Choice of Materials:

Awning fabrics are available in a wide variety of appealing colors, patterns and fabric selections.

Today's fabric advances have been fueled in part by the fact that improved synthetic yarns are the basis for many laminated fabrics, giving them greater strength and flexibility. Coatings, laminates and top-coatings are common methods to equip fabrics with protective qualities.

Today's fabrics can withstand wind, sun and rain, yet they retain their flexibility and good looks for years. Some awning fabrics have underside colors different from the top.

While each fabric has their pros and cons, they are equally great fabrics and will withstand south Florida's harsh climate.

There are three standard types of fabric:

Vinyl-laminated polyester
Vinyl-laminated Polyester is strong, quick-drying, and tends to have wrinkle resistance and crease retention both wet and dry. Some vinyl-laminated polyesters, fabricated specifically for backlighting, are highly translucent. Fabrics meant for standard uses are more translucent depending on their color (Lighter colors are more translucent then darker colors). Vinyl-laminated Polyester fabrics weigh between 16-24 ounces, are resistant to UV light, mildew, water, and are recommended for use in areas of sustained high humidity. Vinyl fabrics are available in solids, stripes and custom patterns.

Solution-dyed acrylic
Acrylic fabric is generally considered to be an upscale material. Acrylic fabric offers an aesthetic softness and feel all its own. Higher quality acrylics are very resistant to UV light, mildew and water. The properties of acrylic fabric allow it to be highly breathable, so hot air and moisture will not be trapped. In solution dyeing (Higher Quality), color pigments are added to the acrylic fibers while the fibers are in a semi-liquid state. As a result, the color becomes an integral part of the fiber, and unlike piece-dyed acrylic, won't wash out. Solution-dyed acrylic fabric is translucent (depending on the color), typically weighs 8 to 10 ounces, can experience some shrinkage in cold weather, some stretch in hot weather and is extremely water resistant (not fully waterproof).

Shade Cloth
Shade Cloth is available in a variety of different makes, each suited for a specific application. From high quality outdoor tensioning fabric to indoor non-uv coated mesh, there is a fabric to solve your specific need. Most shade Cloth brands are available in a variety of different colors and patterns to compliment its surrounding area.