Outdoor cushions can easily blow around in the wind if they are not properly weighted down. Finding the right weights to keep outdoor cushions in place can ensure they stay looking great all season long. There are a few simple yet effective ways to weigh down outdoor cushions.
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Use Basic Weights
One of the easiest ways to weight down outdoor cushions is by using basic weights that can be placed directly on top of or inserted into the cushions. Some popular options include:
- Stones or rocks – Look for flat, smooth stones or rocks that can sit on top of cushions without damaging the fabric.
- Bricks – Standard bricks can work well for weighing down cushions. Just wrap them in fabric or place them inside cushion covers if concerned about scratches.
- Sandbags – Small sandbags can be perfectly contoured on top of or inside of cushions.
- Cast iron – Pieces of cast iron from old pipes, dumbbells, or other sources can be repurposed as weights.
The benefit of these basic weights is that they are inexpensive and easy to customize to the exact size and weight needed. The key is to make sure any sharp edges are dulled or covered to prevent snags or tears in the cushion fabric.
Use Cushion Weights
If you want weights that are specially designed for outdoor cushions, there are many cushion weights available:
- Plastic weights – Shaped like rods, bars, cubes or discs, plastic cushion weights slide into interior pockets or openings.
- Steel weights – Small steel bars have eyelets to attach them directly to cushion covers.
- Granite – Natural stone granite weights have gripper bottoms to stay put on cushion tops.
- Acrylic – Acrylic weights resemble large gems and often have flattened undersides.
Cushion weights like these have the advantage of being durable, weather-resistant, and specifically sized for cushions. Look for weights with protectant surfaces to avoid snags.
Make Your Own Weights
For a customized solution, it is simple to make your own DIY weights for outdoor cushions:
- Fill socks or fabric pouches with sand, beads, rice, pebbles, coins, or pellets to create soft weights.
- Place dumbbell plates or free weights inside cushion covers.
- Cut sections of PVC pipe, fill with sand, and cap the ends.
- Fill empty cans, jars, or plastic containers with dense materials like plaster or concrete.
- Sew fabric pockets, ties, or straps onto cushion covers to hold weights.
This is an inexpensive way to obtain as many weights as needed in the perfect sizes and shapes for your cushions.
Tips for Weighting Outdoor Cushions
To ensure your outdoor cushion weights keep cushions securely in place, follow these tips:
- Choose the right amount of weight – Usually 1-2 pounds per square foot of cushion is ideal.
- Evenly distribute weight across the cushion so no sides lift up.
- Place heavier weights around the cushion perimeter where wind lifts first.
- Check that weights are flush against the cushion and ground.
- Readjust weights as needed each season and after strong winds.
- Select durable weights that can withstand sun, rain, and snow.
- Replace old weights that become weathered or degraded over time.
Best Practices by Cushion Type
The most effective weighting method may depend on the type of outdoor cushions you have:
| Cushion Type | Best Weighting Methods |
|---|---|
| Detachable cushion covers | Insert free weights, stones, sandbags or other heavy items directly into covers. |
| Lightweight foam cushions | Place flat stones, acrylic gems, or cast iron weights on top. |
| Firm dense cushions | Sew pockets into covers to hold beads, sand or plastic pellets. |
| Cushions with corner ties | Tie brick, rod, or steel weights directly onto the ties. |
| Cushions with Velcro closures | Use Velcro to attach small sandbags or steel weights around edges. |
This table summarizes efficient methods, but weights can typically be adapted as needed for any cushion type.
Conclusion
Outdoor cushions that blow around in the wind quickly become damaged and look unsightly. Weighting cushions down properly helps them stay neatly in place and extend their lifespan. While specialty products exist for the purpose, basic household items work just as well. The key is to use dense materials of the appropriate weight for the cushion size and frequently check that they remain securely positioned, especially after windy weather. With a little trial and error, you can find a solution to keep your outdoor cushions weighted down all year long.