Sunnova is a solution-dyed acrylic outdoor fabric that delivers genuine high-performance outdoor characteristics — strong UV resistance, excellent mildew and stain resistance, and a soft, upholstery-quality hand feel — at a more accessible price point than market-leading premium acrylics.
For the majority of residential outdoor furniture projects, the performance gap between Sunnova and the most expensive outdoor acrylics is narrow enough that Sunnova represents the more considered specification. It is not a compromise material — it is an acrylic fabric that performs well across the criteria that matter for outdoor use, priced appropriately for its tier.
We specify Sunnova where the full premium of top-tier outdoor acrylic is not justified by the conditions: covered terraces, semi-shaded gardens, or projects where the client wants quality outdoor fabric without the premium price. In direct full-sun and coastal environments, we continue to recommend stepping up to Sunbrella — but for most residential outdoor applications, Sunnova is the right call.
How Sunnova Is Made
Sunnova uses the same foundational technology as premium outdoor acrylics: it is a solution-dyed fabric, meaning the pigment is introduced to the acrylic polymer at the liquid stage before extrusion into fibre. The colour runs through the full cross-section of every strand rather than sitting on the surface — this is the key property that gives solution-dyed acrylics their outdoor performance advantage over surface-dyed alternatives.
Because the colour is integral to the fibre, UV degradation acts on the surface of each strand while the colour below remains consistent. Fading occurs significantly more slowly than in any surface-dyed fabric. The acrylic polymer itself also has inherent UV stability that synthetic alternatives like olefin cannot fully replicate, even with UV stabiliser additives.
Sunnova yarn is woven into upholstery-weight fabric constructions and finished with a fluorocarbon treatment for water and stain repellency. The hand feel is genuinely soft — closer to an indoor upholstery fabric than the stiffer feel associated with budget outdoor materials.
Sunnova vs Sunbrella: The Practical Difference
Both fabrics are solution-dyed acrylics with similar construction principles. Sunbrella invests more heavily in raw material quality, weave density, and UV testing certification — which is why it commands a premium and outperforms in the most extreme conditions. For most residential outdoor applications outside of full coastal or unshaded rooftop exposure, the practical performance difference between the two is modest and Sunnova represents the better value specification.
Sunnova Collections & Types
Sunnova is available in several fabric weights and finishes suited to different outdoor upholstery applications.
Sunnova Upholstery
The core outdoor upholstery weight. Good thread density, soft hand feel, available in a solid and textured colour range. Suitable for cushions, seating, and general outdoor upholstery in sheltered to moderate sun exposure.
Sunnova Textured Weaves
A range of woven texture variants — subtle basket weaves, twill structures, and heathered blends — that give the fabric visual interest beyond a plain solid. These perform identically to the standard upholstery weight but add design character to the specification.
Sunnova Contract
A heavier-duty variant with increased abrasion resistance for high-traffic applications — hospitality terraces, shared outdoor spaces, and rental furniture. Retains the same colour construction and outdoor performance properties as the residential range.
Sunnova Indoor-Outdoor
A lighter-weight crossover fabric for covered outdoor spaces and transitional areas. Softer handle and a broader decorative colour palette. Not intended for direct sun exposure but performs well in covered terraces, pergolas, and loggias.
Look, Feel & Design Character
Sunnova reads and handles as a quality upholstery fabric. The hand feel is soft without being limp — it has enough body for outdoor cushion applications while remaining comfortable against skin. The surface texture is clean and consistent, presenting well across solid colours and subtle weave patterns.
Colour depth is genuine rather than superficial. The solution-dyeing process gives Sunnova's colours a consistency and richness that holds well over the first few years of outdoor use. It does not match the long-term colour saturation retention of Sunbrella under sustained direct sun, but in typical residential conditions — some shade, seasonal use, winter storage — the visual difference is minimal and the colour performance is fully adequate for a quality specification.
For most residential outdoor furniture, Sunnova delivers exactly what is needed — acrylic quality, honest colour, a soft feel — at a price that makes sense.
The colour range covers the core outdoor palette — neutrals, warm naturals, mid-tones, and a selection of deeper saturated shades. It is not as broad as Sunbrella's full collection, but covers the specifications that matter for most residential and hospitality outdoor briefs.
