Patio Cushions

Patio Cushions : Fabric Choices

Which fabric is the best for patio cushions? It depends on many factors such as

  • How much wear your patio furniture cushions will get. Are they for every day or occasional use?
  • Whether the fabric needs to be waterproof. Some fabrics are OK to be used by a pool or can be left out in the occasional shower. But note that most patio chair cushions last better if they do not to get a repeated soaking. Waterproof fabric is mildew and mold resistant but they can’t protect against it completely
  • Patio cushion covers ought to be coated so that they are stain resistant. If they do not have this it is a good idea to use a protectant spray yourself.
  • If the cushions are going to be in full sun for a good part of the year, fabric needs to be UV (fade) resistant
  • How comfortable you want the fabric to feel against your skin – some patio cushion fabrics feel rougher than others
  • Your budget – some fabrics are more expensive than others

Patio cushions are commonly made from the following outdoor fabrics :-

Acrylic

Acrylic is durable and strong fabric that is designed for outdoor use. It is a soft cloth fabric which feels like soft canvas and it can be cleaned simply with warm water and detergent. The fabric resists fading, mildew and rot. Although more expensive than other fabric options acrylic fabric patio cushions are likely to outlast cheaper fabrics.

Poly/Olefin

Poly/Olefin is a synthetic fabric which is well known to resistant to fading as fiber is solution dyed before being woven into cloth. Cushions made in this fabric are also resistant to mildew and staining. Clean with warm water and mild detergent. Avoid contact with oils and lotions and wash if contact occurs to prevent staining. The material also feels like a soft canvas.

poolside patio cushions

poolside patio cushions

PVC/Vinyl Coated fabric

PVC or vinyl coated fabric patio cushions have a strong polyester fiber core which is coated with PVC and woven into fabric. They are weather resistant but you should avoid prolonged contact with suntan lotion and oil which cause deterioration over the long term. (Clean after contact with these substances to avoid this). PVC coated fabric is slightly less comfortable than acrylic fabrics as the material is stiffer and they have a smooth plastic feel to them.

Spun Polyester

Spun Polyester is a 100% polyester fabric with a soft slightly silky feel. The fabric generally has an open weave construction which stays cool and comfortable. Spun Polyester is generally treated for soil and stain resistance (but check this when looking at the cushions you like). Wash with water and mild detergent then rinse.

You will find a wide range of designs in each of these fabrics for your outdoor patio cushions online so you should be able to get the right cushions for the kind of look you have in mind. Of course you can also get cheap patio cushions which do not have much resistance to fading, weather and mildew made from simple untreated cotton canvas or polyester. Cheap patio cushions will not last but they may be a good option for you if you like to change your cushions frequently.

Buying anything usually involves a compromise between cost and quality and patio cushions are no exception. Browse the many patio cushions available online and then think about what will provide the best value for you.