900D Polyester: Our Outdoor Cover Fabric Explained
Handmade outdoor furniture covers. 5-year guarantee. Free shipping.
The fabric decides whether an outdoor furniture cover lasts one season or five. Every URBAN TAILOR.® cover is cut from the same material: 900D polyester with a PU coating, finished by hand in our own atelier. This page explains what that means and why we chose it.
What is 900D polyester?
The D stands for denier, a measure of the thickness of the yarn. Most budget covers are woven from 210D or 420D polyester or from thin polyethylene tarpaulin. 900D polyester uses a yarn more than twice as heavy, which makes the fabric denser, stiffer and far more resistant to tearing, abrasion and UV. It is the same class of fabric used for premium luggage and professional outdoor gear.
Why a PU coating and not a PVC layer?
On the inside of the fabric we apply a polyurethane (PU) coating. It makes the weave water-repellent without sealing it completely, so water runs off the outside while moisture from underneath can still escape. PVC-laminated covers are cheaper and fully waterproof, but they trap warm, damp air and cause condensation, mildew and white mould on cushions and frames. A breathable PU-coated fabric keeps furniture dry from both sides.
Water-repellent, not 100% waterproof
We deliberately do not sell our covers as 100% waterproof. Rain, snow and dew bead up and run off the fabric, and the seams are sewn tightly, but the fabric is designed to breathe. Combined with built-in ventilation that is what keeps your set fresh during a long, wet winter. Read more in our article The Waterproof Cover Myth.
UV-stable and colour-fast
Sun is harder on a cover than rain. The yarn is dyed through before weaving and the fabric is UV-stabilised, so the colours Royal Sand and Sterling Silver keep their tone and the fabric does not go brittle in summer.
Details that make the difference
- Hand-finished seams: every cover is cut and stitched by hand in our atelier.
- Ventilation: built-in ventilation lets moisture escape from under the cover.
- Leather carry handle and Signature Case: every cover is delivered in its own luxury box with a storage bag, so it is easy to store when the furniture is in use.
Frequently asked questions about the material
How long does a 900D cover last?
With normal use, five years and longer. That is why we back every cover with a 5-year guarantee: 2 years as standard, extended to 5 years when you register your cover within 30 days.
Is the fabric heavy?
Heavier than a budget cover, but still easy to handle. A dining set cover of 240 x 150 cm weighs roughly the same as a winter coat. The extra weight is exactly what keeps it in place in the wind.
Can the cover stay on all year?
Yes. The fabric is made for year-round use, from summer showers to winter frost. Only in very heavy snow we recommend brushing the snow off so the weight does not press the cover onto the furniture.
How do I clean 900D polyester?
Rinse with lukewarm water and a soft brush. Do not use a pressure washer, machine wash or aggressive detergents; these damage the PU coating. See our care guide.