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fastness and resistance to mold and mildew,” he says.
Not every fabric marketed as outdoor- safe actually has those characteristics. Susan Ray of Summer Classics says UV protection is particularly crucial. All of its outdoor upholstery is UV-treated Sunbrella fabric. “Sunlight can be so damaging,”
says Ray. “But with UV-resistant fabrics, you can put a navy sofa under a window and it doesn’t fade.”
Steve Lowsky, president and CEO of Pride Family Brands, Inc., says there are other performance features buyers should ask about. “Outdoor furniture buyers need to look for durability, stain resistance,
abrasion resistance and colorfast qualities,” says Lowsky, whose company produces Castelle outdoor furniture. “Buyers
and designers also should take into consideration the depth of original designs and original textures and weaves available to meet the needs of their clientele.”
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