Outdoor living
Outdoor Cushion Covers: Custom vs Stretch vs Universal (and How to Measure)
Stretch, universal or custom-sewn: how each kind of outdoor cushion cover fits, when to replace the foam too, and how to measure for replacement covers.
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Quick answer: If the foam inside your outdoor cushions is still firm, a new cover is the simplest way to refresh them. Stretch and universal covers come in a handful of stock sizes, so they fit best when your cushion is close to one of those sizes and can wrinkle or bunch at the corners when it isn't. A custom cover is sewn to your foam's exact width, depth and thickness, with a zipper, so it fits snugly. Whichever you choose, measure the foam, not the old cover.
Your three options for replacement cushion covers
| Type | How it fits | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stretch covers | Elastic fabric pulled over the cushion | A quick refresh of cushions close to a standard size | Few sizes; wrinkles or loose corners if your cushion is bigger, smaller or thicker than the cover was made for |
| Universal or stock-size covers | Sewn to common sizes such as 20″ × 20″ or 24″ × 24″ | Cushions that match a stock size exactly | "Close enough" sizes leave gaps, loose sides or a cover that's too tight to zip |
| Custom covers | Sewn to your foam's width, depth, thickness and shape, with a zipper | Any size or shape: deep seating, benches, chaises, angled or notched cushions | You need to measure carefully, and made-to-order covers take longer than buying off the shelf |
Replace the cover or the whole cushion?
Press the middle of the cushion with your palm. If the foam springs back, a new cover is all you need. If a dent stays, or the cushion has gone flat at the front edge, replace the foam too: a cover made to the original size looks loose on foam that has lost height. Our guide to new covers or new cushions walks through the test.
How to measure for replacement cushion covers
- Measure the foam, not the old cover. Old covers stretch and shrink, so the foam gives the truer size. Unzip the cover and measure the insert.
- Width, depth and thickness. Measure side to side, front to back and top to bottom. On a cushion that narrows toward the back, measure the width at both the front and the back.
- Round to the nearest ¼″.
- Note the shape. Rounded corners, angled sides and notches for posts all change the pattern. For curves, trace the old cushion on paper and send us a photo.
- Old covers sewn on? Cut the old fabric off and use the foam inside as the insert. A new cover pulled over an old one looks overstuffed. See putting a new cover on a sewn-on cushion.
What makes a good outdoor cushion cover
- Solution-dyed fabric. Sunbrella is 100% solution-dyed acrylic, so the color runs through the fiber. It resists fading and mildew and can be cleaned with diluted bleach.
- A zipper. Covers you can take off are easier to clean and to replace later. All our covers have zippers.
- Sides that match the thickness. A cover sewn to the foam's thickness keeps square, crisp edges instead of sagging at the sides.
- Piping and ties if you want them. To match your old cushions, tell us the style and send a photo of the old cover.
Frequently asked questions
Do stretch covers fit deep seat cushions?
Only if the cushion is close to the size the cover is made for. Deep seat cushions vary widely in size and are usually 5″ to 6″ thick, so stretch covers often wrinkle or ride up on them. A custom cover sewn to the foam avoids that.
Can I wash outdoor cushion covers?
Yes, if they have a zipper. Our Sunbrella covers machine wash cold on a delicate cycle with mild detergent; air dry them. See how to clean Sunbrella cushions.
Will a new cover fit my old, flattened foam?
Not well. A cover made to the original size looks loose on foam that has lost height. If your foam is flat, replace the foam too or order a complete cushion.
Ready to order? Get custom Sunbrella cushion covers sewn to the size of your foam, or check typical sizes in our standard outdoor cushion sizes chart.
