The Outdoor Cushion Buyer’s Guide

The Outdoor Cushion Buying Guide by Patio Productions: splash image for an article on how to shop intelligently for patio cushions

The Outdoor Cushion Buying Guide from Patio Productions will teach you everything you need to know about patio cushions. Learn about the materials used to make covers, seat cores, welting options, and other vital factors.

Outdoor cushions are just as crucial as the patio furniture itself. After all, this is what you will be resting your bum on all summer! Beware of companies offering lower prices; often cost-cutting is done with cushions! Always look for Sunbrella fabrics held together by Tenara Sewing Thread and filled with Dacron cushions.

coronado wicker sofa black cushions
The all-new Coronado Wicker Sofa Set from Sunset West comes with Sunbrella cushions.

Outdoor Cushion Materials: Covers

Although they may look the same, the materials used on outdoor cushions vary drastically. This is important because cheap covers can lead to mold and mildew due to a lack of water-resistant properties. They will also fade and lose color in the sun after one or two Summer seasons.

Vinyl – also known as PVC. A plastic material is probably the least expensive option. Vinyl cushion fabrics do not do very well in the heat. They can get extremely hot while sitting under the sun and give a nice burn when you first sit down. It’s the same thing as getting into a car that’s been sitting in the sun. Ouch! PVC is also a non-recyclable material. Be nice. #SaveOurEarth

Cotton Canvas – an age-old fabric that dates back to the 13th century. Cotton fabric is economical and it can be dyed. The fabric is not water resistant so you may experience problems with mold and/or mildew. Need to be treated with a waterproof application once a year. Not safe for chlorine.

Texteline – a mesh woven material made from polyester yarns that are coated with PVC. Again, they will get hot in the sun but the yarn adds more strength to the covers. They aren’t as susceptible to rips and tears from zippers and buttons. Texteline cushions are waterproof but they are known to lose color and fade in the sun. Do not use bleach on texteline covers because it will degrade the PVC coating. Mid grade outdoor cushion material.

Sunbrella Fabric – a patented fabric that features solution dyed acrylics. This means that the actual material itself is colored. Sunbrella is the best (and most expensive) because they are fade resistant, 100% waterproof, mold & mildew resistant, and chlorine safe.

*Note: Keep in mind that there is a difference between waterproof and water-resistant. The two may be seen as interchangeable but they are not. Waterproof means that the fabric will not absorb any water whatsoever. Water resistance means the cover will shed water but it will fill like a sponge if dunked it in water.

Outdoor Cushion Seat Core Materials

Polyester Fill – Polyester fill is that cheap, soft, fluffy stuff that offers no support. They flatten out over time and provide more visual benefits than they do functional comfort.

Clustered Polyfill – Essentially the same as the above, except the polyfill is wrapped in small bundles or made into tiny balls. This makes these cushions a little firmer but they are still susceptible to flattening out.

Foam – Foam comes in a range of densities so when you see foam cushions, it’s hard to really be sure how supportive they are. Foam is graded based on density. You can find a chart on foam density here.

Dacron Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is a thermoplastic synthetic polymer resin that was originally used to make luxury beds. Also known by the brand name Dacron, a patented fiberfill technology. A durable foam padding insert that provides optimum support. Dacron cushions are very firm and they are touted because they do not flatten out like other cushion materials. Dacron gives the cushion a tight and well-kept appearance. They are usually wrapped in a thin layer of polyester to soften the cushions, much like a pillow topped mattress.

Dacron Wrapped – Some cushions advertise Dacron wrap, which differs from Dacron cushions. Cushions that are wrapped in Dacron are just that; wrapped in Dacron. They have a 1/2″ layer of Dacron added to the cushion’s exterior. These types of cushions use much less Dacron and can also be flattened like foam cushions. Looks nice but don’t sit very well.

Welting

Welting is all about visual appeal. Welting is a thin piping that is added along the edge of your cushion cover to accentuate the shape of the cushion. They are a luxury add-on and aren’t absolutely necessary but can create a remarkable change to bland cushions. Welting looks great on patterned and custom cushions because it provides a border to accent the cushions shape.

