Fabrics
Not all shade is created equal. It begins with the fabric, and that’s why Frankford uses premium 9 oz. marine-grade acrylic manufactured with rigorous quality-control and performance standards. Enhanced with an advanced Infinity Process finish for superior waterproofing and long-term durability, our fabrics resist mold, mildew, sagging, and stretching — holding their shape and color season after season.
This is fabric designed to satisfy the most discerning eye while maintaining the competitive value Frankford is known for.
What are the grade differences?
Grade A
Frankford uses 9 oz. marine grade, 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabric that is manufactured with the highest quality raw materials, and undergoes rigorous quality-assurance tests. All of our Grade A marine grade fabrics have an outer surface finish, and are treated with the Infinity Process which makes the fabric waterproof.
Our Grade A fabrics consist of 30 vivid colors (23 solid and 7 stripe options) that are stocked for faster lead times.
Grade A+ includes any customization to Grade A fabrics (i.e. alternating panels, adding valances, custom wind vent color, custom binding or trim color, logos/silk screen, etc.).
Grades B-F include all non-stock Sunbrella®, Outdura and Tempotest® fabrics, and carry an extended lead time. Any Grade B-F striped fabric must be ordered in even quantities, with a minimum order requirement of (2) umbrellas.
Please note: Due to variations in monitor displays, online swatches may not perfectly reflect actual fabric color.
Sourced from the Best in the Industry
We partner with leading textile innovators — including Recacril® by Recasens, Sunbrella®, Tempotest® and Outdura® — to ensure every canopy meets our standards for durability, color retention, and performance. From nanoparticle-protected fibers that resist dirt and atmospheric wear to solution-dyed acrylics engineered for fade resistance and up to 98% UV protection, these fabrics are chosen for one reason: they perform beautifully in the real world.
The 2027 Frankford Umbrellas Catalog
A new standard in premium shade. Explore new silhouettes, expanded customization, and the enduring performance that has defined Frankford for more than 100 years.
Frequently asked questions
What is “marine-grade fabric”, and how does it benefit outdoor shade products?
Marine-grade fabrics, technically referred to as solution-dyed acrylics, are manufactured by adding color to the fibers before they are spun into yarn and woven into fabric. This process allows color to become an integral part of the fiber rather than a surface treatment.
As a result, marine-grade fabrics are engineered to perform in demanding outdoor and coastal environments. They offer excellent resistance to prolonged UV exposure, moisture, mildew, salt air, and airborne contaminants. When used on outdoor shade products, these fabrics provide superior color retention, durability, and long-term performance compared to standard outdoor fabrics.
Frankford Umbrellas specifies marine-grade fabrics to help ensure its umbrellas maintain their appearance, structural integrity, and performance over time—particularly in high-sun, high-humidity, and coastal applications common in hospitality and commercial settings.
Why must striped fabrics in Grades B–F be ordered in even quantities?
Striped fabrics do not always have a consistent starting and ending point within the pattern repeat. Because umbrella panels are cut from fabric rolls in a triangular shape, striped fabrics require every other panel in the cutting sequence to be skipped in order to ensure proper stripe alignment when the canopy is sewn. This horizontal alignment is standard for umbrella construction.
For this reason, striped fabrics in Grades B–F must be ordered in even quantities to prevent fabric waste. This is a common requirement across the upholstery industry for 54"-wide fabrics, and customers are advised of this requirement in advance.
Who manufactures your fabrics?
We source fabrics from trusted industry leaders including Recacril®, Sunbrella®, Outdura®, and Tempotest®. Each offers advanced technology such as solution-dyed color, water repellency, and fiber-level protection against dirt and atmospheric exposure.
What is the fabric warranty?
Fabric warranties vary slightly by supplier but typically include long-term fade coverage (often up to 10 years for select materials). Specific warranty terms are provided at the time of purchase. Please visit our warranties page for more info, or contact us directly.
How should I clean my umbrella fabric?
Routine maintenance includes brushing off loose dirt and rinsing with water. For deeper cleaning, use mild soap and lukewarm water with a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry. Avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washing. For more detailed instructions, visit our How-To’s & Tips page.
Why do online swatches look different from actual fabric?
Screen settings and monitor variations can affect color appearance. We recommend requesting physical swatches when exact color matching is critical.
