…and I usually try to get everything inside if the storm is predicted to bring hail. But last summer, we got hit with a fast moving storm and as I was trying to grab the cushions to move them to the garage, when the rain quickly turned to pounding hail and I had no choice but to retreat inside.
The hail also completely shredded the cushions on our outdoor couch and chairs. The inserts weren’t in bad shape, but the covers were just destroyed.
I pulled the fabric taut and pinned it every couple of feet all the way around each cushion, then added additional safety pins in between to eliminate any wrinkles or gaps.
Since all the damage to the off-white cushions was on the top, there was no need for me to recover the bottom of the cushions in order for them to remain water resistant. My DIY cushion covers have already experienced a few major rain storms, and they’ve held up great.
My quick and easy fix is certainly not a permanent solution, and eventually I’ll have to get new cushion covers made {hopefully with some kind of off-season discount}. But in the meantime, my no-sew reupholstery job looks pretty darn good, and it’s allowing us to enjoy our backyard in comfort and style this summer!
I can even unpin the fabric from the cushions if I need to wash it, so I might be able to get away with this solutions for a few years. Although, even if it just gets me through this one summer it will be worth the low cost to delay spending hundreds on professional-made covers.
Here are some other backyard and outdoor DIY posts you might also be interested in:
Nancy Carr says
Great idea. I saw someone used duct tape to secure them on the back, also. Nice work.
Unknown says
Genius!! Keep your eyes open at the end of the season for cushions that go on clearance….just bring along your chair and sofa measurements tucked in your billfold…you would be surprised at the low cost of brand new ones — if you want! Your solution here might be cheaper to just keep recovering with new fabric every few years–like having new furniture all the time!!!
Angela, Blue i Style says
Great idea! I will definitely keep my eyes open for end of season clearance sales! Our couch and chairs are a bit of an unusual size, but I will definitely keep the measurements with me!
Andrea @ Decorating Cents says
Mine are looking pretty rough too. I've priced out new ones and they are way more than I want to spend right now. I will be trying this method.
Anonymous says
Thanks so much! I actually bought some large table cloths to use for the material at the local Goodwill for $2(spray on rain protector)… I'm going to try this method to cover damaged cushion seats to a patio set I also bought from Goodwill for $16.99!!! It includes two chairs, loveseat, and table ?
PaigeL says
What kind of outdoor fabric did you buy? Having a tough time finding it by the yard.
Angela, Blue i Style says
Look for Sunbrella brand outdoor fabric which you can buy by the yard online or at fabric stores like Calico Corners and others that specialize in upholstery fabrics. I generally find the best prices online here: https://fave.co/2I0RTxV (affiliate link)
Sherri Drum says
Genius!! Will copy this!!! 🙂 I'm trying to figure a way to cover a mattress for an outdoor daybed
Sharon Smith says
Love the “No Sew” idea! I am going to get busy this weekend on our Boat’s galley cushion. Bought my material along with spray adhesive. I want it taught and tight. I I got waterproof material so it will be easy to wipe clean. I also got a solid color, because, well, Who really likes the colors that come in boats, campers and patio furniture. Not too many, I am betting! Thanks for the tip!