Patio furniture cushions are essential to keeping outdoor furniture looking its best through all seasons of rain and snow, which makes choosing materials important for their longevity.
If you want your cushions to stand the test of time and multiple gatherings or seasons, consider UV protective fabrics like olefin or acrylic that resist mold, mildew and fading – they also resist mold growth!
Foam or Padding
Many different kinds of foam are used when manufacturing outdoor cushions. Popular choices include 1.8 density and Dry Fast foam options that help the cushion retain its form over an extended period of time.
Reticulated foam is another popular choice, as it helps prevent fabric from becoming saturated when exposed to liquid – whether that be through raindrops or accidental spillage. Originally intended for marine use, this form of foam was specifically created to withstand exposure to wet conditions and remain resilient over time.
Material choice when wrapping foam can have an enormous impact on its aesthetics and overall appearance. Polyester is a popular choice among many applications, including outdoor furniture cushions. Its ease of care, resistance to mildew and staining as well as lightweight nature makes it an excellent option.
Urethane foam padding is another material commonly found in seat cushions, offering firm support with various thicknesses available and resistant to fading, mildew growth, staining and bacteria build-up.
Your selection of cushions depends entirely upon your personal taste and the needs of the furniture you own. When making this decision, keep this in mind: make sure the material provides both comfort and durability.
FoamOrder provides custom cut foam pieces and sheets to save you the trouble and effort of measuring and cutting yourself, or sheets can be purchased if your project requires multiple pieces. Once assembled, DIY outdoor seating projects become simple to accomplish using our step-by-step guide on making DIY outdoor cushions.
Backrest Cushions
Backrest cushions are an integral component of outdoor patio furniture cushions, adding comfort and support to the seat. Look for cushions designed specifically for backrests to find one with the appropriate dimensions for your chair’s backrest, then measure its dimensions in order to find its matching cushion size. Choose among different kinds of padding like reticulated foam for superior microbial and moisture resistance or polyester fiber fill that compresses quickly but retains visual appeal, or Dacron, an ultra durable material which offers both firm support as well as soft cushioning qualities simultaneously.
Fabric selection for outdoor cushions is of critical importance, as it must be durable, water-resistant and fashionable enough to complement your furniture. Consider stain-resistant materials like solution-dyed acrylic, canvas or vinyl as they’re resistant to staining; for those with pets or children consider polypropylene fabric which can resist stains, mildew and sun damage making these ideal choices for busy family households.
If your patio serves as a gathering spot for all, choose fabric colors that coordinate with the rest of the landscape to create an inviting ambience. Neutral tones like gray or brown hide dirt easily while matching stone tiles or fire pit, while floral patterns pair nicely with wicker chairs or wooden patio tables. If you prefer tropical themes, vibrant blue hues and bold prints might help bring in the blooms in your garden.
Fabric
Fabric choice can have a major impact on the aesthetics and feel of your backyard oasis. Different patterns, colors and textures can be chosen to reflect your personal aesthetic while the type of material chosen for outdoor furniture cushions will have an effect on their durability and resistance to weather elements.
Patio cushions typically constructed of all-weather fabric (also known as spun polyester), which offers an economical yet attractive solution. You’ll find this budget-friendly fabric available in an array of patterns; plus it resists fading, staining, mildew growth and mildew growth for an added layer of protection; however it may not last as long.
Sunbrella fabric is widely considered the gold standard of outdoor cushion fabric due to its ability to withstand environmental hazards. Sunbrella’s waterproof, fade- and stain-resistant nature helps it retain its bright colors longer than other fabrics while remaining easy to maintain and offering multiple color choices – making it the ideal option for those seeking high performance fabric solutions.
Cotton canvas fabric is another popular choice, boasting strong durability with timeless appeal that pairs well with many furniture styles. However, cotton canvas is less resistant to moisture or mildew than other forms of fabric, so extra care must be taken in cleaning and maintaining its cushions.
Olefin (polypropylene or polyethylene) is an economical, recycled material commonly found in furniture cushions. Bleach cleanable for ease of maintenance; bleach resistant means no mildew or mold growth on cushions! But constant sun exposure could weaken it over time, making outdoor use less likely.
As with any fabric used for cushions, it is crucial that you follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for it in order to avoid damaging or prematurely wearing out its fibers. Furthermore, covering your cushions when there’s the possibility of wet weather can prevent dirt, dust and debris from being washed into its fibers when rain or snow arrives.
Filling
When selecting cushion fillings for outdoor seating, there are various choices available to you. Blown fiber filling comes pre-sewn inside fabric inserts inserted into seat pads and pillows, offering soft pillow-like comfort that’s moisture resistant, hypoallergenic, lightweight and easy to maintain. Another type of cushion filler that may work for you is foam; its easy maintenance makes this an appealing choice and comes in various thicknesses for the perfect cushion support and comfort – but make sure that any unprotected foam requires being covered by plastic to prevent moisture seeping through to the seat or backrest from seeping through from below!
Polyurethane foam fillings are available, which provide durable and flexible options that hold their shape better than others, but absorb water. Another type of patio furniture cushion filling called Cumuplush features dry conjugate and densified polyfiber layers designed to quickly drain away water while resisting mildew growth – an ideal choice for chair seats, chaise lounge seats and pillows alike.
Consider selecting outdoor furniture cushions with zipper or Velcro closure, making it easier to take off and wash, as well as ones featuring ties attached at the base of chairs or sofa frames to help secure them and prevent blow-off in high winds.
Even though there are many fabrics to choose from for outdoor furniture cushions, it’s essential to understand their impact in terms of fading and wear on specific environments and climates. Vinyl covers, which are inexpensive and water-resistant, may make an appealing option, yet are susceptible to cracking when exposed directly to sunlight and can even become extremely hot to touch, scorching any skin it contacts. Conversely, cushions woven from polyester provide breathability and cooling comfort; however, their colors can fade easily in direct sunlight. Sunbrella fabric offers protection from fade as well as being 100% waterproof, chlorine safe, mold and mildew proof; helping your cushions last longer with their new-like appearance for extended.