How do I get cushions for garden seating that can be left outside?
by
Ros
Suggested Project Book
Use a "sunbrella" type fabric intended for outdoor use.
You can use sunbrella fabric, but unless the area is covered, the fabric may not last more than a few years. Better to place customized covers over seating when not in use to protect from animals, birds, sun.
Unless they are solid plastic, no patio cushions are going to be totally water proof. At best they are only water resistant. Spraying them with Scotchguard spray will help to repel the water from going deeper than the cover fabric, but is not immune to a big downpour.
As far as fading from the sun, the best solution here is to go with light colored fabric. The Sunbrella brand fabric uses dyes that are supposed to be fade resistant, however, it is very pricey.