How to Choose the Best Outdoor Furniture Fabric: Understanding Telescope Casual’s Cushion Grades A–G

Why Fabric Choice Defines Luxury Outdoor Living

When you invest in high-end outdoor furniture, you’re not just buying a patio set—you’re creating a space for relaxation, entertaining, and effortless living. The frame may give structure, but the cushion fabric determines how your furniture performs against sun, rain, and everyday use. For buyers of luxury patio furniture, the right fabric blends style, comfort, and durability.

Telescope Casual, a leader in premium outdoor design, organizes its cushion fabrics into grades A through G. These grades make it easier to balance design preference, performance, and price when customizing your investment.

Fabric Grades Explained: A Buyer’s Guide

Grades A–D: Sunbrella® Upholstery

• Material: 100% solution-dyed acrylic, the industry gold standard.

• Performance: Fade-proof, mildew-resistant, UV-stable, and bleach-cleanable.

• Style Options by Grade:

  • Grade A: Classic Sunbrella solids and basics — versatile, timeless, and affordable.

  • Grade B: Subtle textures and slub weaves for understated sophistication.

  • Grade C: Specialty jacquards and novelty patterns that add visual depth.

  • Grade D: Designer-inspired fabrics, bold textures, and high-impact patterns.

• Ideal For: Homeowners who want durability with complete design freedom.

Sunbrella® Rain (Available in Grade B)

• Material Innovation: Same performance acrylic with a waterproof barrier.

• Benefits: Cushions dry faster, resist water intrusion, and perform exceptionally well in rainy or humid climates.

• Ideal For: Buyers in coastal regions or those who entertain outdoors year-round.

Grade F: Ultraleather® (Luxury Faux Leather)

• Material: Advanced polyurethane with a poly/rayon backing.

• Performance: Soft, breathable, highly abrasion-resistant, and easy to clean. Mimics fine leather without weather sensitivity.

• Benefits: Luxurious look and feel, engineered for outdoor exposure, wipes clean in seconds.

• Ideal For: Luxury buyers seeking a modern, sophisticated aesthetic with minimal maintenance.

Grades E & G: Specialty Applications

• Note: While Telescope’s current cushion fabric program centers on A–D and F, Grades E and G often appear in padded sling furniture lines. Cushion buyers typically choose between Sunbrella® (A–D) or Ultraleather® (F).

How to Select the Perfect Fabric for Your Outdoor Space

1. Match Fabric to Climate

   • Sunbrella® is ideal for high sun exposure or coastal settings.

   • Sunbrella Rain excels in wet, humid, or unpredictable climates.

2. Consider Your Lifestyle

   • Frequent entertaining? Waterproof fabrics help cushions dry fast.

   • Prefer low-maintenance luxury? Ultraleather wipes clean effortlessly.

3. Choose a Design Direction

   • Minimalist luxury → Sunbrella solids (Grade A).

   • Bold statement pieces → Sunbrella jacquards (Grade D).

   • Contemporary elegance → Ultraleather (Grade F).

4. Think Long-Term Value

   • All Telescope fabrics are built to last. Choose based on aesthetics and the experience you want to create in your outdoor living space.

Final Thoughts: Invest in Fabrics That Elevate Your Outdoor Lifestyle

Choosing the right outdoor cushion fabric ensures your investment looks and performs beautifully for years. With Sunbrella’s legendary performance across Grades A–D, the waterproof protection of Sunbrella Rain, and the ultra-luxurious feel of Ultraleather in Grade F, you can create an outdoor retreat that’s as refined as your interior living spaces.

Your patio deserves more than furniture—it deserves a curated extension of your lifestyle. Select fabrics with care, and you’ll enjoy luxury, comfort, and peace of mind every season.