How to Measure Cushions

How to Measure Your Patio Cushions for Replacement

Your outdoor cushions have given you years of service, but now they're old, mildewed, torn or just not salvageable by cleaning. Don't throw your patio cushions out just yet! Here's how to measure them so you can order your brand new cushions to be the same size.

Cushion & Pad Measurement

Measuring Instructions for Hinged Cushions

Lay the cushion down on a flat surface.

Measure the width of the cushion from one side to another.
Measure the complete length of the cushion from the top to the bottom.
Measure the depth of the seat (front of the cushion to the hinge). Then measure the seat back (top of the cushion to the hinge). The sum of these two measurements should equal measurement #2.
Finally, measure the thickness. Bear in mind that after many years of use, some cushions tend to flatten out. Buttons also reduce cushion thickness. Generally, wrought iron and wood furniture cushions are 2-3" thick, aluminum furniture cushions are 3-5" thick, PVC furniture cushions are 4-5" thick, and deep seating cushions are about 5" thick.

For odd-shaped cushions or pads, watch this short video below

Measuring Instructions for Rectangular Seat Pads

Lay the pad down on a flat surface.

Measure the width of the pad from one side to another.
Measure the depth of the pad (from front to back).
Finally, measure the thickness. Bear in mind that after many years of use, some cushions tend to flatten out. Buttons also reduce cushion thickness. Generally, wrought iron and wood furniture cushions are 2-3" thick, aluminum furniture cushions are 3-5" thick, PVC furniture cushions are 4-5" thick, and deep seating cushions are about 5" thick.

Measuring Instructions for Trapezoid Seat Pads

Lay the pad down on a flat surface.

Measure the width of the pad from one side to another at the FRONT edge.
Measure the width of the pad from one side to another at the REAR edge.
Measure the depth of the pad (from front to back).
Finally, measure the thickness. Bear in mind that after many years of use, some cushions tend to flatten out. Buttons also reduce cushion thickness. Generally, wrought iron and wood furniture cushions are 2-3" thick, aluminum furniture cushions are 3-5" thick, PVC furniture cushions are 4-5" thick, and deep seating cushions are about 5" thick.

Furniture Measurements

No cushions? Follow the steps below to measure your furniture for cushions that will fit exactly.

The first step is to measure the width, between the arms. Place your tape measure on the inside of one arm and measure across to the inside of the other arm. If your furniture item has no arms, just measure to the outside edge of the seat area.

The next step is to measure the seat depth. This takes a little guesswork, as you have nothing to put your tape measure against. Line up the tape measure at the back by looking down the back of the chair from the top. Then measure to the front, and allow approximately an inch overhang so that the base of the seat will not press up against your legs when sitting on it. You can make the overhang a little more or less, as you desire.

If you want to order a separate back, remember to allow for the thickness of the seat pad when measuring, or else the back cushion will sit too high above the back of the seat. The back cushion should be slightly higher than the chair back. Again, how much higher is up to your personal preference.

Watch this 2 minute video if you have an odd-shaped chair or cushion. It shows how to make a template.

Making a Template

If you have an odd shaped cushion or chair seat, you will need to make a template for us to use as a pattern. Please watch the short video on the right for instructions on how to make a cushion template the easy way.

Recording Your Measurements

The industry standard when specifying cushion and pad sizes is to express the width first, then the depth. If it is a hinged style cushion, you should state the width, then the total length, then the seat depth, then the back height. The seat depth and the back height added together should equal the total length when laid flat.

That's all there is to it! But call us if you need help.

OFFICE HOURS (Eastern Time)
Mon-Fri 9-5 Sat 10-2 Eastern
Please leave a message at other times - we check & respond ASAP

WHO ARE OUR CUSTOMERS?
Royal Caribbean Cruiselines
The Aquarium Restaurant
Precision Furniture
Costa Del Sol
Lulu's Landing
Barrel Oak Winery
Fairmont Southampton
First Baptist Church
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
Four Seasons Resort
Gallucio's Restaurant
Grand Haven
Hampton Inn
Hospitality USA
Anchorage Markets
Westin Resort & Marina
...and thousands of wonderful people
- just like you!

News-Journal Award

Flagler County
Chamber of Commerce
Member of the Year 2008