To calculate the yardage for outdoor cushions, you need to start by measuring the cushion or cushions you plan to purchase, or if you are creating your own you need to measure the shape of the cushion.
When measuring, make sure to measure the length, width and height of the cushion, along with the cushion depth (if necessary). Once you have your measurements, you can then calculate the amount of fabric you need.
For example, if you have an 18 inch by 18 inch square cushion you would need 36 inches (2 x 18) for the length, 36 inches for the width, and the amount of fabric you need for the height or cushion depth will depend on how thick or deep you wish it to be.
As a result, if you want it to be 8 inches deep you would need 64 inches (8 x 8) of fabric for the height. Therefore, total fabric yardage needed would be: Length: 36 inches.
Width: 36 inches
Height: 64 inches
Total yardage: 136 inches.
When purchasing fabric for outdoor cushions, you need to factor in “wastage” – between 5-7% of the total for cutting and pattern matching. Therefore, for every 136 inches of fabric, you should add an extra 8-10 inches to account for wastage.
In conclusion, calculating the yardage for an outdoor cushion requires that you measure its length, width, height and depth, take into account of wastage when purchasing fabric, and add this onto the required measurements to calculate the total amount of yardage you need.
How thick should outdoor seat cushions be?
The ideal thickness of outdoor seat cushions depends on the type of furniture they are being used with and the desired comfort level. For example, bench style or metal outdoor seating generally require thinner cushions as they cannot accommodate thicker cushions due to the decreased space and often lack of armrests.
This type of seating usually requires cushions between 1-3 inches thick. On the other hand, bigger, wooden outdoor chairs and couches may be able to accommodate thicker cushions. These pieces of furniture typically require cushions between 4-6 inches thick for optimal comfort.
Additionally, the desired comfort level is a factor. If you prefer to lounge and sink into your cushions then a thicker cushion is recommended. If you prefer a more firm seating experience you may want something more on the thinner side.
Ultimately, the ideal thickness for outdoor cushions is based on your personal preference and the type of outdoor seating that you have.
How much fabric do I need for a seat cushion?
The amount of fabric needed for a seat cushion will depend on the size of the cushion and the thickness of the foam insert. Generally you should plan on requiring at least 2 yards of fabric per standard 30-inch cushion.
However, if your seat cushion is a bigger or smaller size, or if the foam insert is thicker than average, you may need more fabric. To determine the exact amount of fabric you need, take some measurements.
To start, measure the length of the cushion and add an extra inch for seam allowance. Then measure the width and add two inches for seam allowance. Finally, calculate the fabric needed for the top and bottom of the cushion by multiplying the length by the width.
For example, if your cushion is 40 inches by 30 inches, you would need 4 yards of fabric (2 yards for the top and 2 yards for the bottom).
What fabric is used for outdoor cushions?
Outdoor cushions are typically made with sun-resistant, weatherproof and wear-resistant fabrics such as polyester, acrylic, spandex, polypropylene and olefin. These fabrics are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including rain, snow and strong UV rays.
Polyester, acrylic and spandex are all lightweight, durable options that are water-resistant and easy to clean. Polypropylene is a great choice as it is both durable and UV resistant, while olefin is a great all-weather fabric choice as it is highly resistant to moisture and fading.
Many outdoor cushions also come with protective fabric coatings such as fluoropolymers, acrylic and polyurethane to further protect the fabric from the elements and make them easier to clean.
Can I use regular fabric for outdoor cushions?
Yes, you can use regular fabric for outdoor cushions. However, there are different types of fabrics available specifically designed for outdoor use. Outdoor fabrics are designed to be more durable and resistant to fading and mildew, which is important when using cushions outdoors.
The fabric of your outdoor cushions should also be designed to tolerate high levels of humidity and sunlight. Regular fabric may fade or develop mildew if it is continuously exposed to sunlight or moisture.
If you choose to use regular fabric for your outdoor cushions, be sure to use a fabric protector to help extend the life of your cushions.
What material is outdoor fabric?
Outdoor fabric is a type of material that is designed to tolerate prolonged exposure to various elements such as extreme temperatures, sunlight, wind, snow, rain, and humidity. It is commonly used to make furniture covers, curtains, awnings, and boat covers.
