It’s What’s On the Inside That Counts
When it comes to patio furniture, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. In this article, we tell you why.
When shopping for outdoor furniture, typically the first thing that catches your eye is the cushioning and then the rich colors or soft textures of the fabric.
While the aesthetics of the cushion is an important factor in choosing a look for your outdoor space, it’s what’s on the inside that truly provides comfort and stability for years to come.
Considering elements beyond color, pattern and feel of a product is crucial. Knowledgeable outdoor furniture retailers are well-versed about the construction of each of their brands. Sales people are eager to share information and offer expert advice.
It’s What’s On the Inside That Counts
Here are some of the important questions to ask regarding cushion construction:
1. What kind of foam is used?
Outdoor grade, open celled foam makes up a solid outdoor cushion.
This foam has antimicrobial properties to help it to stand up to the elements and resist growth of mold and mildew.
Open-celled means the foam is constructed to allow water to pass through the cushion rather than being absorbed by the foam. This also cuts the growth of mold and mildew, and allows you to enjoy your furniture sooner after a heavy rain.
Another sound method is using indoor foam and wrapping it in a waterproof barrier. This provides the same comfort as fine upholstered furniture meant for indoor use.
2. Is the cushion made well?
Most retailers know if a cushion is known to stand the test of time or not.
Some things to consider are:
- What kind of fabric is offered by the vendor, and what kind of thread is used.
- It is standard for outdoor furniture manufacturers to use high quality Sunbrella® fabric or an equivalent (although not a given!).
- But what about the thread that holds it all together? If the manufacturer is using inferior thread, then your cushions might, quite literally, fall apart at the seams.
- Seek out cushions that use Tenara© thread by Gore©, which is guaranteed to last the lifetime of the fabric. Tenara thread is made from a Teflon-like material and stands up to sun, chlorine, and even bleach, which is commonly used to clean outdoor fabric.
An inferior product may look and feel good in a store, but eventually it lacks the materials and components to hold up to the elements.
3. Will the cushion stand the test of time?
Ask about warranty, and if the retailer is aware of any issues with the cushions of a particular manufacturer. Is the cushion made domestically or overseas?
4. What fabric is right for my lifestyle?
It is important to think about how you will use the furniture when choosing your fabric.
Will your furniture be in a high traffic area? If so, a white fabric may not be the best option.
Do you live somewhere with a lot of rain? You may want to ask about Sunbrella® RAIN fabric, which offers a step up from the normal weather resistant properties.
Finally, ask about a solution-dyed acrylic fabric, which is the quality-standard for outdoors.
Cushions are such an important element in the look, comfort, and longevity of your outdoor furniture. Each of these critical construction and material elements are showcased in OW Lee’s cushions and backed with one of the best warranties in the industry.