Can You Leave Garden Furniture Cushions Outside?

Before we deep-dive into just how much water your outdoor cushions can handle, let’s start with the basics, shall we? The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines the term ‘waterproof’ as relating to anything which is “impervious to water” or “covered or treated with a material (such as a solution of rubber) to prevent permeation by water”.

This essentially means that a material or fabric must be completely immune to water damage if it’s to be considered waterproof. Even the heaviest of spills, the most torrential of downpours and full submersion in a pool of water will not break the barrier of waterproof fabric.

Now that we’re all on the same page as to what’s meant by waterproof, let's clearly define some of the other terms that cause confusion with waterproof fabrics:

shower proof.

The term ‘shower proof’ is generally used for cushions and fabrics that can only withstand low levels of water exposure. The hint is in the name, as a light spring shower or gentle splash from the paddling pool is about as much water as these fabrics can handle.

A big spill or heavy rain will soak right through to the inner pad of shower proof cushions, causing them to become fertile ground for mould and mildew if not thoroughly dried out.

water resistant.

A term we use a lot when talking about our outdoor rugs and cushions, ‘water resistant’ fabrics can resist brief exposure to water, but will become damaged if soaked or submerged.

There’s no need for a high-octane rescue mission to the garden if your water resistant cushions get caught in a drizzle, but you should avoid leaving them out for prolonged periods. While they’re less likely to become host to mould and mildew, it’s still possible if they’re not aired out and placed in a warm spot after getting wet.

weatherproof.

'Weatherproof’ fabrics are designed to withstand exposure to the elements. As well as resisting prolonged exposure to water, you don’t have to worry about weatherproof cushions fading or losing colour in the sun, either.

 As long as you avoid leaving them out in extreme weather for long periods – you can tick damp, mould, waterlogging and sun-fading off your list of worries when it comes to weatherproof cushions.

One thing quickly becomes clear when you start looking into outdoor fabrics – nothing keeps out water like a fully waterproof cushion. Waterproof fabrics are the clear winners when it comes to keeping dry – so they’re obviously the best choice for your outdoor cushions, right? …right?

No, not necessarily. As furn. interior expert Suzi explains, "fully waterproof cushions often come with a layer of plastic sealant, so they aren’t always the best choice for comfort and breathability. Sticking with water resistant fabrics will give you a plush alternative that stills stands up to splashes and spills".

Outdoor cushions need to be treated with a special plastic coating – usually made from PVC – in order to become fully waterproof. This coating generally covers the back or bottom side of the cushion, and physically prevents water from passing through to the foam inner pad. While this works great for keeping your cushions dry and fresh, you might not be so pleased once you decide to sit down.

The plastic coating blocks water passing through the fabric, but an unfortunate side effect is that it also blocks air. This is why fully waterproof fabrics often lack breathability, leaving you hot, bothered and generally uncomfortable after a lengthy sit. Having to peel your outdoor cushion from the back of your legs is enough to spoil anyone’s barbecue, so you might want to think twice before settling on a fully waterproof option.