Lateral Arm Awning Fabric Manufacturer Comparison

Part of what we do at RetractableAwnings.com® is research quality manufacturers to find components that combine creative designs with durable, resilient engineering. This is especially true for the fabrics of retractable awnings, which are most susceptible to exposure to UV damage and repetitive motions from opening and closing.

RetractableAwnings.com® offers three different fabric manufacturers for our models of lateral arm awnings:

• Dickson is a French textile manufacturer that focuses on superior quality and minimalist design with bold colors

• Para is an Italian textile design company in business since 1921 known for its outstanding design, quality, vibrant colors, and patterns based on worldwide color research

• Sunbrella is an American textile company that specializes in marine fabrics and has a reputation for preppy styles

All three manufacturers offer outstanding quality for longevity even in extreme weather conditions and a variety of colors and patterns to coordinate with any interior or exterior design. The differences between the manufacturers mainly come down to two areas:

• Finishes, which could make some fabrics more desirable in certain situations

• Certifications, which could be required or beneficial for building code compliance, LEED certification, or other environmental or regulatory requirements

Material

Para, Dickson, and Sunbrella all offer fabric lines in solution-dyed acrylic. Solution-dyed acrylic is resistant to UV radiation and sun damage, as well as chemicals such as bleach. The pigments are included in the acrylic as it is manufactured (rather than dyed as a natural fiber), so the pigment is literally part of the fiber. The acrylic fiber is also inherently fire-resistant and resistant to mold and mildew (though additional treatments can enhance these properties).

Warranty

Para, Dickson, and Sunbrella all offer similar warranties, though the specific terms may differ slightly, so check out the individual manufacturer warranties for details.

• 10-year total warranty

• Complete refund or replacement through 8 years

• 30% discount for replacement at 9 years

• 15% discount on a replacement at 10 years

Finishes

Finishes are treatments or coatings that add protection to the acrylic fabric, apart from what is inherent in the acrylic itself. All manufacturers use slightly different finishes, some patented and unique to the manufacturer itself.

To see the entire comparison scroll left to right and top to bottom

Certifications

Manufacturers achieve certification through third-party laboratory testing or by verifying that they meet certification criteria. This provides assurance of environmental or safety standards.