Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after I place my order?

After completing the checkout process, you will receive a confirmation email at the address you provided. This confirmation will serve as your invoice. This is also to confirm that your order information is correct. If you do not receive the confirmation email after checkout, contact us as soon as possible to confirm your order. If you have any questions or problems, email our customer service desk or call us at 1.800.510.8325. We will be glad to assist you!

HELP! I just placed my order, and I need to make a change or cancel.

Relax. If you just placed your order and notice an error on your part, or ours, please let us know IMMEDIATELY by using our contact form, and we can easily correct it for you. If you let us know about an error within one business day of your order placement, we can correct virtually all problems. Beyond that, we cannot guarantee your changes will not incur extra costs if materials have already been cut for your order.

Is it safe to use my credit card for online purchases?

Yes, it's extremely safe. At Outdoor Drapes, we provide a secured checkout with Secure Socket Layering (SSL up to 256 bits) for processing your payments online. Add items to your cart and click Secure Checkout to make your payment using a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. Due to popular demand, you can also use this method to pay using your PayPal account or your Google Checkout account. You can also use your regular checking account through MyeCheck or Layaway your custom outdoor drapes using eLayaway. Payments will be billed as "OCG LLC" - our parent company name.

When will my credit card be charged?

Due to all orders being custom orders and made to your unique specifications, your credit card will be charged within 24 hours of placing your order. Online orders are immediately charged to your credit card, PayPal or Google Checkout account.

Can you use my fabric to make my custom outdoor drapes?

YES! Just call our customer service team at 1.800.510.8325, and they will put a special quote together for you. You will need to mail your fabric to the following address:

Make sure you send the required yardage, which will be disclosed to you after talking with our customer service team.

What would be the best choice of outdoor fabric for my outdoor living area?

Depending on where you are planning to put your outdoor drapes, pergolas, patios or outdoor kitchen areas are ideal for a heavier outdoor fabric. Outdoor Drapes offers beautiful Sunbrella decorative, solid and striped acrylic fabrics that will go great with your outdoor decor. Linen outdoor fabrics are perfect for cabanas or porch areas because they allow the breeze to come through and keep you cool but also shade a hot spot in the middle of the summer. Ultimately, it's really up to your taste and preference. Just remember to try to keep the same aesthetic throughout your design for a seamless flow and eye appeal.

Why acrylic fabric?

Outdoor Drapes primarily uses Sunbrella solution-dyed acrylic fabrics because they are designed for easy maintenance and many years of use. Solution-dying is the process of adding color to acrylic fibers during manufacturing while they are in a liquid state. This characteristic of acrylic fabrics is the key to locking in color, easy cleaning and long life. For this reason, acrylic fabric offers incredible resistance to stains, weather and wear in any application. Awning grade acrylic fabric carries a 5-year warranty against loss of color and strength. Furniture grade acrylic fabric carries a 3-year warranty against loss of color and strength.

How does Sunbrella lock in color?

Sunbrella fabrics are made from 100 percent solution-dyed acrylic yarns. Solution-dying is the process of adding color to acrylic fibers during manufacturing while they are in a liquid state. This characteristic of Sunbrella fabrics is the key to locking in color, easy cleaning and long life.

Is Sunbrella fabric waterproof?

Sunbrella fabric is not waterproof, but it is water repellent. This means that during the finishing process, a water-repellent finish is applied to the fabric. Normal wear and usage will reduce the effectiveness of this finish, as will cleaning the fabric. We suggest that after Sunbrella fabrics are cleaned, and if they remain exposed to the elements constantly, that you re-treat your Sunbrella fabrics with a water-repellent treatment such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard, which can be purchased online or at local awning and marine shops.

Will Sunbrella fabric mildew?

Sunbrella fabrics, if kept clean, will not mildew. An inherent characteristic of acrylic fiber is that it will not support the growth of mildew as a natural fiber will. Mildew can grow on any surface that is dirty, so to keep your Sunbrella fabrics from mildewing, you must keep your fabrics clean. If mildew growth becomes a problem, please refer to our care and cleaning instructions.

Can I put wet Sunbrella fabrics in the dryer?

Sunbrella fabrics do not absorb water and are designed to air-dry very quickly - usually within a matter of minutes. A clothes dryer is not necessary and will often overheat and shrink the fabric.

Do your fabrics dry quickly?

Because Sunbrella fabrics are woven, they are also highly breathable, which is why they dry quickly with only air exposure. It's also important to know that Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish requires replenishment after vigorous cleaning.

How often do I need to thoroughly clean the fabric?

In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years.

What is your return policy?

Please see our Shipping and Returns page.

How will my custom drapes be shipped?

We normally ship via FedEx or UPS Ground. All shipping costs and times are calculated using normal ground delivery. Most orders can be delivered within 5 business days from the shipping date. Normally, our shipments do not require a signature and are left on your doorstep if you are not available at the time of delivery.