Some types of outdoor fabrics include acrylic, polyester, vinyl, leather, and even canvas. Acrylic is a popular choice for outdoor furniture covers because it is highly resistant to cracking, fading, and mildew.
Polyester is often used for upholstery fabric due to its UV-resistant properties, which make it a good choice for outdoor cushions and patio furniture. Vinyl is often used for tarps and covers due to its water-resistant qualities.
Leather can be used for more luxurious furniture covers and for indoor/outdoor areas. Canvas is also used for boat covers and awnings because it is durable and can hold up to extreme weather. Generally, outdoor fabrics are made to last longer than indoor fabrics and are designed to withstand harsh conditions.
What fabrics are as good as Sunbrella?
Sunbrella is widely known for its high-quality outdoor fabrics that offer superior weather resistance and are highly durable, making them an ideal choice for a variety of outdoor applications. While there is no other outdoor fabric that can match Sunbrella’s performance, there are several other fabrics that can offer excellent weather resistance and durability.
O’Sea and Suntex are two of the most popular alternatives to Sunbrella. Both of these fabrics are constructed from polyester textilene, a strong and lightweight material. The polyester yarns are woven into a mesh of open weave and coated with an acrylic emulsion that provides excellent waterproofing and durability.
The mesh weave allows air to flow through, promoting breathability and quickly drying the fabric. Additionally, both O’Sea and Suntex are slightly lighter and less expensive than Sunbrella. In terms of outdoor furniture, Top Gun and Real Ocean offer good alternatives to Sunbrella.
Both feature the same strong and lightweight polyester construction of O’Sea and Suntex with plastic coating for waterproofing. Real Ocean has the added bonus of being UV- and mildew-resistant. Both fabrics offer excellent water resistance and breathability and hold up well in a variety of climates and weather conditions.
Overall, fabrics like O’Sea, Suntex, Top Gun, and Real Ocean all offer good weather resistance and durability, but none can quite match the performance of Sunbrella.
What is outdoor furniture fabric made of?
Outdoor furniture fabric is typically made of a variety of different materials. This can include acrylics, olefin, microfiber, polyester or blends of materials such as polyester and cotton, or acrylic and olefin.
Acrylics are often used in outdoor fabric because they are treated against sun and water damage, while olefin is a popular choice due to its durable, waterproof qualities. Microfiber is another fabric option, which is extremely soft and also fade-resistant.
This is often used in combination with other fabrics to add extra strength and color. Polyester is a strong, lightweight fabric, and blends of polyester and cotton can be used for added strength. In addition to materials, outdoor furniture fabric is often treated with a finish to help further protect the material from the elements.
These finishes can include waterproofing, mildew resistant coating, and UV protection, amongst others.
What kind of fabric is Sunbrella?
Sunbrella fabrics are solution-dyed acrylic fabric made specifically for outdoor use. The fabric is resistant to fading, mildew, abrasion and water. It also offers great versatility and is lightweight, breathable and easy to care for.
The solution-dying process permeates the fiber of the fabric with color, ensuring that the fabric won’t fade, even in direct sunlight. Sunbrella fabrics have a sturdy feel, yet soft to the touch, and come in a variety of solids and prints.
It is suitable for furniture, awnings, marine applications, and even walls. It is also available in two different fabrics styles: Sunbrella Supreme and Sunbrella Performance. Sunbrella Supreme is a 6.2-oz.
solution-dyed acrylic fabric suitable for upholstery and drapery applications, while Sunbrella Performance is Sunbrella’s line of lightweight fabrics that are easy to work with and machine washable.
How thick are Sunbrella cushions?
Sunbrella cushions come in a variety of thicknesses, so there is not one specific measurement for them. Depending on the particular Sunbrella cushion being purchased, the thickness can range from 1 inch to 5 inches.
The thickness of the cushion will depend on the overall design and how much support it needs to provide. Sunbrella cushions use superior materials and construction for superior comfort, so they are thick enough to provide excellent support and comfort but not too thick to be bulky or interfere with seating.
What is considered a high density foam?
High density foam is a type of foam that has a high level of firmness and density. This type of foam is typically used in furniture, bedding and upholstery applications, as well as for medical cushions or therapeutic pillows.
