We explain clearly which fabrics can be used for awnings and pergolas, how each one performs and where it works best. Choosing shade and a cooler space is not the same as prioritising airflow, privacy or protection from rain.
Samples are for guidance only. Colours may vary from one screen to another, so it is best to view a physical sample before choosing the final finish.
There is no single fabric that is best for every project. The right choice depends on the type of awning or pergola, its orientation, how the space will be used and whether shade, airflow, solar protection or rain resistance is the priority.
Acrylic fabric is the most common choice for retractable arm awnings, straight-arm awnings, balcony awnings and other sun protection systems. It provides pleasant shade, allows the area beneath it to breathe and retains its colour well.
Solrain is a waterproof textile option for systems designed to handle rain. On tensioned pergolas, Opak, Cube and Trend provide a very high level of water protection and, thanks to their denser construction, also help reduce heat beneath the cover.
Micro-perforated fabrics such as Soltis 92, Soltis 96 and other screen fabrics allow air to circulate, reduce glare and retain a degree of outward visibility.
Opak, Cube, Trend and Trend Light are designed especially for tensioned pergolas. They provide opacity, very high water protection, durability and a more refined finish when viewed from below.
A waterproof fabric does not turn every awning into a roof designed to withstand storms. On a retractable arm awning, pooled water and strong gusts can overload the arms and shorten the mechanism’s service life. The system itself, its pitch and correct use are just as important as the fabric.
| Fabric | Best suited to | Airflow | Water protection | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Retractable awnings, windows, balconies and terraces | Good | Water-repellent, but not waterproof | Comfort, colour and durability |
| Solrain | Awnings and pergolas requiring waterproof protection | Moderate | High when correctly made and installed | Textile appearance with waterproof performance |
| Green | Awnings and pergolas with an environmental focus | Good | Water-repellent, but not waterproof | Photocatalysis, self-cleaning properties and reduced mould growth |
| Soltis 92 / Soltis 96 / Screen | Awnings, vertical systems, windows, pergolas and technical solar control | Very good | Low: water passes through the micro-perforations | Control of heat, light and outward visibility |
| PVC / VIP-FR | Fixed covers and specific technical applications | Low | Very high | Waterproof performance |
| Opak / Cube | Tensioned pergolas, patios, gardens and hospitality spaces | Low | Very high | Opacity, solar protection and underside finish |
| Trend / Trend Light | Tensioned pergolas and contemporary structures | Low | Very high | Woven texture and lower weight |
We work with acrylic fabrics from Sauleda and Recasens, two manufacturers specialising in fabrics for outdoor sun protection. These fabrics are made from solution-dyed acrylic fibre, which helps them retain their colour and withstand long-term outdoor use.
“Solution-dyed” means the colour is embedded throughout the fibre from the outset rather than applied only to the surface. This improves resistance to sunlight, wear and weathering, helping the fabric retain its appearance for longer.
As well as protecting from the sun, acrylic fabric allows the area beneath the awning to breathe and creates more comfortable shade. Depending on the colour and design selected, it can block over 90% of ultraviolet radiation.
A selection of neutral, warm and coloured shades that continue to work particularly well on façades and terraces.
More contemporary, nuanced textures designed to blend into modern architecture.
Close-up of the weave and an illustrative view of how the fabric may look on an awning.
Solrain is a range of waterproof acrylic fabrics that retains the appearance and feel of a textile awning fabric while offering much greater protection from water. It is a strong option when the aim is to combine shade, some additional heat protection and better performance during rainfall.
The fabric alone, however, is not enough. For the complete system to perform correctly, the fabrication, seams, tension and sufficient pitch must prevent water pockets from forming and allow rainwater to drain away.
With a retractable system, allow the fabric to dry completely before closing it. In strong winds, retract the awning or pergola cover to protect both the fabric and the structure.
Green is a Sauleda acrylic fabric with a treatment developed alongside Pureti that activates a process known as photocatalysis. In simple terms, exposure to light helps break down some airborne pollutants, including NOx, SOx and certain volatile organic compounds.
According to laboratory tests, this process can reduce nitrogen dioxide levels by approximately 55%. It also provides a self-cleaning effect and helps slow mould growth. Like other acrylic fabrics, it is water-repellent but not waterproof.
