Last updated May 2026
Sunbrella vs Phifertex for Patio Slings
Sunbrella and Phifertex are the two outdoor sling fabrics that dominate the U.S. patio replacement market. They are made differently, hold up differently, and are priced differently. This page lays out the side-by-side facts so you can pick the right one for your chair.
The short answer
Pick Sunbrella if you want softer hand, more pattern variety, and a longer fade warranty. Best for shaded patios, dining chairs, and lounge chairs in residential use.
Pick Phifertex if your chair gets wet, heavy use, or full sun. Best for poolside chaises, commercial settings, coastal homes, and any chair that needs to dry quickly.
Side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | Sunbrella | Phifertex |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Glen Raven, Inc. (USA) | Phifer, Inc. (USA) |
| Construction | Solution-dyed acrylic, woven | Vinyl-coated polyester, woven mesh |
| Hand feel | Softer, fabric-like | Firmer, slightly textured |
| Dries after rain | Slower (holds moisture) | Faster (water passes through mesh) |
| Fade warranty | 5 years | 3 years |
| Cleaning | Machine-washable cold, gentle | Brush + mild soap + water only |
| Pattern variety | Florals, jacquards, stripes, solids | Mostly solids and textures |
| Best for | Residential, shaded patios, dining | Pools, commercial, full sun, coastal |
| Casual Slings stock | 49 patterns | 162 patterns |
| Price range | $30-35 / yard | $25-32 / yard |
When Sunbrella is the better choice
- You want a softer, more upholstered feel on dining or lounge chairs.
- You want florals, jacquards, or other detailed patterns — Sunbrella has more visual variety.
- Your chairs sit on a shaded patio or under a covered porch.
- Long-term UV protection matters more than fast drying.
- You plan to machine-wash slings periodically.
When Phifertex is the better choice
- The chair is poolside, near sprinklers, or in a coastal/humid climate.
- Heavy use — commercial setting, restaurant patio, hotel deck, kids and pets.
- You need fast drying so chairs are usable shortly after rain.
- You prefer a more matte, contemporary look in solid colors.
- You want a slightly lower per-yard cost.
Frequently asked questions
Which lasts longer on a patio sling — Sunbrella or Phifertex?
Both fabrics are engineered for full-sun outdoor use. Sunbrella carries a 5-year fade warranty from Glen Raven; Phifertex carries a 3-year warranty from Phifer. In abrasive use (high traffic, swimsuits, sand), Phifertex tends to outlast Sunbrella because the vinyl mesh resists wear better. In low-traffic residential use with quality care, Sunbrella often outlasts Phifertex because the solution-dyed acrylic resists UV fade better.
Which dries faster after rain — Sunbrella or Phifertex?
Phifertex dries faster. It is a vinyl-coated polyester mesh, so water passes through the weave rather than soaking in. Sunbrella is solution-dyed acrylic — water-resistant but not mesh, so it holds more moisture. For poolside chairs, chaises near sprinklers, or coastal use, Phifertex is the more practical choice.
Which feels softer to sit on?
Sunbrella has a softer hand. It is woven from acrylic yarn that feels closer to a fabric upholstery. Phifertex is firmer and slightly textured because of the vinyl coating. For dining chairs and lounge chairs where you want a softer feel, Sunbrella is preferred. For pool decks, commercial spaces, or chairs that get heavy use, Phifertex is preferred.
Which has more color and pattern variety?
Sunbrella has a wider range of patterns and prints (florals, jacquards, stripes), while Phifertex tends to be more solid and textured. Casual Slings stocks 49 Sunbrella patterns and 162 Phifertex patterns — the Phifertex catalog has more sheer count overall, but Sunbrella has more visual variety per square foot.
Are both fabrics machine-washable?
Sunbrella is machine-washable on cold, gentle cycle, air dry. Phifertex is not — it should be cleaned with a soft brush, mild soap, and water. Direct heat (dryer, bleach) damages the vinyl coating on Phifertex.
Which is better for my Brown Jordan / Tropitone / Woodard chair?
Both work on rail-channel chairs. Brown Jordan and Tropitone originally shipped with Sunbrella on residential chairs and Phifertex on poolside or commercial chairs. If you are matching the original look, check what the manufacturer used. Otherwise: Sunbrella for shaded patios and visual variety, Phifertex for sun-baked decks, pool areas, and high-traffic use.
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