How to Measure for a Bench Cushion (Indoor and Outdoor)

Quick answer: Measure the seat length edge to edge (or wall to wall, front and back), measure the depth from the front edge to the back rail, then pick a thickness: 2″ to 3″ for dining benches, 3″ to 4″ for entryway, garden and verandah benches. If the front and back lengths differ, you need a trapezoid cushion. Replacing an old cushion? Measure the foam, not the cover.

A bench cushion that is half an inch too short leaves a gap you notice every time you sit down. One that is too long bunches up against the wall. The good news is that getting it right takes a tape measure, five minutes and the steps below. Once you have your numbers, you can build your cushion in our bench cushion builder and see the price as you go.

What you need

• A metal tape measure (fabric tapes stretch)
• A pencil and paper, or your phone's notes app
• Kraft paper or newspaper if your bench has an unusual shape

Step 1: Measure the length

For an open bench with no arms or walls, measure the seat from one end to the other, edge to edge. Decide whether you want the cushion flush with the ends or set in slightly. Most people choose flush.

For a bench between two walls, or between arms, measure the inside space at the front and again at the back. Walls are rarely perfectly square, so these two numbers are often different. Write both down.

Step 2: Measure the depth

Measure from the front edge of the seat to the back rail, back panel or wall. If the bench has a back that leans, measure along the seat surface, not across the top of the back.

Step 3: Choose the thickness

• Dining benches and banquettes: 2″ to 3″. You sit at table height, so a thick cushion lifts you too high.
• Entryway, mudroom and end-of-bed benches: 3″ to 4″.
• Garden, verandah and patio benches: 3″ to 4″. Thinner pads flatten on a hard, flat bench seat.
• Window seats: 2″ to 4″, checking the height under the sill. See our window seat measuring guide.

We cut foam up to 8″ thick. Standard thickness is 3″ to 5″.

Step 4: Check the shape

If your front and back lengths differ by more than about half an inch, a rectangle will leave a gap at one end. Order a trapezoid cushion instead, using the front length, back length and depth. Corner benches and breakfast nooks usually need an L-shaped cushion.

If the bench has cut-outs around posts or legs, or curved ends, lay paper on the seat, trace the outline and cut it out. Send us a photo of the template with a tape measure in the shot, and we will cut to it.

Step 5: Long benches

A long bench can take one continuous cushion or two or three cushions that sit end to end. Split cushions are easier to lift, wash and store, and they suit benches with lift-up storage lids. If you split, divide the total length evenly so the seams line up with where people sit.

Replacing an old cushion?

Measure the foam edge to edge, not the old cover. Covers stretch and sag over time, so they read bigger than the foam inside. If the foam is still in good shape, you can order a cover only made to the foam size.

Indoor or outdoor?

For a bench outside, choose Sunbrella fabric, which resists fading and mildew, and consider Dry Fast foam if the cushion will be left out in the rain. For indoor benches, Warwick, velvet and faux leather are all options. Not sure about a colour? Order swatches to see them in your own light.

Ready to order?

Browse all bench cushions, or go straight to indoor bench cushions or piano bench cushions. Every cushion is cut to within ±13 mm of the size you send, and most orders ship in 2–3 weeks.

Frequently asked questions

Should a bench cushion be the exact size of the bench?

For an open bench, yes, or set in by up to half an inch at each end. For a bench between walls, give us the exact wall-to-wall size and we cut to it.

How thick should an outdoor bench cushion be?

3″ to 4″ is the most comfortable on a hard garden or verandah bench. Anything under 2″ compresses to almost nothing when you sit down.

What if my bench is wider at the front than the back?

Choose a trapezoid cushion and enter both the front and back lengths.

How do I keep the cushion from sliding?

Ties in matching fabric come standard, and Velcro is available on request.