em billie co journal

Can You Replace Outdoor Furniture Cushions?

An Australian guide to covers, foam and custom sizing

If the frame of your outdoor setting is still in good condition but the cushions have faded, flattened or simply reached the end of their life, you may not need to replace the entire setting.

In many cases, outdoor furniture cushions can be completely remade to suit the original frame. This includes the foam inserts, the removable covers or both, depending on their condition.

At em billie co, we create custom outdoor cushions for clients throughout Australia. Each piece is made to the measurements and shape of the furniture, with your choice of outdoor fabric, foam and finish.

Can outdoor furniture cushions be replaced?

Yes. Replacement outdoor cushions can be made for almost any style of furniture, including:

• Outdoor lounges and modular settings
• Dining chairs and bench seats
• Sun lounges and daybeds
• Poolside and fire pit seating
• Built in alfresco benches
• Curved and unusually shaped furniture
• Discontinued outdoor furniture collections
• Caravan, marine and holiday accommodation seating

The original cushions can be helpful as a guide, but they are not always essential. If the old cushions are no longer available, we can work from detailed measurements, photographs and templates of the furniture.

Do you need new foam or only replacement covers?

Sometimes the foam inside an outdoor cushion is still in good condition and only the covers need replacing. A replacement cover may be all you need if the existing foam:

• Returns to its original shape after being pressed
• Still feels supportive and comfortable
• Has not become brittle or crumbly
• Does not have mould, odour or moisture damage
• Still fits the furniture properly

New foam may be the better option if the cushions have lost their shape, feel uncomfortable or no longer sit correctly within the furniture.

What if the original cushions are an unusual shape?

Outdoor furniture is rarely as standard as it first appears. A cushion that looks rectangular may have tapered sides, curved corners, an angled back or a slightly different measurement from one end to the other.

• Curved and tapered seating
• Angled back cushions
• Rounded corners and deep lounge seating
• Individual modular sections
• L shaped benches and furniture with cut outs
• Seats requiring ties, tabs or discreet fastening

This is where custom sizing becomes especially valuable. Rather than trying to force a standard cushion into a space it was not designed for, every piece can be made to properly fit the furniture.

Choosing fabric for outdoor cushions in Australia

Australian outdoor areas place very different demands on fabric than an indoor living room. We work with upholstery grade outdoor fabrics from trusted suppliers, including Warwick, Zepel, Sunbrella, Wortley and other leading fabric houses.

• UV and fade resistance
• Water, mould and mildew resistance
• High durability ratings
• Removable and washable covers
• Beautiful colours and textures designed for Australian homes

Outdoor fabric does not need to feel stiff or plasticky. There are now beautiful woven, textured and linen look options that feel much more like indoor upholstery while still offering the performance needed for outdoor use.

Can outdoor cushion covers be washable?

Yes. Wherever the design allows, we recommend removable covers with quality zips so they can be taken off for cleaning.

The correct care method will depend on the fabric selected, but many of the outdoor fabrics we use can be gently machine washed in cold water and line dried. Removable covers also allow you to replace the fabric again in the future without necessarily replacing the foam.

Is it better to replace the cushions or buy a new outdoor setting?

That depends on the condition and quality of the furniture frame. Replacing the cushions may make sense when:

• The frame is strong and structurally sound
• You still like the size and shape of the setting
• The furniture fits the space well
• The original cushions have worn out before the frame
• Replacement cushions are no longer available from the retailer
• You want to improve the original foam or fabric quality
• Replacing the whole setting would create unnecessary waste

Good quality outdoor furniture can remain useful for many years after its original cushions have faded or flattened. Custom replacement cushions allow you to retain the part that is still working while updating the comfort, fabric and overall appearance.

What details are needed for a custom cushion quote?

To begin a quote, we generally need:

• Clear photographs of the furniture
• The number and measurements of the cushions required
• Details of any curves, angles or unusual shapes
• Whether you require covers only or new foam as well
• Your preferred fabric or colour direction
• Your delivery suburb and postcode

For unusual shapes, we may also request a paper template or additional measurements before production begins. Perth clients can arrange an appointment to view fabric samples and discuss their project in person. We also work with clients throughout Australia using measurements, photographs, templates and posted fabric samples.

Can cushions be made for commercial outdoor spaces?

Yes. Custom outdoor cushions can also be created for cafés, restaurants, accommodation, childcare settings, workplaces and other commercial environments.

For commercial projects, we consider how frequently the seating will be used, how the covers need to be cleaned and whether additional performance features are required. This may include commercial rated fabric, antimicrobial options, water resistant barriers, reinforced seams, removable covers and furniture specific fastening.

Ready to replace your outdoor cushions?

If your outdoor furniture still has plenty of life left but the cushions no longer look or feel as they should, we would love to help.

Send us photographs, measurements and a little information about your setting, and we can talk you through replacement covers, new foam and custom outdoor cushions made to fit your space.

Designed and made in Perth, with custom orders available throughout Australia.

Love, EBC Team x