Cushions for use on outdoor furniture have been available for a very long time. If you’ve ever had patio furniture, you’re probably well aware of how unpleasant, inconvenient, and uncomfortable those outdoor cushions can be. The majority of backyards do not seem to be as beautiful as they should be. After just a few years of service, they usually end up appearing drab and unclean since the weather has its way with them and it takes a while for this to happen.
These 9 essential things will help you keep track of how to keep your outdoor cushions nice and beautiful always.
Why are outdoor cushions so expensive?
Outdoor cushions used for outdoor furniture on patios are usually very expensive because of a few factors. These factors are;
- They need to be resistant to outdoor conditions. Therefore they are made with weather proof material. Since they are always outdoors they are made for longetivity.
- Also, because of the expensive nature of the fabric used to cover them, outdoor cushions may be rather pricy. These fabrics are quite gentle to the touch and they dry out very quickly. They protect against mildew growth, may be easily cleaned, and stops from overheating in the hot sun. These textiles were designed to be comfortable, versatile, and stylish all at the same time. They are more comfortable than any other material that has the same attributes of resistance to the elements as they do.
- They are expensive because most of them are made by high end furniture brands and no expense is spared in making make.
- Another reason is because they are essentially decorative furniture items being out in the patio and the first things that visitors see when they get to your house.
Can you leave cushions on outdoor furniture?
Yes you can. However, it is not a good idea to leave the cushions for your outdoor furniture out in the rain even if it is possible to do so. This is because leaving the cushions out in the rain might cause the cushions to get wet and moldy. Even if the cushions are water-resistant, they won’t be able to operate to their maximum capacity unless they are allowed to remain dry. This is due to the fact that any kind of rain, whether it is moderate or heavy, has the potential to totally saturate your cushions. This is particularly important to keep in mind while purchasing outdoor cushions. As a direct consequence of this, mold and mildew will begin to form, and as a result, your cushions may experience damage that is irreversible.
Can outdoor furniture cushions get wet?
Yes. Outdoor furniture cushions can get wet. There is a possibility that water may penetrate and get trapped inside the cushions. However, certain pieces of outdoor furniture are more resistant to moisture than others, even if they are all technically capable of becoming wet to some degree.
On the other hand, if the conditions are right, water that pools on the surface of your cushions might provide a breeding ground for mold and mildew. This is especially true if the cushions are kept in a humid environment. It will be to your advantage to have the outdoor cushions dried out as quickly as possible. Bring the cushions inside and store them somewhere dry like a shed or garage while you wait for the rains to subside. If it is now the rainy season and there is a chance that you may be exposed to lengthy bouts of continuous precipitation, it is advisable to keep them inside until the rainy season is over. This is the wisest course of action to take. This is due to the fact that there is a possibility that you may be exposed to extended spells of constant precipitation throughout .
The great majority of cushions that are designed to be used on outdoor furniture are water resistant. Despite this, they are not intended to be submerged in water for extended amounts of time, nor should they be left wet for extended amounts of time. A beading of water indicates that your cushions have either been treated with a specific water-repelling fabric treatment or that the material itself is able to prevent water from seeping into cushioning that is positioned below fabric layers. Either way, the beading of water is a sign that your cushions are water resistant. In any case, it is always to your advantage to dry them off as quickly as possible and then put them away when they are not being used. When they are not being used, they should be stored.
Find a spray for cushion fabric that is of a high quality so that you may use it to re-treat your outdoor cushions at the beginning of each new season. You should seek for a spray for cushion fabric that is of a high grade. After giving them a good cleaning, you should do this at least once a year in order to maintain their state of being spotless, dry, and well-guarded.
Are outdoor patio cushions waterproof ?
Not all outdoor patio cushions are waterproof. There are many distinct sorts of outdoor cushions that are water-resistant (although most are water-resistant). For instance, Sunbrella cushions are made of the most reliable water-resistant fabric that’s now on the market: One hundred percent acrylic that was dyed in solution. You may use a cushion cover or a waterproof spray to make your cushions watertight. Both options are available to you.
When selecting a cushion, check to see if it is resistant to both water and UV rays. An outdoor cushion that has these qualities will probably last long.
Applying a waterproofing spray to your cushions before you use them can make them more water resistant than they would be otherwise. When they are not being used, cushions should be kept in a dry place and covered to protect them from the elements, especially from rain.
How often should you replace outdoor cushions ?
Every 3 to 5 years. When properly maintained and cleaned on a regular basis, the lifetime of outdoor cushions may be significantly prolonged. If you leave your cushions outside without providing them the care they deserve throughout the year, you may discover that you need to replace them much sooner than you planned.
Certain portions of the material are more susceptible to deterioration as a consequence of prolonged exposure to the sun, and this susceptibility varies with the brightness of the light. Even though they used to be the focal point of everyone’s attention, sitting on outdoor seat cushions is no longer considered to be a big deal. When your outdoor furniture first begins to show signs of age and wear, such as scuffs and scratches, it is time to consider replacing it with new pieces.
It’s possible that giving your outdoor furniture a new appearance and adding some color to it may be accomplished in the shortest amount of time and with the least amount of money by just switching out the cushions.
Signs that tell you when to replace outdoor cushions.
The age of your outdoor cushions.
