Outdoor cushions should be selected as a complete solution. The fabric's properties are important, but water can also reach seams, zippers, and the underside. Therefore, 'outdoor fabric' is not the same as a waterproof, finished cushion.
For made-to-measure outdoor cushions you should describe the location, use, and how the cushions are dried and stored.
Describe the exposure
Is the cushion under a watertight roof, in an open pergola or on an unprotected patio? Is it left out overnight? Is it exposed to splashes from a pool or the sea? Clarify these conditions before choosing materials.
A solution for a protected seat should not automatically be copied to a bench that stands out in all kinds of weather. Also photograph the substrate and any edges where water can collect.
Distinguish between water repellency and waterproofing
A water-repellent textile may cause droplets to bead on the surface, but this does not reveal everything about the cushion's construction. Request precise product data and a description of what the material is intended for.
Carl Hansen & Søn's Sunbrella guide describes a particular outdoor fabric and its cleaning. Its instructions should not be applied to every fabric marketed for patio use.
Consider filling and drying too
Ask how the chosen filling handles the expected moisture exposure, and how the cushion should be positioned to dry. The fabric may feel dry, while other parts of the construction still require time.
See choosing foam for cushions. The crucial factor is suitability for the application, not just a pleasant test indoors.
Agree on a realistic routine
Where should the cushions go during longer rainy periods? Can they be lifted and positioned with air around them? Is there space for them indoors or in a suitable storage room?
Choose the division and size so the routine is actually feasible. A large, heavy cushion may look beautiful but be unsuitable if it needs to be carried away daily.
Keep the care instructions
Get cleaning, possible post-treatment and storage described for the selected materials. During winter break you can use the checklist for storing cushions.
If the solution is for use on a boat, the boat cushion guide is a more useful companion. Shape, hatch access and conditions in the cabin or cockpit also matter.
