There are several good reasons to get cushions, we’ll cover them here. But first, you already know you either want or need them, that’s how you found this article. It’s a good thing too, you might even learn some more reasons why you should consider investing in some good patio cushions. So, do you need them or do you just want them? Or both? There are few arguments against getting cushions for your outdoor furniture and we will cover those too. For now, just remind your partner if they think you don’t need them about the most important factor of all, comfort.

Any way you go, a patio cushion is the way to be more comfortable on your outdoor furniture. Only someone who enjoys pain could argue otherwise. Metal patio furniture sets like wrought iron or wooden benches just don’t compare without cushions to ease your body’s pressure points. Brief periods of sitting on a hard surface are okay, but having to sit on it for an extended period while lounging or at a party is not anyone’s idea of fun.

The number one reason for getting chair cushions is comfort – that’s just the obvious reason. Period. But, there are also benefits that extend beyond this primary reason. We’ll get to those in this article. But, think of this – what would it be like entertaining (or being a guest) just wanting to sit down and relax, only to find that the iron furniture or wicker straw sticks are hitting every bone in your body? That is one way to end a party early. Ouch! Definitely a memorable party, just not the kind of memory you want to have.

Apart from comfort, the most popular reason to get patio cushions is for protection of your patio furniture. This protection comes by way of limiting the exposure to the elements. And this makes sense, think about it. When we are talking about wooden chairs or benches, left untreated and exposed, they will eventually deteriorate. Even the ‘outdoor woods’ like cedar, redwood and even teak outdoor furniture will rot over time. True, they will weather much more gracefully than softer woods like pine, but they will still last longer with cushions on them. Also, the cushions will help protect the seat goers from unwanted splinters and sharp edges that emerge when water causes damage to the wood’s integrity. Even partially covering the wooden furniture with a patio cushion will prolong its life and save you the extra cost of having to buy new patio furniture before its time.

Another reason to cover your outdoor furniture is for fashion or decor purposes. After all, this is not only a decision of fashion vs. function. With decorative and protective outdoor cushions, you can have both. Never is this more true or important than with entertaining. The look and ambiance that a cushion provides on a piece of furniture is important. Imagine your indoor couch or chair with no seat cushion. You wouldn’t want to sit on that, would you? Of course not. Honestly, we don’t always break out the fine linen and china when dining alone or with the kids. But add in some company and an occasion and you have to step it up. You don’t want to see your guests wiggling and fussing around in their chairs all through dinner because you were either too cheap or simply forgot to buy cushions do you? On the other hand, this would be a great way to limit the amount of people wanting to come to the next one if word got out.

Yet another reason to own a good set of cushions is because of what I call the ‘variety factor’. Simply put, if you look at your patio set long enough, you will want to go out shopping for a new one. We just get bored of our stuff. This is human nature. So, having a different set of cushions can allow you to provide for this needed variety without having to buy a new patio set every few years. If you have an outdoor bench, chairs or a swing, you can mix it up and get a completely new look from all combined. There are such a variety of fabric patterns and color choices, you will surely never bore of your cushion choices. If you can’t buy the ones you like ‘off the shelf’ you can certainly get custom made cushions to match your taste – this is for another article though.

Yes, patio furniture cushions can get a little pricey if you opt for better quality. But, in this case, you are probably getting what you pay for. Don’t simply equate quality with cost as it is possible to find inexpensive high quality cushions. However, the reason that these better quality cushions cost more is because they are worth it. It is that simple. You’ll likely save yourself more in the long run because you won’t have to go out and get new cushions each season, which is likely if you only search for cheap patio cushions.

The best reason to get patio furniture cushions is because you will have much more enjoyment in all of your outdoor pursuits where you require seating. Lounging by the pool, watching the kids run around out back, enjoying time with friends and family at your outdoor party, they are all made more comfortable and enjoyable by having a cushioned chair to sit on. You will not have to worry about where you are going to sit to get comfortable. No need to worry about how painful it will be. Consider your purchase of new patio cushions an investment in your family or recreation time. How can you put a price tag on that?