Sunbrella is an outdoor canvas type material. It is treated to be weather and fade resistant (not proof, but resistant). It is a bit 'better' than Waverly Sun and Shade and Solarium, but along the same line. Even if you live on the beach and experience a lot of salty fog, it should last outside for several seasons. It is not hard to sew on (easier than regular canvas). Just use a heavier needle, the correct thread and don't do an overly complicated pattern. I topstitch all my seams, just trimming one seam a bit to reduce the bulk. Hope this helps.