An outdoor bench cushion has a harder life than any cushion indoors: rain, morning dew, spilled drinks and full sun. Picking the right cover fabric and taking care of the foam makes the difference between a cushion that lasts years and one that stays soggy after every storm.
What "waterproof" means for a cushion
The cover does the work. A tightly woven waterproof fabric sheds rain and wipes clean, so water beads up and runs off instead of soaking straight into the foam. Seams and zippers are not fully sealed on any sewn cushion, so a cover keeps most water out but you should still let a cushion dry if it sits in heavy rain.
Which fabric for which spot
| Where it goes | Best fabric |
|---|---|
| Open patio, deck, garden bench | Waterproof Oxford |
| Covered porch, porch swing | Waterproof Oxford |
| Boat and RV seating | Waterproof Oxford |
| Indoor banquette or dining bench with kids | Waterproof chenille (soft, spill-resistant, for indoor use) |
Our waterproof outdoor bench cushion uses a tightly woven Oxford fabric that sheds rain and wipes clean. It comes in 16 ready-to-order sizes, 2", 3" or 4" thick, and 7 colors. If you want something softer for an indoor bench where spills happen, our waterproof chenille cushion has a waterproof backing so spills bead up instead of soaking in.
Foam and thickness
All of our cushions use 70D high-resilience foam with a removable zippered cover. 2" is a firm pad, 3" is the most popular balanced seat, and 4" is a deep, plush seat. For porch swings and deck benches people sit on for a while, 3" is a good default.
Getting the size right
Measure the seat edge to edge: width front to back, length side to side. For a snug fit inside a frame, round down to the nearest size. Standard sizes run from 20" x 20" up to 38" x 75". For anything else, including boat seats and odd shapes, our custom size cushion can be made from 8" to 55" wide and up to 150" long, in waterproof Oxford, with optional ties and an anti-slip bottom.
Cleaning
- Wipe the cover with a damp cloth and mild soap.
- Brush off leaves and dirt before they stain.
- If the cushion gets soaked, stand it on its edge in the sun so water drains out of the foam.
Storage: the step that makes cushions last
Store cushions indoors or under cover during long wet spells and over winter. This keeps the foam dry and extends its life far more than any fabric choice. A deck box, garage shelf or closet works; make sure the cushion is fully dry before you put it away.
Each cushion is cut and sewn to order in 1–3 business days, then ships within 3–7 business days, with free shipping to the lower 48 states.
Related: Cushion fabric guide · How thick should a bench cushion be? · How to measure for custom cushions
