Quality Patio Cushions - 6 Factors to Consider

Patio cushions can be expensive. Although you can buy them in discount stores you will not always find the best quality there and you can end up with cushions which only lasts one season.

In many cases you are better off paying extra for something which will last for a long time - you get what you pay for. What makes a quality patio cushion so expensive is that

1. It has to be Waterproof

Patio cushions need to be waterproof so that they can stand up to a little light rain and the occasional downpour not to mention splashes from a pool.

2. It has to Be Comfortable

The material, while waterproof still has to be soft to the skin. This requires an outdoor fabric with special properties. The foam inner of the cushion must be thick and firm enough so that you don't feel the hard chair through the cushion.

3. It has to be Quick Drying

The best cushions are filled with quick drying foam or Dacron which is more expensive than standard foam. Standard foam tends to hold onto water like a sponge and prevents the cushion drying out quickly

4. It must be Resistant to Mildew

Quality cushion fabric is treated to be resistant to molds and mildew so that a little damp does not ruin the cushion.

5. It must be Hardwearing

Patio cushions are designed to be used regularly throughout the warm months of the year - which in some places can be all year round. To make hardwearing cushions the best quality cushions have reinforced seams, zipper closures and piping which adds to the cost.

6. It must be Fade Resistant

Patio cushions are out in the sun for long periods - without some kind of UV resistance the colors would fade very quickly and the beautiful colors you chose to decorate your patio furniture would be no more.

When you see all the qualities a good patio cushion needs to have you will see why they can be expensive. Be sure to check out any patio cushion you are considering against these criteria to make sure it will live up to your expectations.

For more advice on getting the very best quality and how to buy patio cushions for your garden furniture see the 5 steps to choosing patio cushions guide at http://patiocushionsforyou.com

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