What is the Best Material for Outdoor Bean Bag Chairs? - Bean Bags R Us

What is the Best Material for Outdoor Bean Bag Chairs?

Choosing the right fabric for your outdoor bean bag chairs will ensure you purchase a product that withstands the elements & gives you the longest life.

Nothing beats lounging by the pool in the soft comfort of premium outdoor bean bag furniture. If you’re the proud owner of Bean Bags R Us outdoor bean bag chairs or lounges, you already know our products are best-in-class. But what sets them apart? It all starts with high-performance materials designed to withstand the elements. This guide explores what makes our bean bags the smartest choice for outdoor comfort.

Understanding Outdoor Bean Bag Materials

What Is Denier?

The “D” in 1680D polyester stands for denier—a measure of fiber thickness. A higher denier means stronger, denser fabric. For example, 600D nylon is stronger than 400D nylon, and 400D nylon can outperform 600D polyester. Learn more.

PU vs. PVC Coatings

Water-resistance is typically achieved through PVC or PU coatings. PVC is waterproof but brittle over time; PU is flexible, UV-resistant, and breathable—our preferred choice for comfort and longevity.

What Is Antimicrobial Treatment?

Antimicrobial treatments use additives like silver ions to disrupt bacteria and mold growth. This reduces odor, extends lifespan, and is ideal for humid climates. It’s the same technology used in medical textiles, now available in our bean bag fabrics for added hygiene and peace of mind.

UV Protection & Colourfastness

Sun exposure causes fading and damage. Our bean bags are treated with UV inhibitors and color-lock technology to maintain vibrancy. Learn more about fabric treatments.

Fabric Types Explained

  • 400D Polyester: Thin, uncoated, and not ideal for outdoor use.
  • 420D Nylon (PVC-coated): Durable but less comfortable.
  • 600D Polyester/Nylon: A solid mid-range option with better softness.
  • 1200D / 1280D: High-performance but rare and costly.
  • 1680D Polyester with PU Coating: Our gold standard—ultra-durable and easy to clean.
  • Canvas: Sturdy but heavy and high-maintenance outdoors.
  • Olefin: Lightweight, colorfast, mold- and stain-resistant—ideal for outdoor use.
  • Solution-Dyed Acrylic: Comparable to Olefin, famously used by Sunbrella. See our comparison.

Why Our Materials Outperform the Rest

  • 1680D polyester is 4x thicker than standard fabrics—perfect for heavy use.
  • High-density dye prevents fading from harsh Australian sun.
  • PU coatings protect against water and UV damage without sacrificing breathability.
  • Surfaces clean easily with soap and a soft brush—no harsh chemicals needed.
  • Our Olefin and PU-coated products are ideal for commercial and residential use alike.

Shop Premium Outdoor Bean Bags

Still wondering why our bean bags are worth it? Once you understand what goes into our designs, you’ll see why they last longer and feel better. Choose from premium designs like the Big Boppa, Cayman, and Bermuda Triangle. For little ones, try the Billy the Kid. For spa-worthy lounging, our Costa Luxe Lounger is a must. We even offer floating bean bags for the ultimate luxury pool day.

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