How to Measure for Replacement Outdoor Cushions (Step by Step)

Most fit problems with replacement cushions come from measuring the wrong thing. Old covers stretch and old foam shrinks, so a quick measurement over the cover can be off by an inch or more. This guide shows exactly what to measure for each type of cushion.

What you need

• A rigid tape measure (a soft sewing tape is easier on curves)
• Paper or cardboard for any curved or angled cushion
• A phone to photograph tricky shapes with the tape in the frame

Step 1: Measure the foam, not the cover

Unzip the cover and measure the foam itself, edge to edge. Covers are sewn seam to seam to fit the foam, so the foam is the true size. If your cushion has a Dacron (polyester fiber) wrap, measure the foam under it and do not reduce your measurements to allow for the wrap.

Step 2: Width, depth and thickness

• Width: side to side, across the front edge.
• Depth: front edge to back edge, through the center.
• Thickness: top to bottom. Dining seats are usually 2–3″; deep-seat sofas 5–6″.

Step 3: Check the shape

• Tapered (trapezoid) seats: measure the front width and the back width separately, then the depth. Use our trapezoid cushion builder.
• T-cushions: measure the full front width, the back width, the overall depth and the depth of the side “ears”.
• L-shaped and corner benches: measure the front, the overall depth, the back width and the depth of the short side. See the L-shaped builder.
• Round seats: measure across the widest point, then again at a right angle. If the two differ by more than ¼″, the seat is oval.
• Curves and cutouts: trace the cushion on paper and send a photo with a tape measure in the frame.

Step 4: Seat and back cushions

Measure seat and back cushions as separate items. For backs, measure width, height and thickness at both the top and bottom if they taper. For a hinged chaise cushion, measure the seat section and the back section separately and add them for the total length.

Step 5: When the foam is flat or missing

Measure the frame where the cushion sits: inside the arms for width, and from the front rail to the back for depth. A snug fit looks best, so do not add extra. For benches with arms, measure between the arms.

Step 6: Note the details

• Where ties go (usually the back corners) and how many
• Zipper position (usually the back or hinged side)
• Piping (also called welting), if you want it
• Notches for posts, chains or rope on swings

How accurate will my cushion be?

We cut every Fabrica Kraft cushion to within ±0.5″ of your measurements, and most orders ship in 2–3 weeks. Custom cushions are made to your size and cannot be returned, so it is worth measuring twice. If a cushion arrives outside that tolerance, we remake it.

Ready to order?

Start with replacement cushions for outdoor furniture, or order covers only if your foam is still in good shape.

Frequently asked questions

Should I measure the old cushion or the furniture?

Measure the old foam if it still holds its shape. If it is flat, crumbly or missing, measure the furniture frame where the cushion sits.

Do I measure seam to seam or edge to edge?

Measure the foam edge to edge. Covers are sewn seam to seam to fit that foam.

Should I round up or down?

Round to the nearest ¼″. If you are measuring a frame with sides on all four edges, rounding down by about ¼″ helps the cushion drop in without bowing.

Are seat and back cushions ordered together?

They are separate items, so you can choose a different thickness or foam for each. Super Soft foam is for backs only.

What if my cushion is an unusual shape?

Trace it on paper, photograph the template with a tape measure in the frame, and send it with your order notes.