Almost everyone with a home has an outdoor space with patio chairs to provide a chance to lay back and relax outside, enjoying the evening sun with outdoor dining or a morning cup of coffee. But why are patio chair cushions so expensive?
Patio chair cushions can be a great way to add comfort and style to your outdoor seating area, but here are some of the reasons why patio cushions can be such an expense.
Why Are Patio Cushions So Expensive?
One question often asked by people looking to buy patio furniture is why the cost of patio furniture is so high and why patio cushions themselves are so expensive.
The average price for a set of four patio chair cushions can range anywhere from $50 to much higher end.
So, what contributes to the high cost of these outdoor accessories?
Smaller Runs
Unlike indoor goods which can be mass-produced in large numbers, patio furniture is generally made in smaller production runs.
This is because the demand for outdoor furniture is lower than indoor due to the seasonal nature of its use.
As a result, patio chair cushions are often made in limited quantities which contributes to a higher price point.
Specialized Materials
The materials used to make patio chair cushions are also generally more expensive than those used for indoor furniture.
Outdoor fabrics need to be able to stand up to the elements, including sun, wind, and rain, without fading or wearing down too quickly.
This means that manufacturers often use higher quality, synthetic materials that can be more costly.
Handmade vs. Machine
Many patio cushions are also handmade, rather than mass-produced by machines. This can add to the cost, as there is more labor involved in the production process.
Created With Generally Higher-End Materials To Increase Durability
Weather from the peaks of summer to the snows of winter, your patio cushions will take a beating so they must be weather resistant and last season after season.
They need to be made with high-quality, durable materials that can withstand the elements day in and day out. This generally means a higher price tag for the finished product.
Different Sizes, Styles, and Shapes
You might think that all patio cushions are created equal, but there is actually a lot of variation in size, shape, and style.
This can impact the cost, as some cushions are more complex to create than others. It’s also important to keep in mind that not all patio furniture is created equal.
Some pieces are better made and will last longer than others, which can also impact the price of the cushions. In general, higher-quality furniture will come with a higher price tag.
So, now that you know some of the reasons why patio chair cushions can be expensive, you can make a more informed decision about whether or not they are worth the investment for your home.
What Fabric & Materials Are Used To Make Patio Cushions?
Since we know now that they can be expensive, hand-made, and have a range of styles, another question you might have is: what exactly are patio cushions made of?
Fabrics Used on Patio Cushions
As we mentioned before, the materials used for outdoor furniture need to be able to withstand the elements without fading or wearing down.
For this reason, most patio cushions are made from synthetic fabrics such as polyester, acrylic, or similar.
These materials are less likely to fade in the sun or get damaged by moisture than natural fibers like cotton or linen.
In addition, synthetic fabrics are generally more resistant to mold and mildew, which is important for furniture that is going to be outdoors.
Fillings Used in Patio Cushions
The filling of a patio cushion is just as important as the fabric. After all, it’s the filling that makes a cushion soft and comfortable to sit on.
Most patio cushions are filled with polyester fiberfill, which is a synthetic material that holds its shape well and doesn’t break down over time.
Some higher-end cushions may be filled with down or feathers, which can make them even more comfortable.
However, these materials are not as resistant to the elements and may need to be replaced more often.
Wooden Patio Furniture
As to the frame to support the cushions, this is generally made of wood.
The most common type of wood used for outdoor furniture is teak, as it is naturally resistant to rot and decay.
Other woods such as cedar or eucalyptus may also be used.
Metal Patio Furniture
In some cases, the frame of the patio furniture may be made of metal such as aluminum or wrought iron.
These materials are also resistant to the elements and can provide a more modern look to your furniture.
Plastic Patio Furniture
The least expensive in most cases, but also the least durable option is plastic.
Plastic furniture can be a good choice for those who are on a budget or don’t plan to keep their furniture for a long time.
It is important to note that plastic furniture will generally not last as long as wood or metal in many cases and may need to be replaced more often.
How Often Should You Replace Outdoor Cushions?
Generally, you would want to monitor the condition of your patio cushions and replace them when they start to show wear and tear.
This could be anywhere from once a season to every few years depending on how often you use them and what type of fabric and filling they are made with.
It’s a good idea to have a couple of sets of patio cushions so that you can rotate them and allow the other set to air out and dry between uses.
This will help them last longer and stay in better condition and create a much longer-lasting cushion for your yard and patio use.
Are Expensive Patio Chair Cushions Worth the Investment for My Pergola?
When considering pergola buying tips, it’s important to factor in the comfort of your outdoor space. Expensive patio chair cushions can be worth the investment for your pergola, as they can enhance the overall look and feel of your outdoor retreat, making it a more inviting and enjoyable space.
Final Thoughts on Buying Patio Cushions
As you can see, there is a wide range of factors that go into the cost of patio chair cushions.
From the materials used to the size and shape of the cushion, there are many things that can impact the patio furniture price.
However, if you keep in mind that patio cushions need to be durable and long-lasting, then the price tag starts to make a lot more sense.
When you’re looking for new patio furniture, be sure to take a look at the cushions and decide if they are worth the investment, some high-quality options are available here on Amazon with Prime to have them at your home possibly within 24-48 hours!
You may find that they are exactly what you need to complete your perfect patio setup whether just cushions or complete patio furniture sets.
