Outdoor cushions play a crucial role in transforming UK gardens, patios, and summer seating areas into comfortable, inviting spaces. Whether you’re refreshing a rattan corner sofa, upgrading a wooden bench, or replacing tired sun lounger pads, choosing the right outdoor cushion foam determines how well your seating performs through our unpredictable British weather.
Many homeowners struggle with cushions that stay wet for days, grow mildew, flatten quickly, or simply don’t feel comfortable - especially when cheaper sponge like foams absorb water like a sponge.
This guide is designed to help you understand the best outdoor cushion foam options available in the UK, how to measure accurately for replacements, and how to choose materials that stay comfortable, durable, and weather ready all summer long. Using insights from real customer questions, UK climate considerations, and industry leading foam technologies, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before ordering new outdoor cushions.
How To Choose The Best Outdoor Cushion Foam
As specialists in bespoke outdoor cushions, Foam & Covers help customers choose the right foam, fabric, and custom sizing for any garden furniture layout - from rattan sets to benches, loungers, caravans, boats, and campervans. With expert guidance and UK made craftsmanship, you can create outdoor cushions that look beautiful, feel supportive, and last for years.
What Makes a Great Outdoor Cushion
Before diving into foam types, it helps to understand what makes an outdoor cushion perform well in the UK climate. Great cushions share a handful of qualities that determine how comfortable, durable, and weather ready they’ll be once they’re out on the patio.
- Comfort: Long lasting support without sagging or bottoming out.
- Durability: Resistance to daily use, UV exposure, and seasonal humidity.
- Support: Correct density prevents sinking into the frame.
- Weather Performance: Quick drying, mould resistant foam is essential.
- Aesthetic Structure: Quality foam maintains crisp edges and tailored shape.
- Practicality: Removable covers, washable fabrics, and breathable foam improve longevity.
Want cushions that stay comfortable all summer? Foam & Covers can help you choose the perfect foam for your furniture - contact our experts online.
Benefits of Choosing the Right Outdoor Cushion Foam
Once you know what defines a high quality outdoor cushion, the next step is understanding why choosing the right foam matters so much. The benefits go far beyond comfort - the right foam transforms how your furniture looks, feels, and lasts throughout the seasons.
- Perfect fit
- Custom comfort
- Designed for unique spaces
- Fabric freedom
- Premium craftsmanship
- Better than off the shelf cushions.
Explore custom cushion options with Foam & Covers for a perfect fit every time.
How to Measure for Outdoor Cushion Foam
Accurate measurements are the foundation of a perfect outdoor cushion. Whether you’re replacing old pads or ordering bespoke foam cut to size, taking the time to measure properly ensures your new cushions fit beautifully and perform exactly as intended.
Tools You’ll Need
- Rigid metal tape measure
- Pencil and paper
- Optional: brown paper for tracing curved or tapered frames
- A clear, empty furniture frame (remove old cushions first).
Step by Step Guide
1. Measure Width (Left to Right) - Measure across the inside of the frame at the front, middle, and back. Use the narrowest measurement.
2. Measure Depth (Front to Back) - Measure from the front lip to the backrest. Subtract 1cm to prevent overhang.
3. Measure for Seat + Back Cushion Sets - If the back cushion rests on top of the seat cushion:
3.1 Measure total backrest height
3.2 Subtract seat cushion thickness
If the seat cushion pushes fully to the back frame:
3.3 Measure total seat depth
3.4 Subtract back cushion thickness
4. Measure Curved, Tapered, or Irregular Shapes - Trace the frame onto brown paper, cut it out, test the fit, and send the template to Foam & Covers.
Additional Tips
- Never measure old cushions - they sag and distort.
- Measure to the nearest 0.5cm.
- Ensure cushions are sized for comfortable seat height.
- For long cushions over 107 inches, consider splitting into sections.
Need help measuring? Send Foam & Covers a photo of your furniture and they’ll guide you - contact us for advice.
Choosing the Right Foam for Outdoor Cushions
With your measurements ready, it’s time to explore the foam options themselves. Outdoor foam isn’t one size fits all - each type has unique strengths, drying speeds, comfort levels, and ideal use cases.
