As you shop for an outdoor awning, you will find many types of fabric. Just as with anything you buy, especially something subjected to outdoor elements, you want the best. With so many companies vying for your business, awning fabric is getting some special attention with the use of new materials, technologies, and methods. For example, one type of awning fabric is actually supported by the Skin Cancer Foundation for blocking out 99.9% of harmful UVa and UVb rays.

One of the most popular features associated with awning fabric is it being waterproof. Of course, other important features include durability, fade resistant, strength, and even a thicker type of pigmentation. For this, you could choose a 14-ounce fabric designed with double-sided color. The result is more vibrancy and longer lasting color. This particular awning fabric is also made with as many as five layers of material, meaning more durability, strength, and protection from the sun, rain, snow, and wind.

Then, some types of awning fabric are coated with acrylic, which is another great option for blocking UV degradation. In addition, acrylic coated material will also resist scratches from trees or debris while providing you with a surface that is easy to maintain and clean. You might also look at a two-ply, 5.5-mil vinyl layer. Again, color is protected better, being able to resist facing for a number of years.

Leading awning manufacturers have also discovered that using an inner layer of 9x9 1,000 Denier materials with filament Dacron incorporated is one of the best ways to offer strength. Again, while waterproof awning fabric is important, other benefits you should consider is something flame resistant, and mildew resistant. Probably one of the most innovative changes seen with awning fabric is one whereby the design has stripes light at the top, fading beautifully to a solid cream color. In addition to looking great, the reason for this design is that the awning helps hold temperature down so you can enjoy time outside more comfortably.

Other possibilities for awning fabric include 600 Denier polyester fabric made with a strong, Teflon coating, nylon fabric coated with polyurethane, and 100% cotton number duck. This last option for awning fabric comes in various widths ranging from 36 to 144 inches. Additionally, you can purchase rolls with up to 100 yards. For this reason, some people will actually make their own awning. Just keep in mind that this material is heavy so it requires special type stitching.

Awning fabric made by a company called Phifertex Leisure has become quite popular. Made from 100% vinyl coated and woven polyester, you can choose from a mesh design that is ideal for awnings and gazebos. Finally, Strataglass is yet another company hitting big marks with awning fabric. In this case, the material is a press polished vinyl that is perfect for blocking out the suns hot rays and resisting scratches. To make this awning fabric so special, a chemical additive is used, giving the vinyl a beautiful blue color while also blocking out harmful UV rays.