Foam Series: How to Choose the Best Outdoor Cushion Foam for Your Porch or Patio

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the three main types of CushionRite® outdoor foam available at Sailrite®, comparing their pros and cons to help you make the best choice for your patio or porch seating.

Why Foam Type Matters for Outdoor Cushions

Outdoor cushions are usually considered "occasional use" cushions, meaning they’re not subjected to heavy daily wear. For this reason, you don’t necessarily need the most rugged or expensive foam on the market — but you do need to think about moisture management and mold resistance, especially if your cushions will be exposed to rain or humidity.

Let’s break down the top three CushionRite foam options for outdoor living:

CushionRite® Standard Antimicrobial Foam

Best for: Covered patios, rarely used cushions or cushions stored indoors.

This medium-density polyurethane foam (1.8 lbs./cu. ft.) is a budget-friendly option for occasional outdoor seating. It's treated with an antimicrobial solution to help resist mold and mildew — ideal for boat cushions and outdoor use.

Keep in mind: Standard polyurethane foam is like a sponge — it absorbs water and dries slowly. If the foam gets wet, it may hold moisture inside the cushion, which can lead to mold and odors over time.

Pro tip: Wrap the foam in a waterproof barrier like Cushion Wrap Silk Film (#103933) before placing it in your cushion cover. Also, pair it with water-resistant outdoor fabric for added protection.

Shop CushionRite Standard Antimicrobial Foam

CushionRite® Dry Fast Antimicrobial Foam

Best for: All-weather cushions that stay outside full time.

This reticulated foam features an open-cell structure that allows both air and water to flow through easily. That means it dries quickly after rain and doesn’t trap moisture. Like Standard foam, Dry Fast has a 1.8 lbs./cu. ft. density and includes antimicrobial protection.

Key benefit: Water drains right through the foam and out of the cushion when used with a breathable fabric, making it ideal for poolside furniture, open patios or marine applications.

Note: Dry Fast foam is more expensive than other options, but its performance in wet conditions is unmatched.

Shop CushionRite Dry Fast Antimicrobial Foam

CushionRite® Premium Antimicrobial Foam

Best for: High-use outdoor seating where longevity matters.

With a high density of 2.8 lbs./cu. ft., Premium foam provides superior support and durability. It's designed to last up to 12 years, making it a great choice for patios or porches that see frequent use.

Like Standard foam, it will absorb moisture, so we recommend using waterproofing wraps and durable, water-resistant cushion covers to keep it dry and extend its lifespan.

Shop CushionRite Premium Antimicrobial Foam

Which Outdoor Foam Is Right For You?

Here's a quick comparison chart to help you decide:

Shop All Outdoor Living Foam

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right foam ensures your outdoor cushions stay comfortable, supportive, and looking great for years to come. Whether you need quick-drying foam for open-air seating or long-lasting foam for a covered patio, Sailrite’s CushionRite foam collection has you covered.

Want to dive deeper into foam types and terminology? Check out our other helpful blog posts in the Foam Series:

• "Choosing the Best Foam for Cushions — 5 Key Terms to Know" 
• "Comparing Types of Upholstery Foam."