fabric drapes beautifully. Many of their patterns use different weave combinations to create subtle interest and dimensionality.
Sunbrella leans towards a flatter, canvas-like texture that feels crisp and substantial. It has a slightly stiffer hand that tailors well for structured outdoor cushions. Sunbrella offers some softer fabrics but the overall selection feels more casual and informal.
This difference in feel and drape comes down to personal preference. Those desiring a relaxed vibe may prefer Sunbrella's sturdy feel. For a luxurious finish, Perennials has the edge.
Quality of Construction
Both Perennials and Sunbrella demonstrate excellent consistency in weaving, with no irregularities in the fabric surface and clean, straight selvages to prevent fraying. High densities and tight weave formations add to the structural integrity.
Edge finishing varies across collections, but bindings, welts and reinforcements are very neat and match the base fabric well. Overall construction quality allows the fabrics to retain their shape and appearance over time and wear.
Cost and Availability
When it comes to price and ease of purchase, Sunbrella and Perennials again have key differences.
Pricing Differences
As a premium designer brand, Perennials commands a higher price point per yard versus Sunbrella fabrics. For example, a solid Sunbrella fabric may retail around $25/yard while a comparable Perennials design sells for $60+/yard.
Patterned Perennials designs cost $80-$100+/yard in the mid to high range. Unique prints or jacquards can be priced even higher. In contrast, standard Sunbrella patterns usually top out between $40-$60+/yard.
For budget-conscious consumers or those needing to upholster large areas, Sunbrella provides greater value. But Perennials devotees feel the luxurious look and feel justify the price.
Where to Buy
While Sunbrella is readily found online and at fabric retailers, Perennials fabrics are only available through authorized design centers and showrooms. This exclusivity allows Perennials to control quality and service.
But is does mean added steps in finding, selecting and purchasing Perennials. Sunbrella's wide distribution makes trialing and buying fabric straightforward.
Quantity Discounts
Sunbrella offers generous discounts for ordering bulk yardage. For example, 10+ yards may be 25% off with deeper discounts for 50+ yard purchases. Minimums for Perennials discounts tend to be higher at 25 - 50 yards.
For large commercial jobs or projects with big yardage needs, Sunbrella's bulk pricing can yield significant savings. These volume discounts help offset the higher Perennials prices.
Environmental Impact
For consumers concerned about sustainability, both Perennials and Sunbrella score well but Sunbrella goes the extra mile. They have partnered with suppliers using recycled polyester made from plastic water bottles. This eco-friendly yarn offsets carbon emissions and waste in their production process.
While Perennials doesn't utilize recycled materials at this time, they make thoughtful choices to reduce energy, water usage and waste in their operations. Both brands meet Oeko-Tex standards for safe processing free of harmful chemicals.
Breathability
The air permeability of Sunbrella adds to its performance advantages. The breathable weave promotes airflow, making Sunbrella more comfortable in hot and humid climates. The fabric "breathes" better, preventing heat buildup and sticky perspiration.
Perennials fabrics still work well in many warmer locations but may feel more insulating and less cooling in sweltering summers or tropical regions. Sunbrella's superior breathability gives it a small edge for these conditions.
Color Selection
Though both brands offer an enviable range of color options, Sunbrella pulls ahead with a wider selection of solids and neutrals that coordinate universally. Their palette encompasses over 150 hues.
Perennials caps their color palette around 90 coordinated tones. The edited selection has a chic, curated sensibility. But Sunbrella's vast spectrum provides more choice to consumers.
Those needing an exact custom color match may have better luck achieving it within Sunbrella's expansive offering. Yet Perennials still covers the most popular neutrals and shades.
In summary, while Perennials and Sunbrella share similarities in quality and durability, they differ in their pricing, availability, style focus and performance attributes.
For budget-conscious consumers or commercial settings needing higher yardages, Sunbrella provides greater overall value. Their sustainability focus and highly breathable feel also makes Sunbrella a top choice for humid, tropical regions.
Perennials stands out for those who value high-end designer style and soft, plush texture. The exclusive patterns and curated colors create a luxurious aesthetic for more intimate residential settings.
Ultimately, take stock of your project requirements and style preferences before deciding between brands. With timeless style and enduring quality, both Perennials and Sunbrella deliver outdoor fabrics to withstand the elements in beauty and comfort.