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 OutdoorCurtains.net, 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 curtains 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.

How should I measure for my Outdoor Curtains?
It is extremely important to understand that the fabric used is a solution-dyed acrylic that is woven in the Glen Raven factories in South Carolina. When the fabric is rolled for the first time at the factory, the fabric is stretched slightly. (This goes with all factories and most fabrics.) We do our very best to roll out the fabric and let it "cure" for a few hours, but it can still shrink 1 to 2 inches from the time it is cut, sewn and arrives at your doorstep. PLEASE MEASURE ACCORDINGLY - YOU WANT TO MEASURE A LITTLE LONG VS. BEING TOO SHORT!

Can you use my fabric to make my custom outdoor curtains?
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: Outdoor Curtains c/o Customer Svc. Dept, 3180 Wetumpka Hwy., Montgomery, AL 36110. Make sure you send the required yardage, which will be disclosed to you after talking with our customer service team.

How long before my cushions will arrive?
Our production times vary depending on the season. Off season can take as little as two weeks, while peak season can, in extreme cases, go 5 weeks or more. During our peak season (April - July), we update our site frequently to show lead times. Orders can be expedited, but a RUSH fee may apply. Rush is available at our discretion and may not be offered depending on the state of production. You may email or call customer service at 1.800.510.8325 to check on your order, but due to the nature of our business, we may not be able to give an exact date for completion and shipping of your curtains.

What is your return policy?
Please see our Shipping and Returns page.

How will my custom curtains 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. Larger orders and products may have to be shipped via LTL truck carrier. Expedited shipping is available and appropriate rates apply.

Why acrylic fabric?
Outdoor Curtains 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 will and 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 hose down Sunbrella fabric?
One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella fabrics looking good and delay the need for deep or vigorous cleaning is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fabrics and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years. Always remember to allow the fabrics to air dry after hosing it down.

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.

How can I clean bird droppings off of my cushions?
For those stains that are beyond our normal care and cleaning instructions, such as bird droppings, roof run-off, acid rain, pollution, rust, tree sap, insect stains, etc., we suggest the following products: An off-the-shelf product such as Goo Gone Grease Cutter (hand cleaner), Greased Lightning, Clean Rite Purple Power (available at most discount retailers) or Release (available through Awning Rejuvenation Systems International in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 1.800.776.5664). Rub the product into the fabric to allow penetration. Brush the fabric with a soft brush, rinse THOROUGHLY and repeat if necessary.

In your cleaning instructions you use the term “mild or natural soap.” What is “mild or natural soap?”
By "natural soap" we mean Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite. These gentle soaps rinse out easily and will not diminish the water-repellent "finish" applied to the fabric. Regular laundry detergent will not harm the fabric, but the water-repellent "finish" will wear off sooner. (Laundry detergent does not affect the stain and UV resistance.) Be SURE to use cold water and allow the fabric to air dry when using laundry detergent. In addition, after several cleanings you will need to re-treat the fabric with a water-repellent product, such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™.