“ What is the UPF rating of your cantilever umbrellas? “is a question commonly asked by discerning customers doing their research before buying.
And it is a great question as the UPF rating of cantilever umbrellas is important. The Ultraviolet Protection Factor ( UPF) is what protects you and your loved ones from NZ’s harmful UV.
At Outside Space, the Sunbrella® fabrics we specify for all our sun umbrellas are among the highest-rated available in NZ, with a UPF rating between 40+ and 50+. But what does this actually mean?
To dig a little deeper into this subject, here are 10 questions on UPF rating.
Hint: Easiest questions first, and the deep dive further down the page. Or skip to the end for your “need-to-know” synopsis!
It measures how effectively a fabric blocks both UVA and UVB radiation from reaching your skin.
UPF is for fabrics and shade materials. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is for sunscreen and measures the time it takes for skin to burn (UVB) relative to having no protection. UPF is a more comprehensive measure for textiles as it includes UVA blockage.
The scale is between 15 and 50+. The maximum rating achievable in the Australian/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS 4399:1996) is UPF 50+.
It is a simple ratio. The number tells you what fraction of UV radiation passes through the fabric. For example, a rating of 20 means 1/20th (or 5%) of UV rays penetrate through the fabric. A rating of 40 means 1/40th (or 2.5%) of UV rays penetrate through the fabric.
UPF Rating | UV Radiation Blocked | Protection Category | Meaning |
15 – 24 | 93.3% to 95.9% | Good | Only 1/15th to 1/24th of UV rays penetrate. |
25 – 39 | 96.0% to 97.4% | Very Good | Allows 1/25th to 1/39th of UV rays through. |
40 – 50+ | 97.5% or More (Up to 98%) | Excellent | The highest rating. Blocks at least 98% of UV rays. |
Absolutely. The material and how it is manufactured plays a massive role in the final UPF rating.
Yes. There is a clear correlation between premium, durable materials and high UPF certification.
Solution-Dyed Acrylic like Sunbrella® is the gold standard. These fabrics are engineered for extreme durability, including superior UV resistance. They are consistently tested and rated UPF 40+, blocking at least 97% of UV rays. The premium structure, tight weave, and material composition are specifically designed for long-term sun defence.
Olefin (Solution-Dyed Poly-olefin) is a strong, mid-range contender. Many quality olefin fabrics achieve a Good to Very Good rating, often falling between UPF 20 and UPF 30. They offer solid UV protection but typically don’t reach the certified 40+ level of the premium acrylics.
Standard Polyesters are generally the weakest link. They often offer a much lower UPF rating (sometimes only UPF 15-20), fade fastest, and their UV-blocking ability can degrade more quickly.
Yes, but not as much as the quality of the fabric.
Generally, darker colours (like navy, black, or dark green) will absorb more UV radiation than lighter colours (like white or beige), meaning less UV penetration through the fabric. They tend to have a marginally higher UPF rating than their lighter counterparts in the same material.
In high-quality cantilever umbrella fabrics, the UPF is highly stable, but not permanent.
For high-end solution-dyed acrylics, like Sunbrella®, the UPF is built into the fibre’s structure. It won’t wash out like a surface treatment. UPF primarily degrades when the physical integrity of a fabric is compromised, such as visible thinning or stretching.
Because fabrics like Sunbrella® are engineered with a 5-year fade warranty and are structurally robust, their UPF 40+ protection is guaranteed to last for many seasons if well cared for.
No.
The vast majority of Sunbrella® shade and awning fabrics are rigorously tested and carry the UPF certification between 40+ and 50+, They typically hold the highest rating of umbrella canopy fabrics available in NZ.
At Outside Space, we specify three Sunbrella® canopy fabrics for our cantilever umbrellas: Sunbrella ‘Graphite’ is rated UPF40+, and the other 2 fabrics, Sunbrella ‘Coal’ and Sunbrella ‘Taupe’ are rated UPF50+.
Not exactly. The Skin Cancer Foundation does not grant a blanket endorsement to an entire brand.
Rather, they award the seal to specific product lines and fabric formulations that pass strict laboratory testing. To qualify, textile and clothing manufacturers must submit third-party laboratory testing data proving their fabric meets a minimum standard.
This benchmark has changed recently.
As of May 2025,the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Photobiology Committee officially raised the criteria. Fabrics must now achieve a minimum Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 50 to qualify for the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation.
Prior to May 2025, fabrics with UPF 30-49 also had the Seal, but were called ‘very good protection’, and UPF50+ fabrics were categorised as ’ excellent protection’.
The new Seal of Recommendation is tougher but clearer for consumers.
This update was part of a broader overhaul of their sun protection standards aimed at providing consumers with more robust guidance against UV radiation and combating online sun-safety misinformation.
10.So, give me the short version…. What does all this mean as someone who wants to be an informed cantilever umbrella buyer.
If you’re looking for the cantilever umbrella NZ needs, here is your quick buying checklist based on the science:
Your Next Step: When shopping around, don’t be afraid to ask retailers: “What fabric is this canopy made of, and what is its certified UPF rating?” And make sure they are knowledgable on the subject. Investing in a high-quality, high-UPF cantilever umbrella means you can relax outside all afternoon, knowing your shade isn’t just keeping you cool—it’s genuinely keeping you safe.
Kerry is the co-owner of Outside Space NZ, offering a range of contemporary outdoor furniture and sun umbrellas for coastal living kiwis seeking premium quality outdoor products and design at achievable prices.
