Asked on May 02, 2014

I need ideas on cheap outdoor couch cushions?

Yvonne
by Yvonne
I just bought an Ikea outdoor couch frame for $20. ,without the cushions. When I went looking at different stores for new cushions I almost had a stroke at the prices If I go new $140.-$200. I just cannot pay that. So I've been all over CL looking,discount stores,online, nothing. Oh, almost forgot to mention,I CAN'T SEW . The couch is 69" long and 25" deep so it is fairly large.And I was just thinking of putting loose throw pillows for the back. I know someone must have an idea that I have not thought of yet ?
  17 answers
  • Becky Wood Becky Wood on May 02, 2014
    @Yvonne have you tried the dollar stores, like Fred's. I can't tell you an exact price, but I don't think they were too expensive. Might not be what you are looking for.
  • Linda Kinsman Linda Kinsman on May 02, 2014
    I'd check my local thrift stores and Freecycle listings @Yvonne . I know some people like to change out their decor each year and they toss the old stuff.
  • Jennifer G Jennifer G on May 02, 2014
    My local Dollar Store has some super cute large Dog Beds that could work for your outdoor couch… Ross/Marshalls/etc. always has cheap pillows, pillow cases/shams and sometimes foam bed toppers that you could cut to size then cover with shams, a fitted sheet or a fabric drop cloth (tucking any extra fabric underneath). Also, you could try those cheap-o foam pool floating loungers. They come in fun colors and can be easily cut down to fit. You could even layer them for more comfort - maybe use spray adhesive between the layers so they don't slide around.
  • Lisa G. Lisa G. on May 02, 2014
    If you find cheap cushions, you could check fabric stores that offer coupons and buy the fabric with coupon. Many times they have marked down fabric that's really pretty. You can use hot glue to recover them and/or velcro for a closure so you can wash them. You could also buy the foam that way. My friend made throw pillows for outdoors by covering them with those tablecloths that are waterproof. Some designs are really nice patterns and do not look cheap.
  • Heather Taylor Heather Taylor on May 02, 2014
    Buy vinyl tablecloths - the kind with the felt backing - and make a seat/pillows. They are waterproof and come in so many cool patterns & colors...
  • Lavende Lavende on May 02, 2014
    I'd seen a post awhile back about how to make outdoor cushions by stuffing tons of plastic grocery bags into a waterproofed cushion cover...sounded interesting!
  • Carole Carole on May 03, 2014
    Do you have K mart where you are? They sell large sheets of that foam that is for beds that looks like egg box - has sort of pockets in it. If you put two pieces together it will be enough thickness to make a cushion. You could then make a slip to go over it or see if a friend who can sew could make you some covers. Some fabric glue should hold the two pieces of foam together. This might be cheaper than buying cushion foam. If you need to cut the foam to size, use an electric kitchen knife as scissors or shears will twist the foam as you cut and make ragged edges. Good luck!
  • Chris aka monkey Chris aka monkey on May 03, 2014
    thompsons makes a spray called thompsons water seal fabric seal that you just spray on to make fabric waterproof so you could just get anything that would fit and spray it with this xx
  • Bodyshopsue Bodyshopsue on May 03, 2014
    If you have a friend that can sew a little for you, you can use shower curtains & fill with several smaller discount pillows to make a very long one.
    • Paula Burgess Paula Burgess on Sep 19, 2015
      @Bodyshopsue I have used shower curtains before to cover outdoor cushions but no sewing...fire up the glue gun.....fold and glue like a Christmas present.....quick easy. I have an outdoor bar set(free) and made cushions using those interlocking rubber/foam floor tiles..cut to size...hot glue cushion...been out all summer long in Maine
  • Janine Janine on May 03, 2014
    I ran into this same issue because my porch swing needs new cushions. To replace just the cushions will cost more than I paid for the entire swing brand new!!! Fortunately, I sew & will probably use some of the ideas here to decide exactly what I am going to do!!
  • Yvonne Yvonne on May 03, 2014
    Great answers, our dollar stores up here are not that great yet, mostly nick nack stuff . Carole, We no longer have K-mart here. I think I do know the foam that you are referring to though, the egg carton part anyways. My concern is, would it be weather proof ? Where I live we get so much rain that it would be mouldy in no time. Today I went from garage sale to garage sale to Jysk ( cheaper Ikea type store), Walmart again, and nothing . That is unless you are fine with very thin, and very ugly and I really do not think they will even last the season so why even bother..... Then I ended back at Home Sense for the second time this week and I came across dog beds, 4" thick 24" wide and 36" long , water proof, a denim type material with a zipper , so I can wash it , and it not ugly !!!! Yay Woo hoo! I've looked everywhere , and these are by far the best made and best buy that I have came across and I have to say, They are the nicest looking . And they do not look like dog beds. Janine , there's hope!
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on May 04, 2014
    I buy regular chair cushions...they are not waterproof but I take them in every fall and put them in one of those vacuum bags and put them in the attic. Here is a photo of mine and everything is 3 years old!
  • Funnygirl Funnygirl on May 05, 2014
    Check out garden ridge-no on line ordering but their prices and selection are really great
  • 153091 153091 on Mar 20, 2016
    I cover outdoor pillows with canvas paint cloths from Lowe's. Buy small bed pillows "low cost", cut canvas like pillow cases, take out glue gun if you don't sew but I do prefer sewing.. You can also stencil the canvas, or just paint stripes your color choice.
  • Mary Mary on Jun 10, 2021

    Rice, pinto beans, or sand as fillers.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jul 04, 2021

    Hi,

    Cover any cushion with Shower Curtain fabric!

  • Janice Janice on Feb 26, 2024

    Shop at your local thrift stores to local a lot of yardage (tablecloths/bedspreads/draperies) and you can make cushion covers by using stick on Velcro or even get the appropriate yardage and cut to the size and wrap several cushions together as though you're wrapping a package. You can use duct tape on the underneath or backside to hold it all together. You can usually purchase good sized throw pillows for $3-5 at Goodwill/Salvation Army or Salvation Army. You CAN make them for way less than ready-made and make them the exact size you need. There are instructions on-line.