Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Cushions for Your Patio Furniture

One of the joys of warm, sunny days is getting to spend time on the patio, deck, or in the yard—and it’s even better when you’ve got brand-new outdoor cushions! Swap your worn, faded, or mildewed seat cushions with replacement Sunbrella® cushions for a fresh look. Sunbrella® performance fabric is mold-, mildew-, and fade-resistant, making these cushions perfect replacements for worn seat pads and chair cushions. Following these easy steps will help you select the best patio furniture cushions for your outdoor seating. 

Step 1: Measure Your Existing Cushions or Furniture

Properly fitting cushions are more likely to stay in place and prevent gaps for better comfort while you read, eat, or lounge. Avoid cushions that slip, slide, or bunch up by measuring your existing cushions or furniture to find the best size. There are two options to determine the correct size for new cushions: Measure your existing furniture or measure the cushions you’re replacing. 

1. Gather your tools: You'll need a flexible tape measure and a pen and paper. 

2. Measure the existing cushions you are replacing. If you don’t have any cushions, measure the physical bench, chair, or lounger where you will use your new cushions. Write down these measurements: 

  • Width: Measure the widest part of the seat from side to side (usually at the front). 
  • Depth: Measure the seat from front to back at its deepest point. 
  • Thickness: Measure the cushion's height from top to bottom at its thickest point. 
  • Seat back: For lounge-style cushions, repeat the width, height, and thickness measurements for the backrest portion of the cushion. 
Cushion measurement graphic

3. Note additional details you may need for a comparable replacement: 

  • Ties or attachments: Check if the cushions have any ties or attachment points and note their location and length. 
  • Special features: Note any cushion features (bolsters, headrests, or curved edges) and consider these while shopping for replacements. 
  • Seam type: If you wish to replicate the appearance of your existing cushions, note the type of seam they have—and take photos to compare as you shop. 

For the best fit when measuring based on your chair, round up by an extra inch or two for a snug fit. If you’re measuring an existing cushion, allow for any shrinkage that has occurred through fill compression during use. Always double-check your measurements before ordering to avoid mistakes, and if you’re ordering from the same manufacturer, check the specifications provided by the brand for a perfect fit.