Outdoor Furniture Plus' Blog

They make stiff, unforgiving furniture comfortable and brighten up a drab deck. Patio cushions help define outdoor furniture sets by offering vibrant colors and patterns, as well as giving shape and substance to slim aluminum, resin or wood frames. From simple seats to chaise lounges, gliders and ultra plush deep seating, there are cushions for every need and preference. Mix and match prints, or pick out a new set of cushions each season to achieve a fresh look without having to buy all new furniture.

Most cushions are detachable, outfitted with ribbon ties, Velcro or snap closures. This is because they are designed to be easily removed for storage, cleaning and in inclement weather. Many cushions also come with detachable covers that can be unzipped and thrown right into the washing machine.

The main difference between indoor and patio cushions is obviously that patio cushions need to be waterproof. Although it’s not recommended you leave your cushions outside in torrential downpours or in the throes of winter, some moisture and exposure to the sun and wind won’t do nearly the damage it would on an indoor cushion, usually made from much more delicate fabrics. Outdoor cushions are also resistant to color fade, tears, spills and even mildew.

In addition to the cover, the cushion itself is also waterproof, made from a lightweight blend of foam and polyester. This synthetic filling also helps cushions keep their shape, rather than becoming flattened over time. When it comes to the outer layer of cushions, there are a variety of materials that manufacturers employ.

Two of the main categories of cushion are those with woven fibers and those without. This is a broad term under which made materials fall. The thing that differentiates a woven shell from other cushions is that it is, like the name implies, made from a series of woven threads rather than one solid piece of fabric. The benefit of this is that a cushion is more malleable and breathes, which not only keeps you cooler as you sit on it, but also helps damp cushions to dry more quickly.

One type of woven cushion is made with a polyester core and PVC shell, where the material is actually woven into a pliable, breathable fabric. This is one durable material, made for the outdoors and highly resistant to damages, but by the same token it’s also relatively coarse and stiff in comparison to some other cushions.

Olefin is another cushion shell that utilizes waterproof, woven fibers. Olefin is especially popular because it retains its bright color for years, but is also much softer than PVC or plastic feeling materials. Its feel is closer to canvas or a dense cloth, but it is just as stain-resistant and durable as rougher fabrics.

Depending on what type of cushion and covers you own, their maintenance varies slightly. Most cushions can be lightly hosed down or cleaned using a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid contact with sunscreen and other oily materials that can break down cushions over time. For the longevity of cushions, store them inside or in a ventilated storage chest when it is raining and during the winter. For optimal results, make sure cushions are completely dry before storing them for long periods of time.

Do yourself a favor and invest in a quality patio umbrella this season. They will keep you cooler on sunny days, drier on rainy ones, and just make being outdoors all the much more enjoyable. In part one, we discussed the materials that make up patio umbrellas, along with the various types of opening mechanisms. In this installment, we’ll look at the types of patio umbrella bases, various accessories to take your umbrella to the next level, and a little bit about why patio umbrellas should be part of a healthy regimen.

Bases
There are a few different ways a patio umbrella can stand up, and this can mean all the difference in the world insofar as the spatial requirements of your deck or patio, as well as personal preference. The first type of base is freestanding, in which the umbrella is attached to a weighted floor base that is either fixed or rolling. The second type of umbrella stand also attaches to a floor base, but is meant to be used with patio tables that have pre-made holes in the center. These are great for enjoying meals outdoors.

There are also deck-mounted umbrellas that are more or less permanently affixed to the floors of decks and patios. What you lose in mobility you make up for by the fact that these are the most stable bases, and the least likely to topple over due to strong winds. The last group of bases is offset bases, which consequently can be freestanding, table-mounted or deck-mounted. Offset bases bend at an angle so that the umbrella does not need to be centrally located in the area in which shade is desired. They allow for greater control of shade and are an advantage where space is an issue.

Accessories
Want to really enjoy your umbrella? Try out some simple patio umbrella accessories. For starters, look for umbrellas with overlapping fabric and wind vents, much like you would see on a golf umbrella. The idea is much the same for these oversized portable umbrellas: in a strong wind, the vents allow air to pass through instead of being caught underneath the umbrella, where it would normally tip over or invert itself.

Another idea, great if you live in humid or swampy regions, is a detachable mosquito net. For total comfort, try a mounted fan, designed specifically to attach to umbrellas. Finally, an ambient touch is the addition of lights. Whether large bulbs or small, Christmas light style bulbs, a little mood lighting goes a long way.

To Your Health
A final word on the benefit of patio umbrella stems from the idea that they’re not just a luxury item. Patio umbrellas can be good for you. In the heat of summer, the shaded area beneath an umbrella is significantly cooler than sunny areas, drastically reducing dehydration and the symptoms from maladies like sunstroke. They’re also a natural version of sunscreen, blocking out harmful UV rays and keeping you and your family safe and sound.