What’s the difference between waterproof and water-resistant garden furniture?

If you're looking for outdoor garden furniture that handles the British weather without fuss, you've likely come across both waterproof and water-resistant options. They sound similar, but react differently. 

Here’s why waterproof fabric isn't actually the better choice, what water-resistant really means, and how Armadillo Sun's marine-grade fabric solves the soggy-cushion problem for good.

Garden furniture that you don’t stick to

Waterproof and water-resistant garden furniture may look similar, but they feel very different when you sit on them.

Waterproof outdoor fabric uses a plastic coating to physically block water. It works, but that same coating also blocks airflow, which is why you end up peeling yourself off the cushion on a warm, hot-and-sticky day.

Water-resistant fabric (also called weatherproof fabric) takes a different approach. It sheds rain from the surface while still allowing air to circulate, keeping you comfortable in the sun and your furniture dry after a shower.

At Armadillo Sun, all our bean bag garden furniture - from bean bag chairs to outdoor sofa sets and scatter cushions - is made from a breathable, water-resistant fabric originally developed for the marine industry. 

It's what allows our furniture to stay outside year-round without the soggy-cushion (or sticky-bottom!) problem.

Armadillo Sun garden sofas and outdoor cushions are handmade in water-repellent outdoor fabric. Water, rain, and any liquid spills will bead on the surface and run off the furniture without making it soggy or leaving a stain.

Why bean bags are a great choice for your water-resistant garden furniture

All Armadillo Sun outdoor bean bag furniture is filled with the highest-quality polystyrene beans. They don’t absorb any water – we’ve even been able to use them to create a floating pillow for the pool!

During a downpour, water will run straight through our sofas, evaporating quickly when the sun comes out, and eliminating soggy patches where mould and other nasties proliferate.

No more rushing to gather up the garden sofa cushions on the first sighting of a grey cloud - this is cushioned garden furniture you can leave outside in the rain and overnight!

Image: Armadillo Sun modular garden sofa sets, garden ottomans, and weatherproof pouffes, are made from marine-standard water-repellent fabric and filled with premium non-absorbent beans. This is garden furniture that can stay outside overnight and in the rain!

For our scatter cushions and the outdoor furniture cushion pads we offer as part of our made-to-measure service, we use premium honeycomb foam. The structure of this cushion foam also encourages water to drain through it rather than be absorbed, keeping your cushion from turning into a heavy, soggy sponge.

Image: Armadillo Sun made-to-measure cushions for outdoor furniture are handmade with premium honeycomb foam and luxury water-repellent fabric to stand the test of the weather, both sun and rain.

Garden furniture and cushions that can stay outside all year

Both the outer water-resistant fabric and the premium non-absorbent inner material mean our outdoor furniture and garden cushions dry quickly and thoroughly. So you get to make the most of every break in the clouds!

Our fabric is made from acrylic threads, dyed during production, and then woven like ordinary cloth. As a result, the colours don’t fade like printed acrylic. It is a soft material with a light cotton-like feel – and can be enjoyed as much indoors as out.

All our furniture, from bean bag chairs to garden sofa sets to outdoor scatter cushions, is made from the same unique fabric. It's breathable, comfortable to sit on, and, after a downpour, will dry quicker than it takes to get the BBQ fired up.

Time to stop running your patio furniture cushions in and out of the shed!

Choose the fuss-free option and leave your garden furniture and cushions outside in all weathers.

Armadillo Sun designs and makes lightweight, water-resistant bean bag furniture that you can leave out all year. Each piece is lovingly created to order in our Kent workshop. Explore the full range of weatherproof bean bag furniture and find your perfect outdoor piece.