How does acrylic fabric compare to canvas in outdoor sofa fire safety?
When choosing materials for outdoor sofas, fire safety is a critical consideration. Acrylic fabric and canvas are two popular options, but how do they compare in terms of flame resistance?
Acrylic fabric is often treated with flame-retardant chemicals, making it more resistant to ignition and slower to burn compared to untreated canvas. Many high-quality acrylic fabrics meet fire safety standards, such as CAL 117, which tests for flammability in upholstery.
Canvas, on the other hand, is typically made from cotton or linen, which are naturally more flammable. Unless treated with flame retardants, canvas can catch fire more easily and burn faster. However, some manufacturers offer fire-resistant canvas options with added chemical treatments.
For outdoor use, acrylic fabric generally provides better fire safety due to its synthetic composition and inherent resistance to flames. Canvas may require additional treatments to achieve similar safety levels. Always check product labels for fire safety certifications when selecting outdoor sofa materials.
In summary, while both materials can be made fire-resistant, acrylic fabric tends to offer superior flame retardancy out of the box, making it a safer choice for outdoor furniture.