Sling vs. Cushioned Patio Furniture: Which is Best for Your Lifestyle?

Sling outdoor furniture is stylish, comfortable, rugged and light-weight enough for you to lug around without killing your back. Yep, it’s pretty great. But how does it stack up against other patio furniture options? Well, get ready for some insights because today we’re comparing sling vs. cushioned patio furniture to find all the useful pros, cons, and quirks. Basically, you’ll find all the details you need to determine which is better for your patio.

Sling Patio Furniture 101

You’ve probably seen sling outdoor furniture a time or ten – it’s a popular choice these days on patios, balconies, and poolsides. They’re often used for commercial spaces, too, because they look great while being easy to move around and maintain. Home and Gardens even included POLYWOOD’s Coastal Sling Chaise as one of their “10 Best Patio Furniture Pieces of 2024 to Upgrade Your Outdoor Space.”

So, what is sling patio furniture? It’s called a ‘sling’ because it ditches traditional cushions for a taut, supportive fabric made from high-performance materials like PVC-coated polyester or vinyl-coated fabric. This unique fabric is basically the reason sling patio pieces are so great outdoors. Which is good since they were engineered specifically for outdoor use. They’ve got an impressive tensile strength (so they’re tough) as well as being UV-resistant and moisture-wicking (so they shrug off sun and water). The process they use to weave this sling fabric is what creates both durability and comfort.

Patio Productions carries a wide range of high-end luxury sling pieces, which feature a denser, more supportive weave. When leading brands combine this unique material strength with thoughtful construction, shoppers have access to sling furniture that’s incredibly resilient against the elements and stylishly pin-worthy.

The collection of sling patio furniture options you’ll find at Patio Productions is all high-quality, but the team did mention Homecrest’s sling pieces as a customer favorite. “By far, it has the highest customer satisfaction and life span, with customers’ feedback of 10 years or more when properly taken care of.”

Also, I’m not gonna lie, as the husband of someone who loves a good semi-regular patio refresh, this next pair of perks may be the best. A) Sling furniture has a signature streamlined design, which is perfect for smaller patios, or balconies, or other tight outdoor spaces. This is a great way to keep your guest list super-sized without having to find more yard. And B – possibly my favorite – the lightweight frames make rearranging easy-peasy. So if you need to move sling pieces around, you don’t have to call in the whole family to help out.

Overview of Cushioned Patio Furniture

But we also need to talk about cushioned patio furniture. If you’re all about that plush life, cushioned may be your jam. Sling is definitely comfortable, an ultra-soft, generously padded deep-seating cushion loveseat lets you really sink in and stay a while. Cushioned pieces, from dining chairs to deep-seating sofas, bring that cozy indoor feeling to your outdoor space.

Patio Productions has a whole article dedicated to helping you find the comfiest patio cushions, but here are the highlights. Most high-end outdoor cushions have foam cores wrapped in weather-resistant fabrics like solution-dyed acrylic or polyester blends. They’re made to withstand sun, rain, and stains while maintaining vibrant colors and soft feels. Higher-end options usually include quick-dry foam, vented designs, or even luxe upgrades like memory foam toppers for the ultimate lounge experience.

You can even find custom patio cushions (because who wants to be just another face in the outdoor cushion crowd)?

Now, all that plush comfort does come at a price … or, more specifically, some extra maintenance. Cushions take longer to dry after a rainstorm and may require periodic spot-cleaning or full washing to keep them fresh and fungus-free. But if you’re outdoor living goal is supreme sink-in softness, you’ll appreciate keeping those luxurious outdoor cushions in good condition.

So are you Team Sling or Team Cushion? Either way, your perfect patio setup is out there somewhere. Let’s check out the key differences to help you find your fit!

Comfort: the Sling vs Cushioned Patio Furniture Comparison

Comfort is king when it comes to patio furniture, but no two tushes are exactly alike, am I right? What feels best is ultimately a personal preference. But here’s a quick run-down of how sling and cushioned seating stack up in terms of ergonomics and overall feel:

Sling Furniture:

• Taut, supportive sling conforms to your body, promoting proper spine alignment
• Breathable mesh fabric allows air to circulate, keeping you cooler on hot days
• Sling’s firmer feel may be more comfortable for those with mobility issues or back pain
• Best for shorter lounging sessions or dining

Cushioned Furniture:

• Plush cushions provide a soft, pressure-relieving surface for long-lasting relaxation
• The thicker the cushions, the more contouring support you get (reducing pressure points)
• Cushions are ideal for longer lounging, napping, or curling up with a book
• Softer feel may not provide enough support for some users

Durability and Maintenance

If we’re comparing sling vs cushioned patio furniture, durability is essential. Patio furniture takes a beating from the elements, and you want your outdoor investment to last. So, how do these two compare?

Sling Furniture:

• High-quality PVC-coated polyester or vinyl-coated fabric resists fading, moisture, and mildew
• Tightly-woven sling fabric maintains its shape and support over time
• Lightweight, rust-resistant frames (usually aluminum or steel) are great at withstanding wind and weather
• Easy cleaning – just simple soap and water; plus, no cushions to wash or store
• Some sling fabrics may need to be replaced after 5-10 years, depending on their level of use and your climate

Cushioned Furniture:

• High-quality, weather-resistant cushion fabrics like Sunbrella or Olefin resist UV-fading and moisture pretty well
• Quick-dry foam inserts and vented designs help cushions shed moisture and resist mildew
• Frames (wood, wicker, metal) may require additional maintenance (think oiling, sealing, or touch-ups)
• Cushion covers will need spot-cleaning and full washing regularly
• Cushion foam can break down and flatten over time, requiring re-stuffing or replacement

Looks and Design Options

The best patio furniture doesn’t just feel great. It has to look amazing, too. Luckily, both sling and cushioned furniture have you covered. Today, you can find both in a wide range of styles. It’s a real “your yard, your look” kind of situation, and Patio Productions would love to help you find your perfect outdoor furniture look.