In 2025, Green received a Red Dot Award for its design and functionality, recognising this technology applied to solar protection.
It can be a good choice for urban terraces, commercial façades, hospitality spaces and projects looking for a durable acrylic fabric with added environmental value.
These are technical options, but they behave very differently: micro-perforated Soltis fabrics prioritise airflow and heat control, whereas PVC prioritises waterproof performance.
These are micro-perforated fabrics: they allow air to pass through and prevent the heat build-up that can occur beneath completely closed fabrics. Soltis 92 delivers very high solar control, while Soltis 96 creates a slightly more open, pleasant shade that is particularly well suited to awnings and terraces.
Both reduce glare, make good use of natural light and retain a degree of outward visibility. During the day they can also improve privacy, provided the exterior is brighter than the interior.
The micro-perforated versions of Soltis 92 and Soltis 96 are not waterproof: rain can pass through the small openings just as air does. They are designed for solar control and thermal comfort, not as watertight covers.
PVC, listed as VIP-FR in some collections, is a flat technical fabric lacquered on both sides. Its main advantage is waterproof performance, and it is available in a wide range of colours.
It is a very durable material, but it is not our first choice for a retractable arm awning because:
On fixed covers, technical structures or systems specifically designed to drain water and work with a fully waterproof fabric.
These fabrics are designed especially for tensioned pergolas in gardens, patios, terraces and hospitality settings. They combine very high protection from sun and rain with a more refined underside finish.
Opak and Cube have been developed especially for tensioned pergolas, both in private homes and on hospitality terraces.
Their three-layer construction provides very high protection from water, helps reduce heat and delivers strength and durability. Flame-retardant versions are also available for certain references.
Viewed from below, they provide a clean, even finish. Any dirt that may build up on the upper surface is also less visible.
Trend and Trend Light are also intended for tensioned pergolas, but feature a more contemporary woven texture and are slightly lighter than Opak and Cube.
Their three-layer composition provides very high water protection, helps reduce heat and performs well in outdoor conditions. Flame-retardant versions are also available.
They look very similar at first glance. The main difference is their weight: Trend is approximately 730 g/m², while Trend Light is around 650 g/m².
The grey and burgundy colours shown in this collection are two-tone: the underside displays the selected colour, while the upper face is cream.
Cube is very similar to Opak, but stands out for the geometric pattern visible from below and its glossy finish, which reflects more light. On these references, the colour is the same on both sides.
Current catalogues include new textures, colours and solutions for better control of sunlight, heat and visibility. These are some of the ranges we can consider depending on the system and the result you want to achieve.
A new outdoor shading solution made from natural coconut fibre. It is designed to create more organic shade and blend into projects with a natural or contemporary aesthetic.
Current acrylic collections include Mosaik, Fantasy, Force, Loop, Tandem, Plus, Solrain and Top-FR, alongside a very broad range of plain colours and classic designs.
Alongside Soltis 92, options include Soltis 88, Soltis 96, Sauleda Screen 50 and Screen 60. The fabric openness factor varies, affecting airflow, outward visibility and solar protection.
Recasens offers Recacril acrylic fabrics and technical ranges such as RecScreen, as well as other solutions for awnings, screens, covers and specific textile applications.
The availability of each collection, colour and reference may vary. Before making a final choice, check the current range and view a physical sample, especially for neutral, grey and earth tones or textured fabrics.
Gentle cleaning and correct use prevent dirt from becoming embedded and help avoid staining, deformation and premature wear.
Use a soft brush or gentle vacuuming before wetting the fabric.
Clean with a soft sponge. Avoid solvents, abrasive detergents and wire brushes.
Do not retract the awning while it is damp. Good airflow helps prevent marks and mould growth.
The fabric may be resistant, but strong gusts place the arms and structure under considerable stress. On motorised awnings, a compatible wind sensor can trigger automatic retraction when the preset wind level is exceeded.
Tell us where you would like to install the awning or pergola, its orientation, how the space will be used and what matters most to you. We will help you choose the system, fabric and colour with clear, practical guidance.
Performance, colours and availability may vary by reference and as catalogues are updated. Sample images are for guidance only; we recommend viewing the fabric in person before choosing the final colour.
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