Outdoor Fabrics Compared
How Sunnova sits relative to Sunbrella acrylic and olefin across the criteria that matter most for outdoor specification.
| Fabric | UV Resistance | Water Resist. | Mildew Resist. | Aesthetics | Price Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunbrella Acrylic | Exceptional | Very Good | Exceptional | Excellent | Premium |
| Sunnova Acrylic | Very Good | Very Good | Very Good | Good | Mid-range |
| Olefin | Good | Exceptional | Exceptional | Good | Affordable |
Pros & Cons for Outdoor Upholstery
Advantages
- Solution-dyed acrylic — genuine UV and fade resistance
- Strong performance for the price point
- Soft, quality hand feel comparable to premium acrylics
- Very good mildew and stain resistance
- Fluorocarbon finish for water repellency
- Good colour range for residential specifications
- Right specification for most covered and semi-shaded outdoor use
Considerations
- UV performance below Sunbrella in sustained direct sun
- Narrower colour and pattern range than premium acrylics
- Not recommended for coastal or full-exposure marine environments
- Water resistance finish requires periodic re-treatment
Where Sunnova Works Best
Covered & Semi-Shaded Outdoor Spaces
Pergolas, covered terraces, loggia seating, and furniture that spends part of the day in shade. These are the conditions where Sunnova performs at its best and where the UV performance gap between it and premium acrylics is least significant. An excellent specification for these environments at a meaningful cost saving.
Residential Outdoor Furniture — Moderate Exposure
Garden furniture in temperate climates with seasonal use patterns, winter storage, and moderate sun exposure. The lifespan and appearance retention of Sunnova in these conditions is strong — clients who cover or store furniture over winter and are not in extreme UV zones will see results comparable to more expensive alternatives.
Hospitality & Contract — Controlled Environments
Hotel terraces and restaurant outdoor seating with regular maintenance, professional cleaning, and fabric re-treatment schedules. In managed environments where the fluorocarbon finish is maintained and furniture is not in sustained direct sun, Sunnova's contract weight delivers the durability needed at a price point that makes sense for multi-piece orders.
Whole-Project Outdoor Schemes
Larger residential or hospitality projects where outdoor fabric is specified across many pieces and budget is a genuine consideration alongside quality. Sunnova enables a consistent quality specification across a full outdoor scheme without the premium of top-tier acrylic on every piece — particularly valuable where some pieces are in less demanding positions.
How to Care for Sunnova Upholstery
Sunnova's care requirements are identical to those of any quality solution-dyed acrylic outdoor fabric. The fluorocarbon finish handles everyday repellency and the acrylic construction resists mildew and general soiling well in normal use.
| Routine cleaning | Brush off loose dirt and rinse with water. A mild soap solution applied with a soft brush handles everyday soiling effectively. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue and allow to air dry fully before use or storage. |
| Stain removal | Most stains respond to soap and water. For oil, sunscreen, or food stains, a diluted solution of rubbing alcohol or a specialist outdoor fabric cleaner blotted with a soft cloth is effective. Do not rub. Test in an inconspicuous area first. |
| Mould & mildew | A diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach : 4 parts water) with a small amount of mild soap applied with a soft brush and left for 15 minutes before rinsing. The solution-dyed construction means bleach will not remove colour. Rinse very thoroughly and air dry completely before storage. |
| Re-treating water repellency | The fluorocarbon finish diminishes over time and with cleaning. When water no longer beads on the surface, apply a spray-on fluorocarbon re-treatment product (such as 303 Fabric Guard) after cleaning. This restores the water-repellency performance and is recommended at least once per season for outdoor furniture in active use. |
| Machine washing | Removable cushion covers can be machine washed cold on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. No fabric softener. Air dry only — heat damages the fluorocarbon finish and can cause shrinkage. Re-treat with fabric guard after washing. |
| Winter storage | Clean and dry thoroughly before storing. Store in a dry, ventilated space. Winter storage significantly extends the lifespan of the fluorocarbon finish and reduces UV accumulation — for Sunnova in particular, good storage discipline meaningfully extends the fabric's effective outdoor lifespan. |
Is Sunnova Right for Your Project?
Choose Sunnova if…
Your outdoor furniture is in a covered, semi-shaded, or moderate sun position, you are working to a considered budget without wanting to sacrifice genuine acrylic quality, or the project involves multiple pieces where a premium acrylic across every item is not warranted. Sunnova is the right call for most residential outdoor furniture that is not in extreme conditions.
Choose Sunbrella if…
The furniture will be in full unshaded sun, in a coastal or marine environment, or on a project where the client is investing at a level where the best available specification is appropriate regardless of price. Sunbrella's performance advantage is real and meaningful in those specific conditions.
Choose olefin if…
Maximum water and stain resistance is the primary requirement, budget is the overriding consideration, or the furniture will be in conditions where UV performance is not the key concern — fully covered spaces, very seasonal use, or pieces that will be stored for most of the year.