PickGlobeGarden furniture (patio furniture in the US) lives a hard life: sun, rain, damp nights and long months in storage. Two sets that look identical in product photos can age very differently, and the difference is mostly in details buried in the specification. Here's what to look for.
Outdoor fabrics compared
Cushion covers and sling seats are usually made from one of three synthetic fibres. The labels can be vague, so it helps to know what each one is good at.
| Fabric | Strengths | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Solution-dyed acrylic | Colour runs through the fibre, so it resists fading well; soft feel; breathable | Usually the most expensive option |
| Olefin (polypropylene) | Resists fading, stains and mildew; dries quickly; often good value | Can feel less soft; may not tolerate high heat when cleaning |
| Polyester | Widely available and affordable; often coated for water resistance | More likely to fade in strong sun unless it's solution-dyed or UV-treated |
"Solution-dyed" is the phrase to look for if fading matters to you. It means the colour was added before the fibre was spun, rather than printed or dyed on afterwards. Fabrics that are only surface-dyed tend to fade faster where the sun hits them.
Water-resistant is not waterproof
Most outdoor cushions are water-resistant: rain beads off for a while, but a long downpour will soak through. Very few are fully waterproof, and fully waterproof covers can trap moisture inside. What matters more is how quickly the cushion dries.
- Check the filling. Standard upholstery foam soaks up water like a sponge and can stay damp for days. Quick-dry or reticulated foam has an open structure that lets water drain straight through.
- Fibre-filled cushions are lighter and cheaper but can flatten over time.
- Look for drainage features such as mesh panels on the underside.
- Removable, zipped covers make cleaning much easier. Check whether they're machine washable.
Frame materials
The frame decides how much maintenance your furniture needs.
- Aluminium (aluminum in the US): light and doesn't rust. Good for coastal areas. Light pieces may need weighing down in windy spots.
- Steel: strong and heavy, but it will rust if the coating is chipped. Look for powder-coated or galvanised finishes.
- Hardwoods such as teak, acacia or eucalyptus: attractive and sturdy. They weather to silver-grey unless oiled; check what treatment the seller recommends and how often.
- Synthetic rattan or wicker: usually a plastic weave over a metal frame. PE (polyethylene) weave generally copes better with sun and cold than cheaper PVC weave, which can crack over time. Check which one is used.
Get the size right
Replacement cushions are one of the most common outdoor purchases, and one of the most commonly returned. Before ordering:
- Measure the seat from side to side and from front to back. Measure the frame, not the old cushion, which may have shrunk or flattened.
- Note the shape. Some seats taper towards the back or have cut-outs around the uprights.
- Choose a thickness that suits the frame. Too thick and the seat height and arm height feel wrong; too thin and you'll feel the frame.
- Check how cushions attach. Ties, Velcro straps or non-slip backing stop them blowing away.
For full sets, measure your patio or deck and allow space to pull chairs out and walk round the table. Compare the table's dimensions with the number of seats it claims to fit.
Plan for storage
Even weather-resistant pieces last longer when protected.
- Bring cushions in during long wet spells and over winter, or keep them in a ventilated storage box.
- Use fitted covers for frames that stay outside, but make sure they're breathable and that furniture is dry before covering it, or mildew can form.
- Check whether pieces fold or stack if storage space is tight.
- Store cushions on their edge in a dry place so air can circulate.
Before you order
- Look for close-up photos of the fabric and stitching, not just styled shots.
- Check whether the cushions are included in a set price, or sold separately.
- Read the warranty terms for frames and fabrics, and what they exclude (fading and weather damage are sometimes left out).
- Check delivery and returns for large or heavy items, which may differ from the standard policy.
Reviews from people who've owned the furniture for more than one season are the most useful, but read them carefully. Our guide on how to spot fake reviews can help.
The short version
Choose solution-dyed acrylic or olefin if you want colours that last, quick-dry foam if your cushions will get rained on, and a frame material that matches the maintenance you're willing to do. Measure the frame, not the old cushion, and store everything dry over winter.