Do you need waterproof cushion covers? When a cover helps and when it makes things worse
"Outdoor cushion covers" is one of the most searched terms in this category. Most people searching it have cushions that are failing and want to protect them. Here is when that works.
Three different things called "cushion cover"
- A replacement fabric cover with a zip that goes over the inner. This is what our cushions have. It is washable and it is the part that should be water-repellent.
- A waterproof slip-over bag (PVC or PU) that you put over the finished cushion. This is what most "waterproof cushion covers" listings are.
- A furniture cover that goes over the whole sofa or bench, cushions and all.
The waterproof slip-over bag: when it hurts
If the cushion goes into the bag damp, or the bag is left on after rain gets in at the opening, you have made a sealed, dark, moist box. Mould follows. We see more mouldy cushions from covers put on wet than from cushions left uncovered. A sealed cover also makes the cushion unpleasant to sit on and is one more thing to take off and put on.
When it helps
- Cheap printed polyester cushions with foam filling that you want to get another season out of. The cover goes on dry cushions, on a dry evening, and comes off before use.
- Storing cushions outside in winter in a bag that breathes a little (mesh panel or vents).
- A boat or caravan where the cushions sit in standing water: then a welded vinyl cover with closed-cell foam, which is a different product altogether.
A waterproof cover protects a dry cushion from rain. It does not dry a wet one. It makes it worse.
The alternative: a cushion that does not need one
A water-repellent Sunbrella® cover over a draining hollow-fibre filling does not need protecting from rain. It gets wet, it drains, it dries in hours. The cover zips off for washing, and if after years the inner is tired you replace just that. This costs more than a polyester cushion plus a plastic bag; it costs less over five summers and you never touch a cover. The reasoning is in waterproof vs water-resistant cushions.
Furniture covers: yes, with two rules
A breathable furniture cover in autumn keeps leaves off and is worth having. Rule one: only over dry cushions. Rule two: lift it on a dry day once a month and let air in. Breathable fabric with vents, not a tarpaulin. More on the winter question in garden cushions in winter.
158 Sunbrella® colours in 45×45, filling included, shipped next working day. Browse the collection or ask about made to measure.
