It’s important to look for cushions made well and from the right materials so that they will dry off properly and resist mould as well as be comfortable. All cushions that are left outside in the rain will get wet! Unless they are made of sheet plastic (which would be awfully sweaty to sit on a hot day!) the water will penetrate the fabric and foam.

Look for cushions made of reticulated foam as it is a kind of foam that has anti bacterial and anti fungal properties. The term ‘reticulated’ refers to the polyurethane’s cell structure created in the manufacturing process. The result is a fast dry foam that allows the movement of air and fluid through the material.

When reticulated foam gets wet, its structure allows the water to move through it rather than getting trapped. It’s important to allow wet cushions to drain properly and try to avoid water sitting in them for any length of time. Some high end makers, put a mesh panel on the underside of cushions so that water can more easily drain out rather than pooling inside the cushion cover.

There are so many choices in technically advanced fabrics and materials that there really is something to suit every budget. When it comes to outdoor furniture, investing in quality pieces will pay off in the long term as well as being a better choice for the environment.