Schoonerdog,
Considering your pup is still young, use sunbrella, 17USD a yard ( in one of the reds, which is more expensive than other colours) at Bacons, if you buy over 10 yds they will discount off that for you
This is a knockoff as you said.
I don't know if its any better, as good or inferior to ultrasuede schoonerdog, but for me, I am going to pay a more and get the real deal. I figure in the end I will be more satisfied that way. Overall cost is still acceptable.
I will be paying ~50 yrd for this and need 6 yrds.
I redid a boat with automotive seat fabric from Volkswagen. They were changing model year and I bought a roll of the stuff that was left over. It worked GREAT. Held up very nicely and is designed to resist stains. Not sure where you can find it. I just lucked on the material. Perhaps an upholstery shop can help with the search.
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I tried having a bad day once - I did not like it.