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Outdoor Cushion Buying Guide
Everything you need to know before ordering custom outdoor cushions — fabric, fill, fit, and care — so you get it right the first time.
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Choosing the Right Fabric
The fabric is the most important decision you'll make. All CushionKings cushions are made with Sunbrella® — the gold standard in outdoor performance fabric.
Sunbrella® Standard
The classic choice for covered patios and shaded areas. Fade-resistant, mold and mildew resistant, and easy to clean with soap and water. Available in hundreds of colors and patterns.
- Fade-resistant for years of color
- Mold & mildew resistant
- Easy soap-and-water cleanup
- Hundreds of colors & patterns
Sunbrella® Rain
Engineered for fully exposed outdoor environments. Water beads off the surface and the cushion dries quickly — ideal for uncovered patios, poolside, and coastal climates.
- Water beads off the surface
- Dries fast after rain
- Perfect for uncovered patios
- Poolside & coastal ready
Not sure which to choose? If your furniture is under a pergola, awning, or covered porch, Standard Sunbrella is perfect. If it sits fully exposed to rain, go with Sunbrella Rain.
Fill & Foam Options
The fill determines how your cushion feels and how long it holds its shape. CushionKings uses only high-quality foam options suited for outdoor use.
High-Density Foam
Firm, supportive, and long-lasting. High-density foam holds its shape season after season and is ideal for seat cushions where you want solid support. Best for covered or semi-covered areas.
Dry Fast Foam
Open-cell foam that drains water quickly and dries fast. The go-to choice for fully exposed outdoor settings, poolside furniture, and anywhere rain is a regular occurrence.
Our recommendation: Pair Sunbrella Rain fabric with Dry Fast foam for the ultimate weather-resistant cushion. For covered patios, high-density foam with standard Sunbrella is the most popular combination.
Cushion Types Explained
Different furniture pieces need different cushion styles. Here's a quick breakdown of each type we make.
Seat Cushions
Sit on the horizontal seat frame of chairs, sofas, and loveseats. Measured by width, depth, and thickness. Can include tie strings to keep them in place.
Back Cushions
Rest against or attach to the vertical back frame. Measured by width, height, and thickness. Often include ties at the top or bottom to secure to the frame.
Chaise Cushions
Long, full-length cushions for chaise lounge chairs. If your chaise has an adjustable back, we can make a two-piece cushion with a hinge point.
Bench Cushions
Cover the full seat of an outdoor bench. Available in any length and depth. Can include tie holes to match your bench frame.
Ottoman Cushions
Top a square, rectangular, or shaped ottoman frame. We can accommodate round or custom-shaped ottomans — just include a photo with your order.
Getting the Right Size
Every cushion we make is custom — cut to your exact measurements. Here are the key sizing rules to follow.
Measure the frame, not the old cushion
Old cushions may have compressed or shrunk over time. Always measure the open frame area where the cushion will sit.
Measure twice
Even a quarter-inch difference matters on a custom cushion. Double-check every dimension before submitting your order.
Note notches and cutouts
If your frame has arms, posts, or unusual shapes the cushion wraps around, measure those areas and include a photo.
Thickness matters
Measure seam-to-seam on your existing cushion — not the overall puffed thickness. This gives us the correct foam cut.
Style & Color Tips
Sunbrella offers hundreds of colors and patterns. Here's how to narrow it down without getting overwhelmed.
Start with your frame color
Neutral frames (black, bronze, white, teak) pair well with almost any fabric. Bold frame colors work best with solid, complementary cushion colors rather than busy patterns.
Consider your environment
Lighter colors show dirt more easily but feel airy and bright. Darker colors hide wear but can absorb more heat in direct sun. Patterns are forgiving and a great middle ground.
Order a fabric sample first
Colors look different on screen than in person. Sunbrella offers fabric samples so you can see the true color and texture before committing to a full order.
Care & Warranty
CushionKings cushions are backed by a 2-year warranty on workmanship defects and made to last with minimal maintenance.
Cleaning Your Cushions
- Brush off loose dirt before it sets
- Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water
- Rinse thoroughly and air dry
- For stubborn stains, use a Sunbrella-approved cleaner
- Never machine wash or dry
Storage Tips
- Store indoors or in a deck box during off-season
- Make sure cushions are fully dry before storing
- Avoid storing in airtight plastic bags — allow airflow
- Stack flat or stand upright to prevent compression
2-Year Warranty: All CushionKings cushions are covered against defects in workmanship for 2 years from the date of purchase. Made in the USA.
Ready to Order Your Custom Cushions?
Now that you know what to look for, head to our shop to choose your fabric, enter your measurements, and place your order — handcrafted in the USA and shipped to your door.