Outdoor Cushion Terminology
Outdoor Cushion Terminology
Everything you needed to know about the construction of Outdoor Patio Cushions
A. Outdoor Cushion Shapes & Construction Styles
When you’re shopping for outdoor cushions and patio furniture cushions, you’ll see a lot of shape and style terms that can be confusing at first glance. These details—boxed vs. waterfall, bullnose vs. knife edge, hinged vs. T-cushion—are what determine how your patio cushions sit on the frame, how tailored they look, and how they feel when you use them. This quick glossary explains the most common cushion construction styles so you can match the right look and fit to your outdoor furniture.
| Term | Category | Definition | Notes / Related Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boxed Cushion | Cushion construction | Outdoor cushion with a top and bottom panel and a separate side band (boxing) that creates a squared, tailored edge. | Common for deep seating outdoor cushions, bench cushions, and patio chair cushions. |
| Waterfall Cushion | Cushion construction | Outdoor cushion where the fabric wraps smoothly from the top over the front edge to the bottom with no separate front boxing. | Often used on seat pads and thinner patio chair cushions; sometimes called a “waterfall front.” |
| Bullnose Cushion | Cushion construction | Outdoor cushion with a rounded front edge where the top and bottom panels meet in a curve rather than a sharp seam. | Can be bullnose front only or all-around; often seen on chaise lounge cushions. |
| Knife Edge | Cushion construction | Outdoor cushion with two fabric panels sewn together around the edges, creating a simple, tapered edge without separate boxing. | Common for throw pillows, small seat pads, and back outdoor cushions. |
| Center Seam | Cushion detail | A single seam running down the middle of the outdoor cushion, often used on back cushions to shape and control the fill. | Can be combined with piping; also seen on pillow backs. |
| Center-Tuft / Tufted Cushion | Cushion detail | Outdoor cushion with buttons or stitches pulling the layers inward, creating dimples or tuft points. | Adds a classic look; buttons may be covered buttons in matching fabric. |
| Hinged Cushion | Cushion construction | A two-part outdoor cushion (seat + back) joined together by a sewn “hinge” so it folds over a chair frame. | Used often for chaise lounge cushions and some folding patio chairs. |
| T-Cushion | Cushion shape | Outdoor cushion shaped like a “T” so the front “arms” wrap around the front posts or arms of the furniture. | Found on some outdoor sofas and club chairs with wrap-around arms. |
| U-Cushion | Cushion shape | Outdoor cushion with a U-shaped cut-out or curve at the front, designed to fit specific frame shapes. | Common on some patio dining chairs and wrought iron furniture. |
| Radius Corner | Cushion shape | A rounded corner on an otherwise square or rectangular outdoor cushion, sized by radius measurement. | Important when replacing original manufacturer patio furniture cushions. |
| Reversible Cushion | Use / care | Outdoor cushion designed to be flipped and used on both sides, often with the same fabric front and back. | Extends the life of patio cushions; check for ties or details on both sides. |
B. Outdoor Cushion Types by Use & Furniture Piece
Not all outdoor cushions are created for the same job. A seat pad for a bistro chair, a deep seating cushion for a club chair, and a chaise lounge cushion all work differently and are built differently. Understanding these common patio cushion terms will make it much easier to choose the right patio furniture cushions for your space, measure correctly, and order custom replacements that truly fit your furniture and your lifestyle.
