It’s always a big dilemma as to what to do with the outdoor old faded worn patio cushions. Looking for the correct size replacement that fits the size of the existing patio furniture is the first hurdle. Why is this so complicated? Unless you have ordered a more premium set of outdoor Patio Furniture it really is like searching for a needle in a haystack to find the right size that fits your existing pieces. With clients that have an initial investment into the Furniture in the Beginning it makes sense to bite the bullet and restore the existing cushions. However, with this comes the sticker shock of the cost to do such a project. As long as the Patio furniture finish and structure is still sound, perhaps you can get another 10-15 years out of the pieces themselves. If not, then it’s probably not worth the cost to recover the Cushions.
The Costs Involved. The starting point is finding a suitable outdoor grade of Fabric to recover the cushions. With Sunbrella being the tradename for outdoor Fabric this is typically the starting point and within Sunbrella name there are several grades of quality to choose from. The Durability of the Fabric used on the main portions of the pieces is critical. Many outdoor fabrics have crossed over the bridge from exterior use to interior use with fibers treated which helps longevity if used on the interior. With the advancement of Solution Dyed Fibers, the Quality of Outdoor Fabrics has become almost impossible to detect between a typical interior fabric vs an outdoor fabric. Hence with this improvement in Weaves and Textiles offered so has the increase in the Cost of the Fabric. There are various trade names that offer Sunbrella or Solution Dyed Fabrics. Perennials is one manufacturer that I tend to turn to when creating a distinct outdoor environment. The Multitude of Fabric Patterns, Color variations and the Quality of the Weave make this a strong option for use to create an extraordinary outdoor Living environment. Because of the manufacturing process and use of solution dyed fibers and the uniqueness of the weaves and textures this option is typically double or triple the cost of a typical Sunbrella Fabric. This is when it becomes a search for the best quality, color, texture and how this meets budget expectations. Shopping within the line in order to coordinate the best look for the best price.
Once the Fabric has been selected then the next step is to get a quote from a Local Upholsterer for the yardage necessary for each item. Having the exact Dimensions shape and the necessary construction details of the cushion is important. Details on if the Cushion is Reversible, is the Cushion tied on to the frame, Velcro attached, snaps and these types of details give the workroom or Upholsterer the necessary information needed in order to provide an adequate quote. Here also is where the information comes in handy with knowing the Width and Repeat of the Fabric in order to obtain a yardage requirement necessary to match the Cushions within the item itself as long as with the Surrounding pieces.
The construction of the existing cushions also needs to be clarified. Are there zippers with the existing cushions? What is the Condition of the Foam? How many years has the foam been used. If its time for New Foam, then this also adds to the total Cost to redo the Cushions. Outdoor rated foam is not the same as Interior and is much more costly than Indoor. The Thickness of the Foam is also an important element to provide for the Upholstery Shop so you’re getting the correct thickness for the cushions being made. Same applies to any added accent Pillows used on the individual pieces, if there are throw pillows the size, quantity will also need to be determined as those also will have special fill to complete the project.
Now that you have the Fabric determined, the correct yardage quote and cost for Labor to complete then you begin the project in providing additional information to the upholstery Shop. Do you use the existing Cushions as a Template for the new? Do you provide a Template if no cushion is available? The necessary details of how long the fabric ties will need to be on each piece will need to be specified as well as the exact location of where the ties are located on the individual cushion. The logistics of supplying these details to the Upholstery shop will be needed to be added for if you’re doing this process all on your own, work through the details if your expectations are for the shop to pickup and Deliver the Cushions? If so, what is the added cost for this service?
Care and Use of the replaced cushions. Each and every environment is unique and so are the necessary care to protect the longevity of the cushions. Even though these are “outdoor” Cushions care should be taken to protect these from continued exposure to the outdoor elements: Wind, Rain, Snow. Leaving the cushions on the frame and exposed to the elements year around will certainly cut down the longevity of the cushions, no matter what the cushion is made from the outdoor elements must be reduced in order to protect your investment. There are exterior covers available but that is an entirely another subject in order to find the correct size and material. Trust me, this is just as difficult to find than working through the details of your recovering project.
When all else fails move them inside during winter! It really is the best solution to move the cushions inside during the winter months, leaving them exposed during intermittent weather during the spring or summer months isn’t such a big deal and occasional moisture on the cushions shouldn’t impact the longevity too much. This process is comparable to a visit to the dermatologist and having discussions regarding skin care and the use of protective sunscreen. When you give it second thought it all seems to make sense, any exposure impacts the surface so as much as you diminish the exposure the longer your cushions will last.
What does it Cost? What is the anticipated budget of recovering cushions for my existing pieces. It will vary depending upon the investment of your outdoor Patio Furniture. Let’s say a Dining Chair which is $1200.00 will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $550.00 with fabric and new foam, for a single Cushion, if there is separate back cushion then it will be double. As you can understand this is an investment similar to the interior and if you look past the initial investment and figure out the longevity of the investment over 5 years it might help digest the original investment. However, the contribution to what the possibilities are to create an amazing exterior environment with Color, Texture and Pattern and endless.
Explore more information by visiting:
Perennials: https://www.perennialsfabrics.com
Sunbrella: https://www.sunbrella.com