Cushion Ties

Cushion ties make your outdoor experience enjoyable. Without ties, your cushions will move around behind you whenever you stand up and sit down. Cushion ties keep your outdoor arrangement presentable and organized. They will also help you keep them clean because they won’t fall on the ground. Sometimes it’s the small things that matter.

Measuring Outdoor Cushions

The proper way to measure outdoor cushions is from seam to seam. Have the cushion stretched out tightly and measure from the beginning to the end of the seam.

Choosing Colors and Decorative Patterns

There are a number of decorative pillow options that you can use to create the perfect outdoor pillow arrangement. Below is a list of decorative pillows:

Toss Pillows aka throw pillows are small decorative pillows. They are not designed for support and are solely there for decoration. It can be a way to add a pop of color to your outdoor sectional set.

Bolster Pillows are long circular pillows that are designed to provide support. You often see them in beds. They can provide neck support or be placed behind the back to add a healthy curve to your spinal cord.

Body Pillows are large pillows that can you can lay on. Body pillows aren’t very ideal for outdoor furniture because they take up too much space and can get very dirty if they fall on the floor.

cushion storage box wicker 2.jpg
Another great way to protect your cushions is with an outdoor cushion storage box like this one by Harmonia Living

Sunbrella Outdoor Patio Cushions – The Gold Standards

Sunbrella cushions have long been hailed as the best outdoor cushions. This comes as no surprise, seeing that the company originally made marine grade fabrics for boats. What makes Sunbrella fabric so unique is that they do not use thread.

Instead, they use a solution-dyed acrylic material that is colorized so that the “thread” is the same color throughout. The color of the cushion cannot be removed. All other cushion fabrics use threads that are dyed with paint. Don’t believe me, just look here. This is why Sunbrella cushions do not stain or fade. Simply brush away dirt and rinse away wine stains.

Furthermore, Sunbrella uses Tenara Sewing thread. Teneara sewing thread is used instead of polyester and cotton thread which can rip and tear. This means that your outdoor cushions can take a beating and will last much longer than any others you’ll find on the market. Sunbrella is the designer’s choice because they offer over 200+ custom fabric designs that can be made to order.

Learn more about Sunbrella Fabrics.

Where to Buy the Best Outdoor Cushions

Patio Productions only carries the best outdoor patio cushions. All of the products sold on this website come with Sunbrella Cushions that use Tenara Sewing Thread and Dacron cushions. This combination offers the absolute best blend of style, aesthetic, and all-weather qualities. You can visit their San Diego Patio Showroom to have a seat on a Sunbrella cushion.

More Patio Buying Tips:

  1. How to Choose the Best Material for Outdoor Furniture
  2. The Patio Buyers Guide
  3. Cool in the Breeze – The Ultimate Patio Umbrella Buyers Guide
  4. Bar Stool Buyers Guide

21 thoughts on “The Outdoor Cushion Buyer’s Guide”

  1. I’m looking for uncovered polyester cushion material that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. I can buy covered cushions at Walmart and Target and recover in my fabric of choice cheaper than I can buy the uncovered cushions at Joann’s or Hancock. I just want to make my own cushions for furniture on a covered patio and start with clean new cushion material that I don’t have to patch and stitch together. The prices for uncovered cushions in my size range in price from $40 to $100. Can you help? Thank you.

    1. While I sympathize with your situation (I have a cat too) there is nothing I can recommend that is resistant to the tearing and scratching of sharp claws. To keep their cushions lasting longer, some people choose to place them in cushion storage boxes while they are not being used. This will not only protect your cushions from the elements (heat, cold, humidity, dirt, stains) but also keep them out of the reach of your feline friend.

    1. For people who need outdoor furniture for small spaces, we like recommend the Pineapple Chat Set, which is also available in Textured Slate. The set itself is great for small spaces and the best part is the whole thing stacks when not being used. We don’t have any experience with retail spaces in Florida so we can’t make any informed recommendations. Good luck with your search!

  2. I have an outdoor patio set with cushions that are covered in Sunbrella material. Every year I take the covers off, wash, dry and put them away for the winter. The problem is the thin white membrane (I think it is a type of Dacron) covering the cushion chip (holding the foam material together in the proper shape) is disintegrating. I cannot seem to find this fabric. I can find it 1/2 or 1/4 thick, but I need it very thin?
    Any ideas?