Sling Furniture:

• Sleek, modern silhouettes with clean lines and a minimalist vibe
• Mesh fabrics can be found in vibrant solids, subtle neutrals, or eye-catching patterns
• Frame finishes range from classic black or white to trendy metallic hues, and even some wood finishes
• Can be dressed up with colorful throw pillows for added comfort and style
• Stackable designs are perfect for saving space in smaller outdoor areas

Cushioned Furniture:

• Plush, transitional styles create a cozy, inviting atmosphere
• Cushions offer endless options for color, pattern, and texture mixing
• Frame materials like wicker, teak, or aluminum provide a timeless patio look
• Deep seating designs with ultra-thick cushions offer a luxe lounging experience
• Pair with an outdoor rug and accent pillows for a layered, decorated feel

Finding your best patio look – in both sling and cushioned furniture – is really all about mixing and matching the right pieces to create your unique patio look. So do some homework first and have fun! Blend different styles, colors, or even types of patio seating to fashion an outdoor space that’s uniquely you. Your patio = your canvas!

But What Do They Cost?

I want to live in a world where money doesn’t matter. Unfortunately, your patio dreams do have to align with your real-world budget. Lucky for you, there are a lot of modern patio options that work at different budget levels. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect to spend on sling vs. cushioned patio furniture:

Sling Furniture:

• Sling is Generally less expensive than comparable cushioned options
• You can find a wide range of options to scale to your budget needs
• Replacement sling fabric usually runs $50-$150 per chair, depending on the type of material you want

Cushioned Furniture:

• Prices vary WIDELY based on materials, construction, and design details
• Entry-level cushioned dining chairs start around $100-$300 each, though higher quality materials impact that range.
• Deep-seating sofas and sectionals range from $800-$3000+
• High-end teak or wrought iron sets with plush cushions can climb to $5000 or more
• Replacement cushions cost $100-$500+ each, depending on size and fabric

Find your perfect sling chaise lounge at Patio Productions:

Weather Resistance and Outdoor Use

Comfort may be king for outdoor furniture, but you have to find pieces that can take a beating from the weather. Whether sling or cushioned, most patio furniture will have some level of outdoor resilience. Finding the best sling furniture or cushioned pieces likely comes down to the following:

Sling Furniture:

• Quick-drying mesh material is ideal for rainy or humid climates
• Moisture-wicking fabric prevents mold and mildew growth
• UV-resistant materials maintain color and strength in sunny environments
• Lightweight frames are easy to move out of harsh weather if needed
• Perfect for pool decks, coastal homes, or other damp areas

Cushioned Furniture:

• Weather-resistant fabrics like Sunbrella offer good protection against rain and sun
• Quick-dry foam inserts and vented designs help cushions shed moisture faster
• Best used in covered areas like screened-in porches or with protective furniture covers
• Plush feel is cozy for cooler evenings or milder climates
• May require more frequent cleaning and storage in wet or humid conditions

No matter where you live, choosing furniture materials specifically designed for outdoor use is key. You’ll want to specifically look for fabrics and frames that are made to withstand UV rays, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. Keep that furniture look better and last longer, season after season.

Sling vs Cushioned Patio Furniture: What’s Best for You?

One of our goal today is to help you determine which type of patio furniture best fits your lifestyle. If you find a salesman who tells you there’s always one right answer to that question … walk away. Here are Patio Productions’ suggestions for slings, cushions, and which is better in what lifestyle situations.

Sling Furniture is Great For:

• Busy families or vacation homes where low-maintenance is a must
• Pool areas and other wet zones where quick-dry performance is key
• Smaller patios or balconies where space is at a premium
• Frequent outdoor entertainers who need flexible, easy-to-move seating
• Urban dwellers who store their patio furniture during the off-season (with limited space)

Cushioned Furniture is Ideal For:

• Comfort-seekers who want to create a cozy, luxurious outdoor space
• Larger patios or sunrooms with space for plush, deep-seating arrangements
• Bookworms and nappers who love lounging for hours
• Entertainers who host long, leisurely outdoor dinners or cocktail parties
• Milder climates with less intense weather extremes

Also, you don’t have to choose just one type of seating. Slings and cushions can coexist! Mixing sling and cushioned pieces can give you the best of both worlds – the easy care of sling with the cushy comfort of pillows. Really, you just need to choose what’ll best fit your space, lifestyle, and personal style.

Bringing It Home

So, ultimately what wins the Great Sling vs. Cushion Patio Furniture Showdown?! You do (obviously). The low-maintenance luxe of sling and the plush appeal of cushions both bring a lot of value (and comfort) to your perfect patio paradise.

Sling furniture gives you effortless, easy-breezy vibes – a perfect choice for busy households, poolside loungers, and small-space dwellers alike. On the other hand, cushioned seating is a first-class ticket to cozy town. You get that sink-in softness, endless style options, and lush, lavish feels we all crave in our outdoor living.

Simply put: there’s no wrong way to patio! Go find the furniture that fits your unique lifestyle, climate, and comfort cravings, or let us help! At the end of the day, your patio = your happy place. And we’d love to be the neighbor who helps you find some extra comfort as you bring life outdoors.