Outdoor Cushions: Do They Really Hold Up?

Outdoor furniture and outdoor entertaining has changed so much over the past 25 years. From a simple dining table and chairs to creating the “outdoor room,” the outdoor furniture industry has become more creative with construction, materials, and finishing work. This allows outdoor furniture to really withstand everything the outdoors throws at them. The sun’s harsh rays, down pouring rains, and the occasional ketchup spill aren’t a problem for most patio furniture on the market today.

Here at Peters Billiards we are asked about cushions specifically. Our customers ask, “Do they truly hold up outdoors?” Yes, these are not your Grandma’s cushions we’re talking about. Much has changed so let me give you a little 411 on the different long lasting outdoor cushion types we are seeing from our manufacturers today.

FABRIC:

Let’s start with the exterior of the cushion. All cushions will come with a fabric cushion cover. This is where you let your personality shine with fabrics available in all colors and designs. But these fabrics aren’t just for looks. The best outdoor fabric is 100% Solution Dyed Acrylic. Here's how the fabric works:

• The coloring of this type of fabric is actually done before the fibers are made creating continuous color throughout.  (Think of a carrot vs. a radish.)
• Liquid acrylic and color pigments are mixed together to create a fiber that has a similar texture to natural cotton. From there it is spun into yarn and eventually into the fabrics you see.
• This unique process creates a fabric with a soft hand that’s the most durable, fade resistant, stain resistant, mold and mildew resistant, and a cleanable fabric on the market today. This is what makes it perfect for outdoor use. Most brands of solution dyed acrylic, such as Sunbrella, even recommend the use of diluted bleach on stubborn stains!

OUTDOOR CUSHION CORES:

Not all outdoor cushions are created equal, but there is a wide variety of cushion core designs that will hold up well in outside weather. Each type might offer a different type of comfort level and that’s the beauty of having choices: you can find the best fit for you!
Outdoor furniture manufacturers are always looking for ways to improve their furniture and cushions, but here is a look at three popular cushions currently used for long lasting comfort, durability, and dry time.

• Indoor Foam, Fluffed Polyester Fibers & Water-Resistant Shell.
  • Many manufacturers want to emulate the feel of luxurious indoor cushions and the best way to do so is with high quality indoor foam for long lasting comfort and resiliency.
  • The indoor foam is then wrapped with channels of fluffed polyester fibers for an extra soft sit.
  •  The final step and key component is the breathable water resistant shell. This will allow you to keep your cushions outside in the rain without the foam getting wet. The exterior fabric can get wet, but not the cushion core itself.

• Reticulated Foam or Open Cell Foam
  • The main reason why indoor foam in itself is not the preferred core for outdoor furniture is because it holds moisture and takes longer to dry if not wrapped in a water proof shell. Manufacturers in the outdoor furniture world have found that an open cell foam (reticulated foam) does not hold water. Rather, water flows through which allows the cushion to dry faster. This type of cushion does not need a water-resistant wrap.
  • The reticulated foam is then wrapped with fused polyester fibers for an extra soft sit.
  •  This type of foam keeps its resiliency longer than polyester fiber alone.

• Polyester Fiber Filled Cushions (no Foam)
  • There are many manufacturers that use fused polyester fiber filled cushions. The best ones use multiple layers and different densities of fiber to create resiliency and comfort. Polyester fiber does not hold water like indoor foam so dry time is faster.
  • Some of these cushions are also wrapped with a water resistant shell for an even quicker dry time.
  • Other cushions come with the option to add a stainless steel spring cartridge inside the polyester to add a more luxurious sit and longer lasting comfort. The spring components are usually wrapped in a water resistant shell.

TIPS & TRICKS FOR CARING FOR OUTDOOR CUSHIONS

• To cover or not to cover. Peters Billiards always recommends covering any outdoor furniture during winter months to keep them protected from dirt and debris. The cold will not hurt the cushions, but we recommend bringing cushions inside during winter months to keep critters out. (They may like to make your cushions their winter home.)
• Expediting dry time. After a rain storm the fastest way to dry your uncovered cushions is to open up the back zipper on the seat cushion and tip the cushion vertical with the zipper side down. Water will drain out faster, improving circulation and your cushions will be ready to use sooner.
• Clean with mild soap and water. Most dirt and debris is easily cleaned with a mild soap and water mixture. A soft bristle brush can be used for stubborn dirt. If you have solution dyed acrylic fabrics then harsher cleaners are ok to use depending on the stain. Check out Sunbrellas Stain Chart for cleaning recommendations.

Thanks for visiting Entertaining Design.

For Cushion Patio Furniture please check out our website or visit our store for a large selection of patio furniture on display.

Related Blog posts:
Outdoor Cushions and Fabrics: Cleaning and Maintenance
Creating a Cozy Outdoor Living Room
Outdoor Entertaining