Reticulated Open Cell Foam (Outdoor Gold Standard)
- What it is: Fully open, web like foam structure that drains water instantly.
- Why it’s good: Self draining, antimicrobial, fast drying - ideal for UK rain.
- Best use cases: Rattan corner sofas, patio seating, sun loungers left outside 24/7.
- Foam & Covers recommendation: Perfect for cushions exposed to rain or humidity.
High Density Reflex Polyurethane Foam
- What it is: Dense, supportive foam similar to premium indoor seating.
- Why it’s good: Comfortable, durable, excellent shape retention.
- Best use cases: Conservatories, garden rooms, covered patios, caravan seating.
- Foam & Covers recommendation: Ideal when cushions are stored indoors nightly.
Medium Density Foam
- What it is: Softer, more relaxed foam for deeper seating.
- Best use cases: Thick rattan bases, loungers, daybeds.
- Foam & Covers recommendation: Great for comfort when depth is 7.5cm+.
Soft Foam (Back Cushions)
- What it is: Plush, yielding foam for backrests.
- Best use cases: Back cushions, scatter cushions, pillows.
- Foam & Covers recommendation: Ensures comfortable sink in feel.
Marine Grade EVA / PE Closed Cell Foam
- What it is: Waterproof, buoyant, firm closed cell foam.
- Why it’s good: Doesn’t absorb water - ideal for boats and heavy rain.
- Best use cases: Marine seating, campervan pads, outdoor benches.
- Foam & Covers recommendation: Perfect for extreme moisture environments.
Thickness Guidance - Outdoor Cushion Foam
- 2.5–7.5cm: Firm
- 7.5–12.5cm+: Medium
- Backrests: Soft.
Unsure which foam suits your furniture? Foam & Covers can recommend the perfect grade - online contact form.
Best Fabrics for Outdoor Cushions
Foam is only half the story. The fabric you choose determines how your cushions handle sun exposure, spills, humidity, and daily use. Pairing the right foam with the right fabric ensures your outdoor cushions stay beautiful and functional for years.
Key Considerations
- UV resistance
- Weather resistance
- Washability
- Style and colour
- Anti microbial treatments.
Popular Outdoor Fabric Options
- Sundec Canvas
- EasyClean Polyester
- Marine Vinyl
- Solution Dyed Acrylic.
Browse Foam & Covers’ cushion fabric range to find the perfect match for your garden.
Styles & Inspiration
Outdoor cushions are used across countless garden setups, from modern rattan lounges to classic wooden benches. Exploring popular styles can help you visualise how your new cushions will look and inspire ideas for refreshing your outdoor space.
- Rattan corner sofas
- Wooden benches and arbours
- Bistro dining sets
- Sun loungers and daybeds
- Conservatory seating
- Campervan rock ’n’ roll beds
- Caravan dinettes
- Boat cockpit seating.
Send Foam & Covers a photo of your furniture for personalised style advice - contact us online.
Why Choose Foam & Covers?
With so many suppliers offering outdoor cushions, it’s worth understanding what sets Foam & Covers apart. Customers across the UK choose them for their craftsmanship, expertise, and reliable service — all backed by UK manufacturing and long lasting quality.
- UK manufacturing
- Premium foam
- Bespoke tailoring
- Exceptional customer service
- Fast turnaround
- Trusted by thousands.
Join thousands of UK customers who trust Foam & Covers for long lasting outdoor comfort - instant online quote.
How to Order Your Outdoor Cushion Foam
Ordering bespoke outdoor cushions is simple when you know the steps. Foam & Covers streamline the process so you can go from measurements to finished cushions quickly and confidently.
1. Measure your furniture frame
2. Choose your foam type
3. Pick your outdoor fabric
4. Submit measurements via the online quote form
5. Review your instant email quote
6. Approve and pay your invoice
7. Receive fast UK delivery
Get your free quote today for outdoor cushions - instant online quote form.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor cushions are an investment in comfort, style, and long term durability. With the right foam, fabric, and expert guidance, your garden furniture becomes a space you’ll enjoy all summer - and for many years to come. Foam & Covers make it easy to create cushions that fit perfectly, feel incredible, and withstand the unpredictable British weather.
