Sun, salt and humidity wear almost every outdoor fabric. The materials that last are not always the most expensive ones, but the ones made for these conditions. These are the things worth asking before you order.
- Is the fabric made for outdoor use? Look for good resistance to ultraviolet light. Solution-dyed fabrics, where the pigment goes in before the fibre is formed, usually hold colour better than those dyed only on the surface.
- Does it resist mildew? Colour fastness to sun and mildew resistance are two different properties. Ask about both.
- How does it clean? A fabric that cleans easily wears less than one left dirty because it is "not worth the effort".
- What is the filling? The key question is whether water can leave. An open-cell foam drains and dries quickly, while a filling that holds water encourages mildew. On a boat drainage matters even more.
- What thread and what zips? The seam is the weak point, because the thread sees the sun. Ask for thread made for outdoor use and zips that resist salt.
And one thing that does not fit in a list: a cushion that sits properly on the seat is not stretched or folded, so it wears slower. That is why measuring is done on site.
We make outdoor cushions for yachts and exterior spaces, with materials chosen for the sea.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an outdoor cushion last?
It depends on the fabric, the filling, sun exposure and care. There is no figure that applies everywhere.
