What Are Season Proof Garden Cushions?

Updated: 30/04/26

Season-proof garden cushions are such useful accessories for outdoor living - and they look fabulous. Sun, rain, food, drink, children and pets can easily spoil the look of your scatter cushions and seating. With water-resistant and waterproof cushions, however, the problem is easily solved. Their quick-drying abilities also improve their resistance to mould forming - especially from one season to another.

We've put together this guide to season-proof garden cushions, both the decorative scatter kind and integral seat and back cushions. We look at what's on offer, the materials they use and how to look after them.

What are Season-Proof Garden Cushions?

Season-proof garden cushions are designed to withstand light rainfall without compromising their appearance or comfort. It is important to note that season-proof cushions are not waterproof. Season-proof garden cushions are back-coated with a water-resistant liner. This liner helps to prevent water ingress. The liner is a crucial part of the cushion as it is what gives the cushion its durability. 

The term ‘season-proof’ is broad and refers to cushions that can withstand some exposure to the elements. This usually includes:

• Water-resistant

• Stain-resistant

• UV-stabilised fabric

What does Season-Proof mean?

Typically, season-proof refers to outdoor cushions that can withstand all seasons. For garden cushions, it means that they can withstand light rainfall. It does not mean that you can leave them outside all year round and they will be fine. Garden cushions are not indestructible; they still need to be cared for.

Season-proof cushions are water-resistant, not waterproof. This means that they can repel light rain and dry quickly. However, they should not be left outside during heavy rainfall. Typically, the cushions are made from materials such as polyester or solution-dyed acrylic blends. These types of materials are designed to withstand general use and changing weather conditions.

What Season-Proof doesn’t mean:

• Doesn’t mean that you can leave cushions outside all year

• Doesn’t mean that you can leave cushions outside during rain and snow

• Doesn’t mean that your cushions are waterproof

How do season-proof cushions differ?

Many of the high quality garden furniture brands that we stock have their own season-proof cushions. The QuickDry and AirTouch are Cane-line's own versions of water-resistant upholstery. This means the fabric is UV and water resistant, and dirt repellent - but not waterproof. The fabric is soft, extremely comfortable and stays looking good with minimal maintenance.

There are very few brands that produce high quality water-repellent cushions for outdoor furniture. JB Furniture stocks one of them - Bramblecrest. They spent many years developing and refining an exclusive collection of water-repellent cushions that can remain outside throughout all weathers.

What are Bramblecrest Season-Proof Cushions?

Bramblecrest season-proof cushions are garden furniture cushions designed to withstand the outdoors better than your standard indoor cushions. Their cushions utilise Bramblecrest’s innovative ‘soft-touch’ fabric, meaning that even though they are durable, they are still highly comfortable.

The cushion cover is made using Eco fabric. Bramblecrest Eco cushion covers are crafted from yarn made of recycled plastic bottles. When you combine the season-proof technology with Eco cushions, you get cushions that are soft, durable and good for the environment.

Water-resistant vs Waterproof

One common misconception that our customers have is that garden cushions are waterproof. More often than not, this is not the case. Season-proof cushions are water-resistant, not waterproof. 

Water-resistant cushions

The most common type of outdoor cushions is water-resistant or water-repellent cushions. They are designed to withstand light rain and dry quickly. Water-resistant cushions are usually softer than waterproof cushions. The cushions are backed by a liner, which is treated to ensure that the cushions repel dirt and water. 

To guarantee comfort and durability, the materials used have to be breathable. Not only does this create a more comfortable seat, but it also allows air to move through the cushion so that it can dry more quickly. Water-repellent cushions are great for everyday use in spring and summer. We would always recommend that our customers bring the cushions indoors when not in use. Alternatively, if you have a furniture cover, you can leave the cushions underneath the cover during spring and summer.

Waterproof cushions

Waterproof cushions do exactly what the name suggests. They can stay outside all year and withstand heavy rainfall. Waterproof cushions need to have a layer between the cushion cover and the inner that does not allow large amounts of water through. However, the fabric used still has to be breathable, otherwise it will prevent air flow.

If you leave your waterproof cushions outdoors during heavy rainfall, we would advise you to stand the cushions up afterwards. This will allow the cushions to dry more quickly. Although you do not have to cover or store waterproof cushions, it is important to consider other outdoor elements. Things such as bird droppings, fallen leaves and general debris can still cause issues for your cushions.

How Are Weather-Proof Cushions Created?

When it comes to durable outdoor fabrics, the most popular are acrylic and polyester-based. Bramblecrest's cushions, for example, are made from high quality, poly-cotton fabric with a wipeable, shower-proof coating.

Bridgman, on the other hand, uses marine-grade acrylic fabric for both their home and garden cushions. They are completely waterproofed with a special membrane that will not let water through the outer fabric. This allows them to use soft foam for the actual cushion, so comfort isn't compromised.

Bridgman's waterproof cushions are made from layers of different material.

Cleaning Season-Proof Cushions

Even stain-resistant fabrics can get dirty, but whatever kind of season-proof cushions you buy - water-resistant or waterproof - they'll be low maintenance. This short care guide will help your furniture stay looking brand new:

 • As with any stain, the quicker you get to it the better.

• If possible, remove the cover so you don't get the foam cushion itself wet.

• Next, remove any excess liquid, food or mud, etc, by blotting or scraping it away (this is preferable to wiping or rubbing it in).

• Then, spray any remaining stain with soapy water and rub or scrub gently until it’s removed.

• Rinse the area with water, pat it dry and leave it to dry completely - preferably outside.

Alternatively, you can hand-wash and rinse some cushion covers, usually at 30 degrees. You may still have to rub any stubborn stains gently. Then air dry as above. We don't recommend machine-washing your cushion covers because the stain may not be removed and might be set further into the cushion.

Water-resistant and waterproof cushions can be left out all the time, but we advise that you store them away during particularly harsh weather. Also, while you are using your season-proof cushions during warmer weather, lifting or turning them will improve air circulation, which will help prevent them from staying damp.

Season-proof cushions are a brilliant invention!

Clearly, waterproof cushions for outdoor furniture are ideal in the UK, but water-resistant ones are just as useful. Give them all a little care and attention, and they'll be looking as good as when you first bought them. You'll find a great variety of season-proof cushions on our site. Check the descriptions for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are season-proof cushions UV treated?

Yes, season-proof garden cushions are coated with a UV treatment. Making them more durable to sun exposure.

Do I still need to store cushions in winter?

Yes, we would always advise you to store cushions for winter. This reduces the amount of maintenance needed. Cushions need protecting against harsh weather, garden debris, rotting leaves and more.

Are Season-Proof Cushions worth it?

Yes, season-proof cushions are worth it. They are more robust than regular cushions and are suited to being outdoors. Not only that, but they’re low maintenance. They’ll survive everyday use, spills, rain and general wear far better than standard cushions.

Further Reading:

How To Choose Rattan Garden Furniture

How To Make The Best Use Of Your Outdoor Space

How to Maintain Rattan Garden Furniture

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