How to Pick the Right Cushions and Fabric For Your Outdoor Furniture

Posted on March 14, 2022 by Kevin Johnson

When it comes to outdoor furniture, looks aren’t the only thing that matters. After all, you want your seating to be comfortable so you can truly sit back and relax when you’re out on the porch!

As part of creating the ultimate relaxation zone, choosing the right cushions and fabric is an important consideration. Whether you are purchasing separate cushions to go with your current furniture, or buying new pieces that incorporate cushions and fabric as part of the design, the right selection will enhance both the appearance and long-term usability of your furniture.

Here is a closer look at the types of fabric most commonly used for outdoor furniture, as well as what you can do to ensure that your cushions and fabric stand the test of time.

Olefin

Olefin — also known as polypropylene fiber — is a widely used outdoor fabric that is actually a byproduct of refined petroleum. This synthetic material is quite durable and stain resistant, while also being more resistant to fading from ultraviolet light. The material itself is chemically stain resistant, so it doesn’t need to have additional chemicals or antimicrobial products applied.

This material is actually quite environmentally friendly, as it doesn’t require water during manufacturing, and makes use of materials from oil production that would otherwise go to waste.

Olefin fabrics typically use a wax-based, water-repellant finish that keeps the cushions from absorbing moisture. This prevents mildew growth, making olefin much easier to care for than other materials. Olefin also has a high light fastness rating of 2,000 hours or three years — meaning that it should be able to resist UV-related fading for at least that amount of time.

Solution Dyed Acrylic

Solution-dyed acrylic is another common fabric used in outdoor furniture. As The Spruce explains, “With this type of fabric, the dyeing occurs before the yarn is made. Liquid acrylic and color are mixed and formed into fibers. Then the colored fibers are spun into a yarn already permeated with color. The fabric is made to be colorfast after exposure to the elements, along with ordinary wear and tear. Solution-dyed acrylic is usually soft, breathable, water-resistant, and quick-drying.”

Because the fabrics are fully permeated with the color, they are much more resistant to fading than printed acrylic. Printed acrylic generally uses a screen print with dyes that are meant to resist fading and weather damage. However, these dyes are far less durable since they only provide a “surface-level” finish.

While solution-dyed acrylic can provide up to 2,000 hours of lightfastness and has great mildew resistant properties, it typically needs a specialty stain finish to prevent staining from other materials. Oily stains (such as from food products like ketchup and mustard) can be quite hard to get out.

Outdoor Polyester

Outdoor polyester tends to cost less than other outdoor fabrics, but with the trade-off of significantly inferior performance. Polyester generally only has a lightfastness score of 500 hours, and may begin to fade after one year.

Polyester is batch-dyed so that large amounts of the fabric can be produced at once. While this further lowers costs, it also makes the dye less resistant to spills and stains. The materials also have a tendency to pill and fuzz when washed.

As a result, polyester may be a serviceable option if you only plan to have your furniture outside for a few months out of the year. Otherwise, it will likely fade and deteriorate too quickly to be truly worth the effort.

Caring For Outdoor Cushions and Fabric

Regardless of the materials you choose for your outdoor cushions and furniture fabric, you can generally follow the same care guidelines. It is generally best to wipe off any spills or soiling as quickly as possible. Even for materials that are more stain-resistant, the lingering debris can create the perfect conditions for mildew growth, particularly in humid climates.

To remove dirt and other debris, first brush or wipe off as much as you can. Spot clean the affected area with either the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning solution, or a mixture of 1/4 cup bleach-free detergent and 1 gallon of warm water. After applying the cleaning solution to the dirty area, scrub out the stains with a soft towel or sponge. Then, rinse with clean water and dry using a clean towel.

It is generally safer to air-dry outdoor fabric after washing. Some materials, particularly acrylic, can be damaged if dry cleaned or placed in a clothes dryer. Repeat this process as necessary.

Check the tags for the fabric or cushion, just in case the manufacturer has different cleaning recommendations. For example, some manufacturers may recommend cleaning the entire cushion after a set length of time. If the fabric coverings can be removed from the cushions, you may be able to wash them in a washing machine, though they will likely still need to be air dried.

Finally, you can prevent stains and extend the lifespan of outdoor cushions and fabric by using a furniture cover when you won’t be using the furniture. A waterproof cover will protect the fabric from ultraviolet light, dust, water, and other signs of weathering.

