How To Measure For Outdoor Cushions

How to Measure for a Boxed Seat Cushion - Cascadia Outdoor Cushions Measuring Guide

Getting the right measurements for your outdoor cushions is key to a perfect fit! Whether you’re replacing existing cushions or starting fresh, accurate measurements ensure comfort and style. Here’s a step-by-step guide to measuring a simple boxed seat cushion for your outdoor furniture.

What You’ll Need:

• A firm measuring tape (fabric tapes can stretch, so use a rigid one for accuracy)
• A notepad and pen to jot down your measurements
• Your existing cushion (if available) or the furniture seat

Why Measure the Chair Frame Instead of the Old Cushion?

It's always best to measure the chair frame rather than an old cushion. The frame provides an absolute measurement, ensuring a proper fit. If you're measuring an old cushion, keep in mind that fabric stretches over time, and cushions can lose their shape, leading to inaccurate measurements. Additionally, if the cushion you’re measuring is not the original cushion that came with the furniture, and it never fit correctly in the first place, a new cushion made to those measurements will not fit correctly either. Measuring the chair frame ensures your new cushion is custom-made for a perfect fit.

Step-by-Step Measuring Guide

1. Measure the Width (Side to Side)

• Place your measuring tape across the widest point of the seat, from left to right.
• Measure edge to edge, keeping the tape level and straight.
• Write down the width measurement.

2. Measure the Depth (Front to Back)

• Measure from the front edge of the seat to the backrest.
• Keep the measuring tape parallel to the ground for accuracy.
• Write down the depth measurement.

3. Measure the Thickness (Height of the Cushion)

• If you’re replacing an existing cushion, measure from the bottom to the highest point of the cushion.

• If measuring without a cushion, consider how thick you’d like it to be. Standard thickness ranges from 2” to 6” or more.

• Determining the right thickness: The distance from the ground to the top of the seat cushion should be between 18 to 20 inches. This range allows most individuals to sit comfortably with their feet flat on the ground, ensuring proper posture and reducing strain on the legs and lower back.

• How to calculate the right thickness: Measure the height of your chair frame from the ground to the base where the cushion sits, then subtract this from your desired seat height (18-20 inches). The result is your ideal cushion thickness.

• Example: If your chair frame height is 14 inches and you want a total seat height of 19 inches, then a 5-inch-thick cushion would be ideal.
• By choosing the right cushion thickness, you ensure ergonomic comfort and proper support for seated users.

Additional Tips:

• Double-check your measurements to avoid ordering the wrong size.
• If your seat tapers (widens or narrows), measure both the front and back widths and note the difference.
• If your furniture has rounded corners, measure as if it were squared and let us know—we can round the corners accordingly.
• Consider adding a little extra depth (about ½”) to ensure a snug fit.

Once you have your measurements, you’re ready to order your custom outdoor cushions! At Cascadia Outdoor Cushions, we’re here to help ensure the perfect fit for your outdoor seating. Let us know if you need assistance!