The Outdoor Cushion Buying Guide from us 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 key factors.
Outdoor cushions are just as important as the furniture itself. After all, this is what you will be resting your bum on all summer! Beware of companies that offer lower prices; oftentimes cost-cutting is done with the 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 that 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 water proof application once a year. Not safe for chlorine.
Textilene – 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. Textilene 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.
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 is different 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 exterior of the cushion. 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 be falling 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 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 be used to provide neck support or 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.