Find What You Need With KB Authority

With high-quality outdoor cushions and fabrics, you can have confidence that your outdoor furniture will help you create the perfect gathering place for friends and family. With the right materials and proper care, you can expect your furniture to serve you well for several years to come.

Of course, finding high-quality outdoor furniture at an affordable price can sometimes be a challenge — but not with KB Authority on your side. We offer a wide range of outdoor furniture from quality brands like Crosley, Hanover, and Panama Jack. Many of these pieces are available at significant discounts off MSRP, and many products also feature additional savings for individuals who are part of our membership program.

Whether you need something for a smaller patio or are looking for a full-size conversation set, you’ll find the quality you want at an affordable price through KB Authority.

A New Logo, a Better KB Authority

Posted on March 7, 2022 by Kevin Johnson

If you’ve shopped with KB Authority for a while, you may have noticed a few changes around our website over the past few years. There have been changes to the types of products we offer, and most recently, there’s been the even more visible change to our logo.

This doesn’t mean that the high-quality products you’ve come to expect from us are going to disappear anytime soon. Instead, the new logo is a representation of our journey to becoming the internet’s best full-service supplier of home goods.

A Little History…

KB Authority started in 2004, specializing entirely in kitchen products. Of course, it didn’t take long for us to venture into bath products, leading us to adopt the moniker “Kitchen & Bath Authority.”

We continued with this business model for many years, focusing on the wide variety of products someone might need to put together their dream kitchen or bathroom. A wide selection of bathroom vanities, shower doors, kitchen and bathroom faucets, toilets, water dispensers, and other accessories allowed us to serve the needs of customers across the country.

This specialization helped us become a go-to shop for homeowners and contractors looking to make bathroom and kitchen upgrades, especially as we continued to expand the brands we offered through our store.

Time For a Change

As important as they are, your house is so much more than the kitchen and bathrooms. So, we gradually began a process of branching out into other product categories, to help supply the other items our customers needed to make the most of their home.

This began in 2018, when we started to offer BBQs. In 2019, we then expanded into outdoor patio furniture — the perfect pairing for enjoying a relaxing time on your back porch!

Finally, in 2020, we began to offer everyday home furniture and lighting. This was probably our biggest addition yet. Under our home decor section, you’ll now find everything from tables, beds, and sofas to doors and fireplaces. You’ll even find lighting, clocks, and wall art.

Essentially, our goal was to become a one-stop shop for the entire home — not just for the kitchen and bathroom. While it may have taken a few years to get there, we’re proud of how this journey has played out.

A New Logo For a New Age

Of course, since we are no longer just tied into kitchen and bath products, it didn’t make much sense to continue with the old “Kitchen & Bath Authority” logo. We’re now so much more than that — we’re a true full-service home goods supplier.

To reflect this change, we developed our new “KB+A” logo, along with the tagline “You Dream It. We Ship It.”

This is what we’re all about. So much of a dream home depends on the furniture and decor that help make it truly your own. We want to help make that happen for every part of the house, by offering amazing products from top brands that will help you transform your home inside and out.

As an online retailer, we aim to continue to make this process as easy as possible with a convenient website and fast shipping so that you don’t have to wander from store to store to find what you need to transform your home.

Making Dreams Come True

We’re still KB Authority — the same brand you’ve come to know and trust for top-quality home products at discounted prices. But now, we’re able to help you truly bring your dream home to life like never before.

No matter what your dream home looks like, we can help you make it happen. Our vast inventory is supported by stellar customer service, with live chat available with our in-house experts who know our products and can help you find the perfect fit.

In addition to discounted prices and free shipping on many products, you can continue to save with our membership program. Access to exclusive deals and promotions, expedited order processing, and other perks ensure that this membership is well worth it, no matter how many items you plan to buy.

We may have a new logo, but in many ways, we are still the same company we’ve always been — only now with even more to offer as you work toward creating your dream home.

What You Should Know About Buying Rattan and Wicker Furniture

Posted on February 28, 2022 by Kevin Johnson

When it comes to buying outdoor furniture, homeowners may be understandably confused when they hear the terms “wicker” and “rattan.” While both words are associated with a woven, natural look, these increasingly popular furniture terms aren’t as interchangeable as you might initially think.

By understanding what these terms actually mean and how they can play a role in your outdoor decor, you’ll have a much easier time putting together a desirable look that will serve your family well for many years to come.

What is a Wicker Weave?

First things first, wicker is not a material. Instead, this term is used to describe a particular style of weave. Wicker weaves have been used for baskets and furniture since at least 3,000 B.C., when this design was used in ancient Egypt.

In ancient times, reeds and other swamp grasses were the primary materials used for wicker weaves. This design style spread to Europe during the continents exploratory phase, and then gained another resurgence of popularity in mid-19th century as part of the Arts and Crafts movement in Britain, which had a focus on nature as a source of inspiration and emphasizing the beauty of the materials used in construction.

To create wicker furniture, the same material is often used to form both the support structure and the weave that holds it all together. Strands of material are weaved together to create a rigid frame that can vary in appearance — from a simple cross-stitch-style weave to more elaborate weaves with more twists and interlocking elements.

The materials that are used to make wicker furniture include natural rattan (more on that later), bamboo, willow, and synthetic fibers. The right material can vary based on your local climate and how you plan to use the furniture.

What is Rattan?

Rattan is one of the most popular materials that is used for wicker furniture, which is why rattan and wicker are so often confused to be the same thing. Rattan is a tropical climbing palm with roughly 600 subspecies found in tropical areas of Africa and Southeast Asia.

Multiple parts of rattan are used to make furniture. For wicker weaves, the skin is peeled off from a rattan strand. These peeled strips, also known as cane, can then be woven for use in a variety of products, including a webbing that can be used for chair seats or ornamental accents on other furniture pieces.

The inner core offers greater structural strength for furniture, but it can also be split into thinner strips for the creation of wicker furniture. Larger pieces are generally used to create the frame for the furniture piece. Wider weaves will typically be used for furniture, while smaller rattan weaves can be used for baskets and other items that don’t require as much structural strength. However, many modern furniture items that use rattan will only use rattan for the chair webbing so that materials such as aluminum can be used for the legs and frame.

Rattan’s introduction to Europe played a large role in the explosion of wicker furniture’s popularity. It is lightweight, durable, flexible, and easy to work with, though it does require significant skill to create wicker furniture.

What’s the Difference Between Rattan and Synthetic Wicker?

When shopping for wicker furniture today, you’ll typically find yourself choosing between products that use natural rattan and those that are made from synthetic wicker.

Furniture products that use rattan are often branded as “natural wicker furniture.” Wicker cane is water repellant, and can be easily cleaned with a soft cloth. For more intensive cleaning, simply use a damp washcloth or brush with mild detergent to remove spills or other contaminants.

When the rattan skin is used, you generally don’t have to worry too much about water damage. However, if you purchase a furniture piece that is made completely from natural rattan, you should exercise additional precautions to protect it from moisture and other environmental hazards. The rattan core is quite porous, which makes it vulnerable to water damage. It is also more likely to experience fading from sunlight.

As such, all-rattan pieces should be covered or stored indoors when not in use. Outdoor furniture made from natural rattan should have a weather-resistant coating applied so that it can hold up under outdoor conditions.

Synthetic wicker furniture typically uses high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that has been pressed into a design that imitates the look, strength, and flexibility of natural rattan. This allows the synthetic materials to be woven onto an aluminum frame or foundation in a similar manner to rattan. Synthetic wicker can be designed to look like natural rattan or a variety of artificial colors.

As an artificial material, synthetic wicker is extremely durable and resistant to weather-related fading and deterioration, including both water and UV-related damage. To care for synthetic wicker, use a soft brush and mild detergent to clean it, then rinse the surface with clean water to remove any residue.

While synthetic materials tend to offer better environmental resistance, it is still recommended to use a furniture cover to provide additional protection and prevent the buildup of debris when they won’t be used for an extended period of time. HDPE is considered the best option for synthetic wicker, as it uses the same color of material on both the interior and exterior. Cheaper materials, such as vinyl, are prone to peeling and revealing non-matching interior layers. They also don’t do as good of a job as imitating the appearance of natural rattan.

Find the Outdoor Furniture You Need at Kitchen & Bath Authority

Regardless of which outdoor furniture style you ultimately prefer, you’ll find the perfect match right here at Kitchen & Bath Authority. With a wide selection of synthetic wicker and natural rattan furniture products, it’s easy to find the furniture that best matches your unique preferences, whether you’re looking for a full-size conversation set or smaller patio sets.

With discounted prices on a wide range of products, additional deals available through our exclusive membership program, free shipping, and live chat support for your online shopping, it’s never been easier to find the right furniture to turn your backyard into a true oasis.

How to Choose the Perfect Patio Furniture For Your Home

Posted on February 21, 2022 by Kevin Johnson

These days, your home is so much more than just the interior rooms. Your outdoor spaces such as the backyard and patio can also provide the perfect setting for fun and relaxation. Whether you plan on having friends over for dinner parties or simply want a place where you can hang out with the kids, the right patio furniture can go a long way in helping you turn your outdoor space into the perfect retreat.

Of course, with so many great patio furniture and outdoor decor options to choose from, it can be difficult to know exactly what will work best for your property and its needs.

No matter what your space looks like, following these guidelines will help you choose furniture that helps complete your space.

1. Consider How You Will Use the Space

The way you plan to use your outdoor areas should help you prioritize which patio furniture and other decor options to purchase for your home. For example, if you plan on using your patio for barbecues, you’ll naturally want to consider where you will place your grill in comparison to the rest of your furniture. You’ll want to give the chef plenty of space to work with, while also ensuring that it’s not a long trek from the grill to the dining table!

Depending on your lifestyle, your actual outdoor furniture needs could vary widely. If you are going to use your patio to host your child’s birthday parties, you’ll need a large table and plenty of seating. On the other hand, if you want to transform your backyard into a private reading nook, you’ll want to complete the space with comfortable seating and a fire pit instead.

2. Measure It Out

Similar to getting furniture or decor for indoor spaces, it’s always a good idea to measure your outdoor space before you buy any patio furniture. The last thing you need is to buy a large sofa or conversation set that you don’t actually have room for. You should also consider the layout of your area — there’s a big difference between which furniture pieces are suitable for a narrow balcony as opposed to a wider patio.

Furniture sellers list the dimensions of their pieces online, so it is easy to compare these measurements to those of your outdoor space. Of course, you shouldn’t just focus on the furniture dimensions. You’ll need to leave adequate space around your patio furniture so people can walk without tripping. Generally speaking, you should leave a few feet between different furniture pieces.

3. Remember the Environment

While looks are certainly important, you also need to consider how local weather conditions could affect your patio furniture. Most households aren’t able to use their outdoor space for all four seasons — and some materials aren’t going to be well suited for your local climate. For example, if you have an uncovered porch in an area that receives frequent rainfall, you should probably avoid furniture made from soft wood, which could be prone to rotting. Strong winds could blow away aluminum, while heavier pieces would stay firmly in place.

On the other hand, constant sun exposure could fade fabrics and wicker sets (particularly in hot, dry areas). While outdoor furniture is typically designed to be more durable than indoor sets, opt for weather-resistant materials such as all-weather wicker, metal, or cedar. For fabric pieces, always choose fade- and mildew-resistant furniture.

4. Be Mindful of Storage and Maintenance Needs

Your patio furniture should be a source of relaxation and comfort — not work! Needless to say, you’ll find your outdoor space to be much more relaxing if you don’t have to spend hours cleaning and caring for your furniture. Choosing furniture that is properly suited for your local environment means you likely won’t have to worry about too much other than occasionally wiping the surface clean of dust and pollen.

Part of caring for your patio furniture involves storing it during the off-season. If you have space available, make room in your garage or a storage shed to protect your patio furniture and decor from the elements when the weather is going to be particularly harsh. If you don’t have enough storage space, try to at least make room for storing fabric cushions. Folding, stackable, or easily disassembled furniture pieces may also be easier to store. Otherwise, you may need to invest in extra furniture covers to protect them during the off-season.

5. Match the Rest of Your Space

By keeping the previously mentioned tips in mind, you’ll likely have narrowed down your patio furniture options based on factors like size and material. The good news is that regardless of these factors, you will still have plenty of style options to choose from as you design your outdoor space.

When it comes to color and other stylistic preferences, consider how a particular patio furniture piece would complement the rest of your home. Ideally, the patio furniture should be a good match for your landscaping, and the rest of the house in general. For example, if you have modern and contemporary furniture inside the home, choosing similarly designed pieces for your outdoor space will help your property feel like one cohesive whole, both inside and out. Bold colors can help draw attention to patio furniture pieces that you want to serve as a focal point.

On the other hand, more traditional designs with muted, natural colors can help you create a more natural looking space that will blend well with ample plant life.

Find the Perfect Patio Furniture at Kitchen & Bath Authority

If you’re ready to spruce up your outdoor space, make Kitchen & Bath Authority your first stop! With a wide selection of patio furniture and outdoor decor, we have everything you need to transform your patio. Our stunning range of products makes it easy for you to find your preferred style, no matter what your space might look like.

With many products available for significant discounts off of MSRP and exclusive deals and promotions for those who sign up for our membership program, there are many ways to save as you redecorate your space.

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