| Term | Category | Definition | Notes / Related Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Cushion | Cushion type | Outdoor cushion designed for sitting on, placed on the seat deck of the furniture. | Can be boxed, waterfall, knife edge, or bullnose; used on patio chairs, benches, and outdoor sofas. |
| Seat Pad | Cushion type | A thinner, lighter outdoor seat cushion, often 1–2" thick, used on patio dining chairs or bistro chairs. | Usually knife edge or waterfall, often with fabric ties to secure to the chair. |
| Back Cushion | Cushion type | Outdoor cushion designed for back support, typically softer with more loft than a seat cushion. | May be boxed, knife edge, pillow back, or channel back; used on deep seating patio furniture. |
| Pillow Back | Cushion type | Style of back outdoor cushion that looks more like a loose pillow, often knife edge with soft fiber fill. | Common on deep seating club chairs, outdoor sofas, and sectionals. |
| Lumbar Pillow | Cushion type | A rectangular pillow that supports the lower back when used with outdoor seating. | Popular accent with patio furniture cushions, benches, and outdoor lounge chairs. |
| Deep Seating Cushion Set | Cushion type | A thicker, deeper set of outdoor cushions (usually a seat + back) designed for club chairs, sofas, and sectionals. | Often 4–8" thick; used on deep seating patio furniture for maximum comfort. |
| Chaise Lounge Cushion | Cushion type | Long, often hinged outdoor cushion that runs the length of a chaise lounge from head to foot. | Can be one-piece or two-piece (back + leg) with various hinge placements. |
| Club Chair Cushion Set | Cushion type | Outdoor cushions sized for a deep seating club chair, typically a separate seat cushion and back cushion. | Usually a boxed seat cushion paired with a pillow back or boxed back. |
| Lounge Chair Cushion | Cushion type | General term for outdoor cushions used on reclining or adjustable lounge chairs, sometimes interchangeable with chaise lounge cushion. | Check if the frame is straight-back, multi-position, or fully reclining when ordering replacements. |
| Outdoor Sofa Cushions | Cushion type | Outdoor cushions that run across a 3-seat or 2.5-seat outdoor sofa, typically multiple seat cushions plus back cushions. | May be three separate seat cushions or one long seat with separate back cushions. |
| Loveseat Cushions | Cushion type | Outdoor cushions sized for a two-seat loveseat—usually two seats + two backs, or one long seat + two separate back cushions. | Frequently used in outdoor seating sets with matching chairs and tables. |
| Settee Cushion | Cushion type | Outdoor cushion for a small, two-person seat narrower than a loveseat; often one continuous seat cushion. | Common on iron or wood garden settees and porch pieces. |
| Bench Cushion | Cushion type | Long rectangular outdoor cushion designed for benches, picnic tables, or window seats. | Can be boxed or knife edge, with or without fabric ties; often used as patio bench cushions. |
| Outdoor Dining Chair Cushion | Cushion type | Seat pad or small seat + back combination designed specifically for patio dining chairs. | Frequently tie-on seat pads or hinged seat/back cushions for outdoor dining sets. |
| Ottoman Cushion | Cushion type | Outdoor cushion that sits on top of a footrest or ottoman frame. | Often boxed or knife edge, usually lower thickness than seat cushions; coordinates with deep seating patio cushions. |
C. Outdoor Cushion Details, Finishes & Attachments
Small details make a big difference in how outdoor cushions and patio furniture cushions look, feel, and stay in place. Piping, covered buttons, fabric ties, and zipper placement all change the style and function of your patio cushions. This glossary explains the most common cushion details, finishes, and attachment options so you can better understand the design choices available when you order custom outdoor cushions or replace existing patio chair cushions.