First, assess your sofa’s age. Few people recall when they purchased upholstered furniture. If you’re bad at filing, write the date on the cushion’s foam. Consumer Reports suggests changing fresh foam cushions after 3 to 5 years. Most OEM foam is plastic-based polyurethane that softens after 6 months.
The outdoor cushion no more carries your weight properly
If you nod off while sitting on the couch and wake up clenching your back, the foam cushions certainly aren’t doing a good job of supporting you. While you are sleeping, your body exerts a lot of effort to maintain the natural alignment of your spine and find a suitable resting position for you. Your midsection will sag as the foam cores gradually lose compression, if not form entirely.
A visible sag.
The drooping in your outdoor cushions may cause them to sag. It’s possible that the support component of the sofa’s springs has worn out over the years, or the cushions themselves may have begun to droop with time. If the former is true, then the springs in the couch would need to be adjusted before you could make a judgment on the cushions in this particular instance.
Getting sick with dust allergies.
If you find that your allergies seem to be worse while you are laying down on your outdoor cushion couch, this might be a clue that it is time to change the cushions. One of the most prevalent triggers of allergic responses is dust mites, which may be found in high numbers in upholstered furniture.
How to buy cushions for your outdoor furniture.
Before you dispose of your old cushions, make sure you measure them to ensure you get the right size replacements. Consider the form, thickness, breadth and length of your old outdoor cushions before purchasing new ones.
The furniture itself may be measured if you don’t have the original outside cushions or if your patio furniture never came with any. Take exact measurements of each seat that needs a new cushion using a tape measure.
Make sure the new cushions fit snuggly by paying attention to the contour of each seat when measuring. A cushion with a square back won’t sit properly on curved-back chairs, and the reverse is true as well. Fortunately, outdoor cushions are soft, so you may be able to use something that is close to the proper form even if you cannot locate an exact match.
How to Choose the Right Cushions to Replace Those on Outdoor Furniture Like Chairs, Benches, and Sofas.
One- or two-piece cushions are the most common choices for outdoor chairs. One-piece cushions can be used to cover both the seat and back of a chair, or they can be used to cover only the seat. A chair’s seat and back are cushioned separately in two-piece sets.
With ties or buttoned loops, you may keep outdoor cushions in place when they’re loosely attached to a piece of furniture. Only chairs and benches with exposed frames that cushions may be connected to can benefit from the second design.
Look for Waterproof Outdoor Cushions.
Because of their exposure to the sun and severe weather, outdoor cushions typically wear out after a few years. Purchasing long-lasting cushions, on the other hand, will help you slow down the aging process. Check to determine if the outdoor cushion you’re contemplating has these crucial attributes before making a purchase:
UV protection – If you live in a location where summer temperatures are high and there are many sunny days, it is especially vital to protect yourself from UV damage.
Mold and mildew are less likely to grow on water-resistant outdoor cushions during periods of heavy rain or humidity.
In order to dry rapidly and endure the typical wear that occurs with regular usage, fills composed of durable materials such as reticulated foam and polyester fiber are used.
With all of these qualities, you can expect your outdoor cushions to endure longer than ones that don’t.
How to cover outdoor chair cushions.
The problem of covering your outdoor cushions from the elements is one that anyone with outdoor furniture grapples with. Here we are going to look at how to cover your outdoor chair cushions so that they don’t get damaged by the weather.
If it seems like it could rain, you should probably take the cushions inside the house. It is a well-known fact that materials intended for use outside can swiftly degrade if they are exposed to dampness. A drenching downpour is the single worst thing that can happen to cushions.
In order to safeguard the cushions from the elements, you may either bring them inside, put them in an outside storage unit that is protected from the elements, or cover them with plastic. When it starts to rain, if you don’t put your cushions away, you’ll end up having to purchase whole new ones. In the event that your cushions become wet, you will have to take additional efforts to ensure that they are dry and clean.
Use Outdoor Waterproof Storage.
You may also choose to store your items in a deck box or any other outside container. The cushions may be safely stashed away until they’re needed. If you use this deck box to store your patio set during inclement weather, you won’t have to lug everything inside and back out again.
In order to keep your cushions dry and safe from the weather throughout the winter, you should keep them in a deck box.
It is more sensible to keep your cushions close to your outdoor furniture than carrying them inside.
The storage area has to be completely sealed off and shielded from any possibility of moisture. Allowing water from the environment to leak inside if it had a route out would be a waste of labor and materials. A convenient storage area near to the patio set makes putting things away a breeze.
Buy Water Resistant Cushions or Furniture Covers.
Invest in furnishings that can withstand the rain so your outdoor cushions will always look their best. Cushions that are waterproof may be left outside without the risk of becoming damaged.
Invest in some outdoor cushions that are waterproof.
Cushions may be kept dry in any weather by using slipcovers. Covers prevent moisture from getting into cushions but might harbor mildew. To prevent mold and mildew from growing, covers should be kept clean.
Outdoor furniture that is waterproof and has coverings that are detachable. These may be used to cover furniture and keep it dry when it rains. Then take it off for your own comfort. This added protection may prevent moisture from entering, which might lead to the growth of mold. Mold and mildew may be removed from furniture covers with the use of warm water.
Author: Saleh Ibrahim
