Outdoor Furniture & Outdoor Foam Cushions – What to Use and Why
Outdoor living is a key part of the Australian lifestyle. Whether you're relaxing on the patio, enjoying a BBQ, or entertaining friends, your outdoor furniture needs to handle sun, rain, and everything in between.
At Home Upholsterer, we supply everything you need to build or refresh your outdoor seating — including reticulated outdoor foam, weather-resistant fabrics, and waterproof vinyls. Here's what you should know before recovering or replacing your outdoor cushions.
☀️ How Outdoor Furniture Materials Differ
Outdoor furniture requires materials that can withstand exposure to:
- Sunlight (UV rays)
- Moisture (rain, pool water, garden spray)
- Mould, mildew, and humidity
Using the wrong materials — such as regular indoor foam or non-treated fabric — can lead to premature breakdown, mould growth, and costly replacements.
🧽 Outdoor Foam: Why Regular Foam Isn't Suitable
A common mistake is assuming that indoor foam can be used outside. While indoor foam is fine for protected areas, it's not designed to deal with water exposure.
🚫 Why not use standard foam?
- It absorbs and traps water like a sponge
- Encourages the growth of mould and mildew
- Degrades quickly, even with minimal outdoor exposure
✅ Use Reticulated Outdoor Foam
- Open-cell structure allows water to drain freely
- Fast-drying and highly breathable
- Designed specifically for outdoor cushions and seating
- Long-lasting and resistant to rot and microbial growth
💡 Although it costs more upfront, reticulated outdoor foam will last much longer and protect your furniture investment.
🛒 You can order custom outdoor foam cut to size using our easy online calculator.
🌧 Outdoor Fabrics & Vinyls
Just like foam, not all fabrics are created equal when it comes to outdoor use.
✔ Outdoor Woven Fabrics:
- Made from materials like Olefin or solution-dyed acrylic
- Designed to resist UV fading, moisture, and mildew
- Great for cushions, covers, bench seats, and more
✔ Outdoor Vinyls & Imitation Leathers:
- Waterproof and easy to clean
- Resistant to sunlight, salt, mildew, and mould
- Ideal for poolside lounges, boat seating, and garden furniture
- Available in stylish colours and textures that mimic real leather
Explore our full range of outdoor fabrics and marine vinyls — perfect for DIY and trade upholstery projects.
🛠 Shop Outdoor Cushion Supplies with Confidence
At Home Upholsterer, we make outdoor furniture restoration simple:
✔ Reticulated outdoor foam cut to your exact shape and size
✔ Outdoor-rated upholstery fabrics and marine vinyls
✔ Adhesives, tools, and Dacron wrap for that polished finish
✔ Expert advice from a real team in our Sydney warehouse
✔ Fast, reliable shipping Australia-wide
📞 Need help choosing the right products? Contact us or visit our Sydney showroom to speak with our team.
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