Outdoor Cover Fabric Types Explained
Choosing the right fabric is one of the most important decisions when ordering a custom outdoor cover. Fabric choice affects how long the cover lasts, how it performs in harsh weather, and how well it protects what’s underneath.
At Kuvr.co, we work with two specialist outdoor fabrics that we trust for long-term protection. We also want to be clear about a third fabric type that we deliberately do not use for outdoor covers, despite it being commonly used in many outdoor cover products.
This guide explains the differences so you can make an informed choice.
Outdoor Covers Fabric Range Overview Video
The Fabrics We Use
We manufacture our custom outdoor covers using two purpose-built materials:
- NylonSafe®
- PVCArmour®
Both are designed for sustained outdoor exposure and are selected based on real-world performance rather than marketing claims. We’ve tested and worked with a wide range of materials over the years, and these are the fabrics we trust to protect outdoor furniture and equipment over the long term.
How The Fabrics Compare
The table below compares our two fabrics NylonSafe and PVC Armour compared with lighter polyester fabrics, often referred to as Oxford fabric, commonly used low cost off-the-shelf covers.
|
|
NylonSafe® | PVC Armour® | Oxford (polyester) commonly used for outdoor covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical use | Home & light commercial | High-exposure & commercial | Low cost garden furniture covers |
| Weight | 380gsm (12oz) | 550gsm (18oz) | 120–180gsm (4–6oz) |
| Denier | 420D | 1000D (equivalent to) | 150–300D |
| Warranty | 3 years (5 years with Kuvr+) | 5 years (10 years with Kuvr+) | Varies |
| Weather rating | Intense | Extreme | Light |
| Waterproof rating | 100% waterproof | 100% waterproof | Shower proof |
| UV resistance | Moderate | Excellent | Low |
| Fade resistance | Moderate | Excellent | Low |
| Wind resistance | Very good | Excellent | Low |
| Overall durability | Very good | Excellent | Low |
| HydroLok sealed seams | Yes | Yes | No |
| Indoor & outdoor use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Custom printing | Yes | Yes | No |
| Tie down options | Drawstring, elasticated corners, grommet eyelets, snap buckles, snap buckles + elasticated corners | Drawstring, elasticated corners, grommet eyelets, snap buckles, snap buckles + elasticated corners | Drawstring |
You can access a comprehensive data sheet in the downloads section below.
NylonSafe®
NylonSafe® is our go-to performance fabric for most residential and light commercial applications.
It is a 420 denier nylon fabric weighing approximately 380gsm (around 12 oz). This weight and construction allow it to handle wind, rain, snow, and ice comfortably, while also offering good UV resistance.
The outer surface has a durable, canvas-like feel. The underside is fully backed with waterproof PVC, and all seams are stitched and then sealed internally using our own HydroLok® seam sealing technology. This process prevents water from entering through stitch lines, which is a common failure point in lower-quality covers.
NylonSafe® is a versatile, all-round fabric suited to gardens, patios, and everyday outdoor use where durability and ease of handling are both important.
PVCArmour®
PVCArmour® is designed for high exposure environments and heavy-duty use.
It is equivalent to approximately 1,000 denier and weighs around 550gsm (about 18oz). This increased weight provides additional resistance to abrasion, wind stress, and prolonged weather exposure with very high UV resistance.
Like NylonSafe®, PVCArmour® uses HydroLok® seam sealing technology and is fully waterproof. It is typically chosen for covers that will remain outdoors year-round, or for applications where conditions are more demanding, such as exposed gardens or commercial settings.
FAQ Quick Answers
Q: What colours are available for these fabrics?
A: NylonSafe and PVCArmour fabrics are available in a selection of colours and finishes suited to outdoor environments. You can see all current colour options via our Fabric Colours help article.
Q: Are these fabrics UV resistant?
A: Yes. Both NylonSafe and PVCArmour are engineered to resist ultraviolet degradation. This helps protect the cover and the item beneath it in prolonged sun exposure. NylonSafe has a moderate UV rating and PVCArmour has a very high UV rating.
Q: Is these fabrics fade-proof?
A: Most outdoor fabrics will fade eventually with intense sun exposure over many years. However, NylonSafe and PVCArmour are designed to retain colour far longer than typical off-the-shelf polyester fabrics. NylonSafe has a moderate fade resistance rating and PVCArmour has a high fade resistance rating.
Q: Can I order sample swatches before choosing my fabric?
A: Yes absolutely, we offer sample swatches so you can feel the texture, weight, and quality before you place an order. Visit our samples.kuvr.co to order your free sample book today.
Q: What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
A: Waterproof means the fabric and seams prevent water penetration under almost all conditions. Water-resistant means the fabric resists water entry but may allow moisture through under prolonged contact or pressure.
Both NylonSafe and PVCArmour are fully waterproof thanks to our Hydrolok seam technology. By contrast, Oxford-style polyester fabrics, often used in budget outdoor covers, are typically only water-resistant (shower proof).
Q: Are the fabrics breathable?
A: NylonSafe and PVCArmour are not breathable fabrics. Rather than relying on fabric permeability, our covers use integrated air vents to promote airflow, helping moisture escape and reducing the likelihood of condensation forming beneath the cover. This is a deliberate design choice which we discuss in more detail here.
Downloads
You can download PDF and JPG data sheets for our outdoor cover fabrics via the links below: