Are you shopping for outdoor awning or blind fabric? If you’ve started your search for the ultimate fabric for these outdoor applications, then you’ve come to the right place.
Selecting the correct fabric to protect you and your home from the elements and that ticks all the boxes aesthetically is no easy task. As a leading fabric supplier, we know first-hand how difficult a choice it can be – and that's why we’re stepping in to help!
In this blog, we’ll show you the best types of fabric on the market today for outdoor blind and awning applications. By the end of this post, you'll know exactly which material will suit your space and last over the long term, saving you the hassle of shopping again any time soon and saving you money!
Choosing Fabric for Outdoor Blinds and Awnings: Where to Start?
When it comes to the weather, we certainly like to mix things up in Australia - and nothing ever happens in half measures either, rain or shine. Our sun is among the strongest globally, and when it rains it throws it down by the shed-full! Even our winds can prove treacherous when they choose to.
Meet the perfect outdoor blind and awning fabric range for Australia’s climate: Outlook Mesh.
Outlook Mesh is a high-quality, durable fabric popular in residential and commercial outdoor applications. Manufactured by American solar control fabric specialists Phifer Incorporated, the Outlook Mesh collection comprises five ranges perfect for our weather conditions here in Australia.
All products in the Outlook range are designed to protect against Australia’s harmful UV rays, wind and rain without compromising the cool breezes and surrounding views. With treatments including UV stabilisation, fire retardancy, Microban fabric protection, and a Greenguard Gold certification, this mesh has all the essential features to help create an incredible customer experience. It's also one of the most sustainable fabrics on the market!
Sounds perfect, right? We think so, as do many of our customers – and here’s why!
The Technology Behind Outlook Mesh
There are so many features to like about Outlook Mesh fabric for outdoor applications.
15-Year Warranty
Together, these features make Outlook Mesh one of the cleanest, most durable mesh-type fabrics on the Australian market. Using it for your blinds and awnings means extended hours with friends, family or customers in your outdoor space AND minimising your carbon footprint.
Dow Ecolibrium
Four of the five Outlook Mesh products are manufactured using Dow Ecolibrium, an advanced technology that uses bio-based plasticisers to reduce the negative environmental impact. This sustainable formulation of plasticisers is made from 98% renewable feedstock, which is phthalate-free and plant-based in composition. For every ten square meters of Outlook mesh made, one litre of petroleum is saved in manufacturing.
UV stabilisation
This is a common yet critical component for any outdoor fabric bound for the Australian market. UV stabilisation allows the fabric to withstand the sun and its harmful rays, preventing exposure to UV radiation while helping prevent fast and unsightly fading.
Fire retardancy
Another crucial factor in any textile is its ability to withstand fire. Outlook Mesh fabrics have chemicals added during their manufacture to prevent or delay the spread of fire.
Microban antimicrobial treatment
Microban is a world-renowned brand of treatment that prevents bacterial and fungal build-up. Outlook Mesh manufacturers partner with this brand and use this protection on all their products to minimise damage caused by fungus and extend the product’s lifespan.
Greenguard® Gold
This certification is awarded to products that meet comprehensive standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or airborne chemicals. It means no high levels of harmful chemicals are released into the air during the fabric's use.
What are the Differences Between the Outlook Mesh Ranges?
While all five fabrics in the Outlook Mesh collection are ideal for making external blinds and awnings, each has different key features and benefits essential for choosing the right fabric for your project.
Outlook Privacy | 1% openness, 99% shade cover
Outlook Privacy mesh blocks and reflects up to 99% of solar energy, while still allowing uninterrupted views. It is ideal for applications where privacy is required and, like Outlook Mode, is fire retardant and printable. Available in 12 colourways and 320cm roll widths.
Outlook Mode | 5% openness, 95% shade cover
Outlook Mode fabric is the original range that launched this mesh collection into the Australian market over 20 years ago. It will block and reflect up to 95% solar energy and has a 5% openness that allows cool breezes to flow through. This mesh is fire retardant which indicates the range has undergone rigorous fire testing and has been certified safe to be used in commercial and residential properties. Available in 28 colourways with seven inspired by COLORBOND®, a variety of roll widths and the ability to be printed on using Solvent and UV inks.
Outlook Textures | 5% openness, 95% shade cover
The Outlook Textures range is the most like Outlook Mode. Its only technical difference is the incorporation of bi-coloured yarn into the base of the textile adding a two-tone look, which creates a more aesthetically pleasing product. Available in eight colourways, and 320cm roll widths.
Outlook Designs | 12% openness, 88% shade cover
Outlook Designs explores a range of colour combinations selected to produce a striped look. Although they are not fire retardant, these 12 mesh fabrics are still a popular choice for people wanting to bring energy to a structure with a timeless design aesthetic.
Outlook Zero
Outlook Zero is a mesh that produces a complete visual block out. This range is the only one not manufactured using Dow Ecolibrium™ as it is designed to create complete privacy while allowing airflow and the ultimate sun protection. This fabric has printing capabilities and is available in 6 colourways, with COLOURBOND® options available.
Explore Outlook Mesh
Choosing the Best Outlook Mesh Fabric for Outdoors
Australians are lucky to enjoy mild weather and alfresco living all year round, but unpredictable winds, strong sun, and rain can put a real damper on outdoor plans.
That’s why Rickys believe you need a quality structured thick mesh-like Outlook Mode for outdoor blinds and awnings.
Outlook Mode: The Best in Australia
It’s difficult to look past Outlook Mode fabric for Australian outdoor applications when you consider its technical features and benefits:
- Blocking harsh wind and rain
- Easy to maintain and keep clean
- Made using renewable, plant-based Dow Ecolibrium
- Fire retardant, lead free, and Greenguard Gold certified
- 67 colour options (including four Colourbond)
- Full 15-year warranty
Best for outdoor awnings
Every patio in Australia needs an awning, period. At Rickys, we think your next awning should be made from Outlook Mode fabric, and here are our top three reasons why:
Incredible durability
Over the years, despite constant exposure to the blazing sun, Outlook Mode maintains its colour and structural integrity. This means more than comfortable shade for the people beneath it; it means an awning that lasts for many seasons without the need for replacement or repairs.
More than sun protection
With plenty of salty air surrounding many Australian homes - not to mention our downpours – it's a challenge to maintain outdoor furnishings. Outlook Mode fabric for awnings repels water and resists mildew, meaning no unsightly stains and odours.
Aesthetic appeal
Everybody wants their home or business to look good. Outlook Mode is a high-quality fabric that looks great, whatever colour you choose. From bolds to neutrals, you’ll find the perfect shade for your overhead sunshade in the Mode range.
Best for straight drop blinds
Straight drop blinds are perfect for your alfresco entertaining space or for enclosing a balcony. When made using Ricky Richards Outlook Mode fabric, we think you’ll love our top three benefits:
Extended summers
Straight drop blinds can give you extra entertaining space all year round. Richards Mode Privacy has a 99% shade factor, which means you will be well protected from the wind and rain.
A perfect outside view
Due to its unique weave, Mode Privacy mesh fabric allows you to see out without allowing the neighbours to see in! This ensures an uninterrupted view while you feel ultimately private and safe in your space.
Better for the environment
Mode Privacy is lead and phthalate free and uses Dow Equilibrium in its plasticiser formulation. This means it’s a more sustainable option than many other products. Click to download the datasheet.
Explore Outlook Mode
Talk to the fabric experts at Ricky Richards
Whether you need an outdoor awning to make patio entertaining more comfortable or drop blinds to block out the sunlight, we’ve got you covered.
For Outlook fabric for blinds and awnings, give the team at Ricky Richards a call. We’re all about materials and textiles, serving Australian businesses and consumers for decades. Drop us a line today and tell us more about your requirements.