Coolaroo’s HDPE Knitted Shade Cloth Outperforms Alternatives

Upgrading your outdoor space can be overwhelming if you don’t know what options are out there. Understanding what fabric and benefits work best for your outdoor space can be overwhelming. Fabric makes your outdoor space comfortable and inviting. With different types of outdoor fabric brands available, choosing the right one requires some research.

When choosing fabrics for shade sails, roller shades, or garden covers, material consideration, such as construction, UV-block, durability, and sun and mildew resistance, makes all the difference. You will find that HDPE is typically used in higher-quality furniture pieces. Coolaroo’s HDPE knitted shade cloth stands out and sets benchmarks, so you don’t have to compromise, at the same price of competitors lesser quality alternatives. 

Fabric construction

Outdoor weather elements, such as sun and rain, can quickly ruin or deteriorate lesser-quality fabrics and leave furniture damaged, worn and faded. On the other end of the spectrum, upholstery fabrics that are not outdoor proof, like cotton, will quickly grow mold with humidity or rain.

1. HDPE: Healthier, Greener, Stronger performance

Health & Environmental Impact

• HDPE avoids the long-term environmental risks, offering cleaner production and end-of-life disposal than alternative options.
• We pride ourselves in operating clean manufacturing techniques and sustainable disposal of materials. Coolaroo’s HDPE is 100% recyclable and free from BPA, phthalates, and similar chemicals. Alternatives, such as PVC fabrics, typically contain phthalates and similar additives that can give off a corrosive, toxic gas when exposed to harsh elements.

Durability & Performance

• HDPE excels in UV resistance and resists fading, mildew, salt, and abrasion 
• Repairs are easier with HDPE; tension adjustments are often sufficient, whereas PVC may need full panel replacement 
• PVC offers waterproof protection but is prone to hardening, cracking under sun exposure, and becoming brittle within 3 years.

Climate Suitability

• HDPE thrives in hot, sunny climates, reducing temperatures under shade by allowing airflow 
• PVC is best for wet climates needing waterproofing and conditions that don’t require breathability due to its limited airflow.

2. Knit vs Woven: Why Raschel Knitting Wins

Flexibility & Resistance

• Knitted HDPE uses interlocking loops, making it flexible for uneven installations 
• Woven cloth has a rigid grid structure and tends to unravel when cut 

Breathability & Cooling

• Knitted shade cloth offers superior ventilation and can reduce heat buildup underneath 
• Woven fabrics are less breathable and can retain heat, making them less suitable for comfort-focused applications.

Durability & Lifespan

• Knitted HDPE typically lasts 7–10 years, with cut sections retaining structural integrity 
• Woven products, often heavier and pricier, may only last 3–5 years and begin to fray

3. What This Means for You

Final Takeaway

Coolaroo’s knitted HDPE shade cloth champions sustainability, health, and performance. By combining eco-friendly materials, superior breathability, easy maintenance, and long-lasting durability, it's the smart alternative to PVC and woven options. For outdoor living that’s better for people and the planet, Coolaroo is the clear choice.