    1. Thats exactly my problem too and I just bought the outdoor sectional this past July. I have a file a claim every time they rip – the company says they wont sell them, so if you find any links where I can buy them, its so worth it instead of stuffing just falling out all the time.

    2. I am having the same problem. I was thinking of wrapping them in a thick plastic so they won’t hold water. What do you think?

  3. Irene Capotosto

    In the late 70’s I purchased a wooden chaise longue and a rocking chair with what appeared to be very thick vinyl mesh covered, button-tufted cushions. Loved the set. The chairs are still good, however the problem: Last 2 seasons the squirrels tore the cushions apart (they were stored under the deck during off-season) and I’ve been trying to replace the same type of cushions with no luck. Do you know of a place that sells that type of cushions? The colors were blue/gray/white. However, I would gladly take any colors is I could, again, find the same type of cushion.
    Would appreciate any help I can get.
    Thanks,
    Irene Capotosto

    1. Unfortunately, it’s going to be very tough to match up cushions for an outdoor set that was made such a long time ago. Unless it’s one of those classic designs that manufacturers still love to make, your best bet might be looking into custom made cushions. A simple google search will give you various websites that specialize in making custom cushions. You could also try looking on Etsy for someone who specializes in cushions.

      I hope you find what you’re looking for. Let us know how your search goes.

  4. I have some Dacron cushions on an outdoor couch and they are so hard! They aren’t softening with time, I’ve had the set 5 years. Any ideas to soften them? I have an estimate to replace with foam, but it’s 1/2 the price of a new set!

  5. I am recovering our boat seats. I have bought marine grade vinyl and do not know where to find Dacron bonded foam to cover the seats.

    1. Thank you for your comment. From our own experience, cushions tend to have a layer of dacron between the foam and the outer fabric material but it is not bonded to anything. It’s simply a layer that sits between the two surfaces.

  6. I am buying medium or even high density foam for cushions for my vintage wrought iron settee. What is a good guideline for choosing the correct thickness?

    1. That is a very good question. Thank you for your comment.

      Considering that you have a wrought iron frame, I would be less worried about the thickness and more concerned with the density. A wrought iron frame is going to be very stiff so you want to have very dense cushions to keep from feeling the frame underneath your legs and seat. You could have very thick pillows but if they are extremely soft you will feel the frame underneath you whenever you sit down. But to answer your question, a standard cushion is usually between 3 – 5 inches thick.

  7. Regina Truitt

    Hello. I purchased a custom-made porch swing cushion made out of Sunbrella fabric. It rained and now the cushion has been sopping wet for days. It is definitely not waterproof! Is there something wrong with my cushion that I should notify the manufacturer about?

    1. Sunbrella fabric is water resistant but it is not waterproof. We recommend all our customers to bring their cushions inside during rain storms and when not in use. It is not required, Sunbrella fabric can remain outdoors but if you want to have dry cushions ready to use the next day after a rainstorm then you should bring them inside or keep them in a cushion storage box.

    2. It’s also likely the type of foam that was used for the cushion. There is a more expensive quick draining (Ie. Dry Fast) foam that is made for this type of application that won’t hold water like that. You can always get a piece custom cut and replace your foam. Look it up on Amazon. You will pay about $70 for a 2″ thick piece.

      Another thing you can do is treat teh Sunbrella fabric regularly with a water repellant like U303 for fabric. That will help minimize water penetration through the cover.

      As well, maybe get into the habit of turning the seat cushion vertical when you don’t use it to keep it from waterlogging. A pain of course, but preventative..

  8. I have patio chairs I just purchased that came with 25×25 inch cushions from sunbrella. The cushions are nice, but they are 5 inches thick and add too much height to the chair overall. I do have short legs, but my husband finds them uncomfortable as well. I have been looking around, but don’t see anything 25×25 with a 2 or 3 inch height. Any suggestions?

    1. There are custom cushion manufacturers online that specialize in creating cushions for custom sizes. If you Google “custom patio furniture cushions” you’ll find several options to choose from. Most of them offer different qualities of materials and features, so the prices will vary accordingly.

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