High density foam offers a high level of firm support and durability, making it a popular choice for long-term use. It usually has a higher foam weight than standard foam and contains a higher percentage of air trapped within in the foam, allowing it to be more resistant to compression over time.
High density foam typically has a density of 1.5 or higher and is usually combined with other types of foam, such as memory foam, in order to create a comfortable and supportive cushion for use in furniture and bedding applications.
What kind of foam do you use for chair cushions?
The type of foam used for chair cushions depends on the overall design of the chair and the desired level of comfort. Common types of foam used for seat cushions include polyurethane foam, memory foam, and latex foam.
Polyurethane foam is a common, basic foam option that’s often used for indoor seating. It is reasonably priced and provides a fair amount of comfort to the user. Memory foam is a denser option that has a slower response time when compressed.
It eventually molds to the shape of the user, offering superior comfort and support. Latex foam is another option that is known for its resilience, durability, and breathability. It bounces back after compression and is often used for outdoor chairs.
All three foam types come in varying degrees of firmness, from soft to extra firm, depending on the needs of the user.
What foam is used for seating?
Foam is one of the most popular materials used in the production of seating. It can be found in furniture such as chairs, sofas, and even mattresses. The type of foam used for seating is usually a combination of high-density foam and a softer foam for comfort and support.
High-density foam provides the structure and support for the furniture, ensuring that it will last for years to come. The softer foam is used for comfort and support during extended periods of sitting, such as during long hours of visiting or gaming.
Foam generally lasts longer than other seating materials, offering fantastic value for money and is often ideal for those who suffer from back pain or discomfort. It is also easy to clean and maintain.
Foams used in seating come in a variety of styles and densities and range from low-cost options right through to high-end luxury options. Some foams used in seating may be treated to be more fire-retardant or waterproofed.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for durable, comfortable seating that offers great value for money, foam is a great option.
What outdoor material lasts the longest?
When outdoor surfaces and materials come to mind, many people think of wood, metal or concrete. However, the most durable materials over time are those made of plastic or composite materials. Plastic materials offer superior long-lasting performance, which makes them ideal for outdoor use.
They are often made from recycled materials, which adds to their sustainability. Composite materials offer exceptional durability, UV resistance and color stability when used in outdoor applications.
The most common composite materials include vinyl, fiberglass, and PVC. Vinyl is the most popular because it is inexpensive and requires minimal maintenance. Fiberglass is strong and lightweight, and can be found in a variety of colors and textures.
PVC is known for its fire resistance, ease of installation and low maintenance. Ultimately, the material that lasts the longest either plastic or composite, depending on where it will be used and how it will be maintained long-term.
What is the difference between acrylic and polyester outdoor fabric?
Acrylic and polyester outdoor fabric both have their advantages and disadvantages. Acrylic outdoor fabric generally has better resistance to fading, tears and shrinking. It’s also more colorfast and resists staining, so it’s great for heavy usage or areas that experience a lot of sun or dirt.
However, acrylic is also more expensive and can start to pill over time.
Polyester outdoor fabric on the other hand is generally more affordable and blends more easily. It’s relatively durable, but not quite as resistant to fading and tearing as acrylic fabrics. Polyester is also less resistant to stains and may require special care if frequently exposed to dirt and debris.
It also tends to wrinkle more easily.
What is equivalent to Sunbrella fabric?
Equivalent fabrics to Sunbrella include Outdura, Tempotest, Trevira, Top Gun and Marinex. These fabrics are similar in that they are all highly durable and designed to withstand outdoor conditions such as temperature, humidity and UV exposure while remaining colorfast and mildew resistant.
Outdura and Tempotest are made of 100% solution-dyed synthetic fibers – making them extremely fade-resistant. Trevira fabric is made of solution-dyed polyester and has a soft hand feel, making it ideal for indoor applications, as well as outdoor use.
Top Gun fabric is 100% solution-dyed acrylic and is less soft than Trevira, but incredibly durable and mildew-resistant. Marinex, like Sunbrella, is made of 100% solution-dyed acrylic and is an excellent fabric option for furniture and cushions, offering design flexibility and incredible durability.
