Fabrics & materials
Porch Swing Cushions: Sizes, Measuring and Choosing the Right Fabric
How to measure a porch swing, seat vs seat-and-back sets, and the fabric and foam that last on a porch.
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A porch swing is one of the best seats in the house, until the cushion slides off, flattens or fades. Porch swings come in many sizes, and ready-made cushions rarely match yours exactly. Here is how to measure your swing, which cushions to order and which fabric and foam hold up on a porch.
Quick answer: Measure your porch swing inside the arms for seat width, front to back for depth, and from the seat to the top rail for back height. Don't order by the swing's labeled length, as seat sizes vary by brand. Most swings suit a 3″ to 4″ seat cushion in Sunbrella with dry-fast foam and ties.
Common porch swing sizes
Porch swings are usually sold by overall length, such as 4 ft, 5 ft or 6 ft. The seat inside the arms is shorter than the overall length, and it varies by brand, so always measure your own swing rather than ordering by the label. A twin-size swing bed is a different piece: it takes a mattress-style cushion; see daybed and swing bed cushions.
How to measure a porch swing
- Seat width: measure inside the arms, from one arm to the other.
- Seat depth: from the front edge of the seat to the back slats.
- Back height: if you want a back cushion, measure from the seat up to where the cushion should stop.
- Check for notches: if the arm posts or chain brackets cut into the seat, measure where they sit so the cushion can be notched around them.
Our cushion size and foam guide suggests a thickness for your swing.
Seat, back or a matching set?
- Seat cushion only: the most common choice, especially for swings with a comfortable slatted back.
- Seat and back set: made as two cushions in the same fabric, for a softer, more lounge-like swing.
- Add pillows: a couple of throw pillows or a bolster at each end finish the look.
Fabric and foam for a porch
Even on a covered porch, swing cushions see sun, humidity and wind-blown rain. Sunbrella resists fading and mildew. High Density foam is comfortable for everyday sitting; on an open porch, Dry Fast foam drains water and dries quickly. Ties in matching fabric keep the cushion from sliding as you swing.
Questions about porch swing cushions
How thick should a porch swing cushion be?
3″ to 4″ suits most swings: soft enough to sit on for a while, without raising the seat too much.
Can I order just the covers?
Yes. If your foam still holds its shape, order covers only made to its size.
What is the difference between a porch swing and a swing bed?
A porch swing is a bench seat; a swing bed is deep enough to lie on and takes a mattress-style cushion. See our swing beds.
Ready to order? Use the porch swing cushion builder, or browse porch swing cushions. Every cushion is cut to within ±0.5″ of your measurements, or we remake it free.
