Buying guide
Where to Buy Outdoor Cushions: Ready-Made, Custom or Local Upholsterer?
The four places to buy outdoor cushions compared, and the five things to check before you pay: fabric, foam, tolerance, warranty and swatches.
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Quick answer: Buy ready-made outdoor cushions if your furniture takes a standard size and the cushions will be covered or stored for winter. Go custom if your frame is an odd size, the cushions sit in full sun, or you want a named fabric like Sunbrella and a foam that drains. Whoever you buy from, check five things before paying: the fabric name, the foam type, the cutting tolerance, the warranty split, and whether you can see a swatch first.
There are four places to buy outdoor cushions, and each suits a different patio. The best place for you depends on your frame, your sun and rain, and how long you want the cushions to last.
Your options compared
| Where | Good for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-made cushions from a home store | Standard-size chairs, quick replacement, covered patios | Fixed sizes that may not fit your frame; fabric is often not named |
| The furniture's original maker | An exact match to the set, if the model is still sold | Discontinued models and fabrics |
| Online custom cushion makers | Any size or shape, your choice of fabric and foam | You measure yourself, and custom orders usually can't be returned |
| A local upholsterer | In-person measuring and complex pieces | Pricing and timing vary; ask for a written quote with fabric and foam named |
Is your furniture a standard size?
Measure the frame before you shop. If the seat matches a common size, ready-made cushions can work. If it falls between sizes, or the seat is deep, angled or curved, custom is the way to get a cushion that doesn't slide or gap. Check our standard outdoor cushion sizes chart and how to measure for replacement outdoor cushions.
Five things to check before you buy
1. Is the fabric named?
"Outdoor fabric" can mean anything. Look for a named fabric and fiber. Solution-dyed acrylic such as Sunbrella resists fading because the color runs through the fiber. Genuine Sunbrella carries the Sunbrella name on the selvage or a tag. See best fabric for outdoor cushions.
2. Which foam is inside?
Ask what the foam is, not just how thick. For cushions left in the rain, Dry Fast foam lets water drain straight through. Read which foam grade outdoor cushions need.
3. How close to your size will it be?
A custom maker should state a cutting tolerance. Ours is within ¼″ (maximum ±1″).
4. What does the warranty actually cover?
Fabric, foam and sewing are often covered separately. Sunbrella upholstery fabrics carry a 5-year limited fabric warranty from Sunbrella; check what the maker covers for workmanship. Ours is 2 years.
5. Can you see the color first?
Colors look different on a screen and outdoors. A maker who sells swatches lets you check the color on your furniture in daylight. Our swatches are credited back on your cushion order.
Is water-repellent the same as waterproof?
No. Most Sunbrella upholstery fabric is water-repellent: light rain beads off, but heavy rain can soak through. Sunbrella's Rain and marine ranges are waterproof. If cushions stay out in wet weather, pair the fabric with Dry Fast foam, or bring them in. See how to store outdoor cushions for winter.
When custom is worth it
- Your frame isn't a standard size, or the original cushions are no longer sold.
- The cushions sit in direct sun all season.
- You want to choose the fabric and the foam, not just the color.
- You are matching cushions across a sofa, chairs and a chaise.
On a shaded, covered porch where cushions come inside for winter, a ready-made cushion can be enough. For more on the cost question, read are Sunbrella outdoor cushions worth it?
Buying outdoor cushions from Fabrica Kraft
We make custom outdoor cushions in Sunbrella to your exact size, with zippered covers, free ties and a choice of foam, including Dry Fast. There is no minimum order, a lifetime price match, and most orders ship in 2–3 weeks with free shipping. Replacing cushions on a branded set? Start with replacement cushions for outdoor furniture.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to buy outdoor cushions?
For standard sizes on a covered patio, a home store can be enough. For odd sizes, full sun or a named fabric like Sunbrella, a custom cushion maker gives the best fit and the most choice.
How do I choose a custom outdoor cushion company?
Check that they name the fabric and the foam, state a cutting tolerance, explain the warranty for fabric and workmanship, and sell swatches.
Are custom outdoor cushions more expensive?
They usually cost more than ready-made cushions, but they fit your frame and you choose the fabric and foam. Our builder shows the price as you enter your sizes.
Can custom outdoor cushions be returned?
Custom cushions are made to your measurements, so they are usually not returnable. Measure carefully, or email care@fabricakraft.com before ordering if you are unsure.
What foam is best for outdoor cushions?
Dry Fast foam for cushions that get rained on, because water drains through it. Under a cover, High Density foam is a common choice.
