The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Vinyl & Faux Leather Cushions

X-HT-300455

Vinyl and faux leather fabrics are excellent choices for patio and outdoor seating. They’re durable, easy to clean and require little maintenance. One of their standout qualities is extreme abrasion resistance, ensuring longevity even in harsh weather conditions. With the right materials, you can leave your cushions outside year-round without worrying about damage.

The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Vinyl & Faux Leather Cushions

In this guide, we’ll cover the best materials and supplies for crafting outdoor cushions using vinyl or faux leather.

Step 1: Choosing the Best Foam for Outdoor Cushions

Selecting the right foam is crucial for durability and comfort. The most important factor is antimicrobial properties to prevent mold and mildew growth. Here are three excellent choices:

CushionRite® Dry Fast Foam: Great for wet environments as it drains quickly.
CushionRite® Standard Antimicrobial Foam: A medium-density polyurethane foam with microbial resistance.
CushionRite® Premium Antimicrobial (Firm) Foam: A high-density polyurethane option that can last up to 12 years.

If you want a plush, rounded look, wrap the foam in polyester batting for extra softness. To further protect against moisture, encase your foam in Cushion Wrap Silk Film (#103933) before inserting it into the cushion cover. This film acts as a moisture barrier, protecting the batting and foam from getting wet.

Step 2: Selecting the Best Vinyl & Faux Leather Fabric

Vinyl and faux leather fabrics add a high-end look to outdoor spaces while providing excellent weather resistance. Understanding their differences helps in making the best choice:

Vinyl Fabric: Made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), it is durable, waterproof and UV resistant. Popular brands include Morbern® and EverSoft™.
Faux Leather Fabric: Made from polyurethane (PU), it is softer and free of plasticizers. Ultraleather® Coast and Summit are standout choices for outdoor use.

Outdoor Cushion Vinyl Foam Thread 4 — This patio set looks fantastic with Morbern Bayside cushions in Taupe.

Top Outdoor Vinyl & Faux Leather Brands

EverSoft™ (Exclusive to Sailrite): A premium indoor/outdoor vinyl with a matte leather-like finish and excellent four-way stretch for easy shaping. Available in Pebble and Smooth textures.
Morbern® Bayside & Surf: A versatile vinyl offering a balance of stretch and construction durability, with a sophisticated, shine-free finish in classic and bright colors.
Ultraleather® Coast & Summit: High-end polyurethane faux leather ideal for covered patios and shaded porches. It resists temperature changes better than vinyl, staying cooler in the sun.

All these fabrics are UV resistant, waterproof, mold resistant and easy to clean, making them perfect for year-round outdoor cushions.

Outdoor Cushion Vinyl Foam Thread 3 — Here's an idea: Use a durable vinyl or faux leather fabric for patio cushions, and then introduce color and pattern by making pillows from coordinating printed fabrics.

Because vinyl and faux leather fabric is waterproof, there is an issue with water pooling on the surface of the cushion. Also, vinyl may become hot if directly exposed to sunlight. This can make it a bit uncomfortable to bare skin. Ultraleather, however, features a climate control technology that is more resistant to temperature changes than vinyl fabrics.

If these issues are deterring you from considering a vinyl or faux leather, you might want to consider using a woven fabric for your outdoor cushions. Read our companion blog "The Ultimate Guide to Building Weatherproof Outdoor Cushions" for the best foam, fabrics and notions for constructing a durable outdoor woven fabric cushion.

Step 3: Notions & Finishing Techniques

Thread & Seams

For best results, use UV-resistant polyester thread such as Tex 70 or Tex 90 to ensure durability. To enhance water resistance, use a semi flat-felled seam construction and basting tape during assembly. This helps seal seams and prevent water seepage.

Piping Options

Add a professional touch with piping. Choose from:

Premade Piping: Available in EverSoft™ and Morbern® Seabrook for a polished contrast.
Custom Piping: Use piping cord wrapped in your selected fabric for a seamless look.

Venting & Breathability

Because vinyl and faux leather are waterproof, cushions need venting to release air when sat on. There are two ways to vent vinyl and faux leather cushions. You can use metal vent grommets at the zipper plaque or incorporate Phifertex® Mesh in your zipper plaque assembly for breathability.

Zipper Selection

For securing cushion covers, choose from Lenzip® or YKK® zippers, both known for their weather-resistant and high-quality construction. Choose #5 molded tooth zipper components for durability. For cushions, you don't need a finished zipper. Order #5 molded tooth continuous chain and a compatible #5 single pull slider.

Outdoor Cushion Vinyl Foam Thread 5 — We've cut this cushion in half so that you can see all the layers we recommend for a well-built outdoor vinyl or faux leather cushion.

Step 4: Maintenance & Care

One of the biggest advantages of vinyl and faux leather is their easy maintenance:

Routine Cleaning: Wipe spills immediately. Most stains can be cleaned with soap and water.
Deep Cleaning: Use alcohol-based solutions or specialized vinyl/faux leather cleaners for tougher stains.
Preventing Dirt Build-Up: Hose off cushions monthly to prevent dirt from embedding into seams and textured surfaces.
Avoiding Damage: Use soft cloths or sponges — never abrasive cleaners, steel wool or harsh chemicals.

Final Thoughts

With the right materials and construction techniques, vinyl and faux leather cushions can transform your patio into a stylish and durable outdoor retreat. Whether you prioritize luxury, affordability or weather resistance, there’s a perfect fabric and foam combination for your needs.

Looking for more DIY inspiration? Visit our DIY Projects section for step-by-step tutorials and expert guides on cushion making!