| Term | Category | Definition | Notes / Related Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piping / Welting | Edge detail | A corded edge sewn into the seams of outdoor cushions for a more tailored, finished look. Can be self-welt (same fabric) or contrast welt (different fabric). | Adds style and structure to patio furniture cushions, especially on deep seating cushions and bench cushions. |
| Self-Welt | Edge detail | Piping made from the same fabric as the body of the outdoor cushion. | Clean, classic look on patio cushions, throw pillows, and deep seating sets. |
| Contrast Welt | Edge detail | Piping made from a different fabric or color than the main outdoor cushion. | Design detail used to highlight the shape or coordinate accent colors on patio chair cushions and sofa cushions. |
| Covered Button | Decorative detail | Button covered in matching or coordinating fabric, used for tufting or as an accent on outdoor cushions and pillows. | Common on tufted seat pads, swing cushions, and outdoor throw pillows. |
| Fabric Ties | Attachment | Strips of fabric sewn to the outdoor cushion, used to tie the cushion to the furniture frame and keep it from sliding. | Often placed at back corners of seat cushions or tops of back cushions on patio dining chair cushions. |
| Velcro Ties | Attachment | Straps with hook-and-loop (Velcro) fastener used to secure outdoor cushions to the frame. | Easier to attach and remove than traditional ties; useful on patio furniture cushions that are frequently moved. |
| Back Ties | Attachment | Ties positioned on the top or sides of a back cushion to hold it in place on the backrest. | Important on windy patios to keep back outdoor cushions from tipping forward. |
| Seat Ties | Attachment | Ties positioned on the back corners of a seat cushion to secure it to the seat deck. | Helps prevent sliding when sitting or standing; common on patio chair cushions and bench cushions. |
| Zipper Closure | Construction | A zipper sewn into the cushion cover to allow removal for cleaning, fabric replacement, or changing the foam inside the outdoor cushion. | May be on the back, bottom, or side seam of the cushion; very common on custom patio furniture cushions. |
| Hidden Zipper | Construction | Zipper concealed in a seam or flap so it’s less visible when the outdoor cushion is in use. | Gives a more polished look on decorative patio pillows and deep seating cushions. |
| Envelope Closure | Construction | Overlapping fabric panels on the back of a pillow cover that close without a zipper. | More common on indoor pillows, but sometimes used on outdoor throw pillows. |
| Gusset / Boxing | Construction | The side panel of a boxed outdoor cushion that determines its thickness and creates the vertical edge. | Example: a 4" gusset = 4" thick patio cushion; used on bench, sofa, and deep seating cushions. |
| Channel Back | Construction | Back outdoor cushion divided into vertical or horizontal channels to help keep the fill evenly distributed. | Seen on some outdoor sofas, sectionals, and pillow-back styles. |
| Tufting String / Button Tufting | Construction | Internal threads or buttons that draw the layers of the cushion together, forming tufted depressions. | Used on traditional patio cushions, swing cushions, and some bench cushions for a classic look. |
D. Outdoor Foam, Fill & Comfort Terms For Patio Cushions
What’s inside your outdoor cushions and patio furniture cushions matters just as much as the fabric on the outside. Foam density, fiber fill, and cushion thickness all affect how your patio cushions feel on day one—and how they look after a few seasons of real outdoor living. This section explains the most common foam and fill terminology so you can understand what you’re actually sitting on (and what you might want to upgrade to) when you order custom patio chair cushions or replacement deep seating cushions.
| Term | Category | Definition | Notes / Related Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foam Core | Fill | The main foam block inside a seat or back outdoor cushion that provides structure and support. | Can be standard foam, high-density foam, or reticulated (dry fast) foam in patio furniture cushions. |
| High-Density Foam | Fill | Foam with higher material density, offering better support and longer life in outdoor cushions. | Ideal for deep seating patio cushions, outdoor sofa cushions, and patio chair cushions. |
| Reticulated / Dry Fast Foam | Fill | Foam with an open cell structure that allows water to drain quickly, used in high-exposure outdoor cushions. | Excellent for poolside seating, docks, and uncovered patio furniture cushions. |
