Are Outdoor Cushions Waterproof?

Some are. Many are not. The honest answer to whether outdoor cushions are waterproof is that it depends on the cushion, and the difference matters.

The three categories

Outdoor cushions sold in the UK fall into three categories.

Truly waterproof cushions are made from fabric with a waterproof coating that prevents water absorption entirely. Rain runs off rather than soaking in. Spills wipe off with a cloth. The Gardenia range from Homefords is in this category, with a waterproof finish on a soft-touch linen-look fabric.

Water-resistant cushions are made from tightly-woven fabric that resists light rain but absorbs heavier or prolonged wetness. They are fine for a quick shower while you bring them inside, but they are not built to be left out in a downpour.

Standard outdoor cushions, often the cheapest ones at supermarkets and garden centres in spring, are made from regular cotton or polyester fabric that has been printed with an outdoor pattern. There is no real waterproofing. They absorb water like an indoor cushion would. These are the ones that go mouldy and faded by August.

Why this matters when buying

For domestic buyers, the difference is mostly about how often you have to bring the cushions in. Truly waterproof cushions can stay on the furniture during the British summer with no issue. Water-resistant cushions need to be moved into cover when rain looks likely. Standard ones need to live in a storage box when not in active use.

For trade buyers (pubs, restaurants, holiday lets, hotels), this is more important still. Staff time spent moving cushions every time it rains is real cost, and cushions that get repeatedly soaked and dried out wear faster. Genuinely waterproof cushions are usually the right specification despite the slightly higher price, because they pay back in lower labour and replacement costs.

How to tell which kind you are looking at

Three quick tests:

Read the product description carefully. ‘Waterproof’ should be stated explicitly. Vague language like ‘outdoor-suitable’ or ‘weather-resistant’ usually means water-resistant rather than waterproof.

Check whether the cover is machine washable. Most genuinely waterproof outdoor cushion covers are designed to be removed and washed, because the waterproof coating is durable enough to survive a wash cycle. Cheap printed-cotton outdoor cushions usually come with handwash-only or spot-clean instructions because the fabric is not robust enough.

Look at the price. Genuinely waterproof outdoor cushions are not the cheapest option in most ranges. They usually cost a few pounds more than the basic outdoor cushion but considerably less than a designer outdoor cushion. The Gardenia covers at £1.60 are at the budget end of the genuinely waterproof market.

Browse the Homefords outdoor cushion range for waterproof cushion covers, seat pads and booster seat pads, all machine washable.