| Standard Polyurethane Foam | Fill | General-purpose foam used in many seat outdoor cushions; comfortable at first but may break down faster in heavy use or wet conditions. | Often found in budget patio cushions and some ready-made patio chair cushions. |
| Polyester Fiber Fill | Fill | Soft, fluffy synthetic fiber used to fill back outdoor cushions and pillows, creating a plush, pillow-like feel. | Common in pillow backs, outdoor throw pillows, and lumbar pillows. |
| Fiber Wrap | Fill | A layer of polyester fiber wrapped around a foam core to soften edges and improve comfort. | Used on many deep seating patio cushions and bench cushions for a more rounded, tailored look. |
| Memory Foam | Fill | Slow-recovery foam that molds to the body; very comfortable but not usually recommended outdoors due to moisture retention. | Occasionally used in specialty or hybrid patio furniture cushions under protective covers. |
| Loft | Comfort | The height and fullness of an outdoor cushion or pillow; higher loft = puffier, softer look and feel. | Important for back pillows, pillow backs, and decorative outdoor cushions. |
| Cushion Thickness | Comfort | The measured height from top to bottom of the outdoor cushion (for example, 2", 3", 4", 5"). | Key factor in comfort for deep seating patio cushions, bench cushions, and patio chair cushions. |
| Firmness | Comfort | How hard or soft an outdoor cushion feels when you sit on it, influenced by both foam density and thickness. | Can range from soft and plush for pillow backs to medium-firm for supportive seat cushions. |
| Support | Comfort | The outdoor cushion’s ability to hold your body without bottoming out or feeling too flat. | Higher-density foam and correct thickness improve support in patio furniture cushions. |
E. Outdoor Cushion Layout, Sets & Other Helpful Terms
When you’re planning a full outdoor cushion refresh, it helps to understand how pieces work together as a set. Terms like “sectional cushion,” “cushion set,” and “modular seating” describe how patio cushions are arranged on the frame and how many pieces you really need. This section explains common layout and set terminology so you can talk confidently about your patio furniture cushions, whether you’re replacing one seat or planning a full sectional.
| Term | Category | Definition | Notes / Related Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushion Set | Layout | A group of coordinating outdoor cushions sold or ordered together (for example, seat cushion + back cushion). | Often described as 2-piece, 3-piece, or 4-piece cushion sets for patio furniture cushions. |
| Sectional Cushion | Layout | Outdoor cushion designed to fit modular or sectional outdoor sofas, with specific pieces for corners, centers, and ottomans. | Typically ordered by piece type (corner unit cushion, armless unit cushion, sectional ottoman cushion). |
| Corner Unit Cushion | Layout | Outdoor cushion set for the corner piece of a sectional, usually including an L-shaped back cushion and a square or wedge seat cushion. | Coordinates with the rest of your sectional patio cushions. |
| Armless Unit Cushion | Layout | Outdoor cushion set for a center or armless sectional piece, usually one seat cushion and one back cushion. | Pairs with corner unit cushions to build larger sectionals. |
| Modular Seating | Layout | Outdoor furniture configuration with moveable pieces that can be re-arranged; each unit has its own set of patio cushions. | Important when measuring replacement patio furniture cushions so each module fits correctly. |
| Outdoor Throw Pillow | Accent piece | Smaller decorative pillow used to add color, pattern, and comfort to outdoor seating. | Often coordinated with patio furniture cushions and made from the same performance fabrics. |
| Toss Pillow | Accent piece | Another term for throw pillow, placed on sofas, loveseats, club chairs, and benches. | Common in pillow sets with square and lumbar pillows. |
| Lumbar Pillow Set | Accent piece | Group of lumbar pillows sized to match a seating group—for example, a set of 2 for a loveseat or 3 for a sofa. | Often sold or styled with matching patio cushions. |
| Swing / Glider Cushion | Cushion type | Outdoor cushion designed for porch swings, gliders, or swing benches, often one long seat cushion or a seat + back combination. | Typically secured with fabric ties to keep the cushions from shifting. |
| Replacement Cushion | Purpose | Custom or stock outdoor cushion made to replace the original manufacturer’s cushion on existing patio furniture. | Often referenced by furniture brand and collection name when ordering custom patio furniture cushions. |
| Bench Cushion Set | Layout | Combination of a bench seat cushion and optional back cushion or pillows for a bench or settee. | Creates a complete look for outdoor benches and entry seating. |