Please take a moment to review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please visit our contact us page to request information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please review the frequently asked questions section for more information about our products.

Who is Cushion Source?
Cushion Source, LLC pledges to serve every customer with the highest level of sincerity, fairness, courtesy, respect and gratitude, and we will deliver that pledge with unparalleled responsiveness, expertise, efficiency and accuracy. We are in the custom commercial and residential cushion business to create lasting relationships, and we treat our customers like we want to be treated. We offer the finest personal customer service from caring Cushion Source, LLC employees who take 100 percent responsibility for meeting the needs of each customer.
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How can I order fabric samples?
Because of variations from one computer screen to another, it's difficult to precisely match color samples on our website. We suggest that you purchase fabric samples if color matching is important to your individual buying decision. When viewing fabrics on our site, click the blue link "Details" to view larger images of the fabric and to see specific details for each fabric. At the bottom of the page you will see where you can add a fabric sample to your cart for $3 each. Sample orders ship via USPS within a couple of days of receiving your order.
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Can I order fabric by the yard?
Absolutely! When viewing the fabric details, you will find a button, located below the button to purchase a fabric sample, to purchase the fabric by the yard.
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What happens after I place my order?
After completing the checkout process, you will receive a confirmation email at the address you provided. This confirmation will serve as your invoice. This is also to confirm that your order information is correct. If you do not receive the confirmation email after checkout, contact us as soon as possible to confirm your order. If you have any questions or problems, just email our customer service desk or call us at 1.800.510.8325. We will be glad to assist you!
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HELP! I just placed my order, and I need to make a change or cancel my order.
Relax. If you just placed your order and notice an error on your part, or ours, please let us know IMMEDIATELY by using our contact form, and we can easily correct it for you. If you let us know about an error within one business day of your order placement, we can correct virtually all problems. Beyond that, we cannot guarantee your changes will not incur extra costs if materials have already been cut for your order.
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Is it safe to use my credit card for online purchases?
Yes, it's extremely safe. At CushionSource.com, we provide a secured checkout with Secure Socket Layering (SSL up to 256 bits) for processing your payments online. Add items to your cart and click Secure Checkout to make your payment using a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. Due to popular demand, you can also use this method to pay using your PayPal account or your Google Checkout account. You can also use your regular checking account through MyeCheck or Layaway your custom outdoor curtains using eLayaway. Payments will be billed as "OCG LLC" - our parent company name.
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When will my credit card be charged?
Due to all orders being custom orders and made to your unique specifications, your credit card will be charged within 24 hours of placing your order. Online orders are immediately charged to your credit card/PayPal account.
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How long before my cushions will arrive?
Our production times vary depending on the season. Off season can take as little as a week, while peak season can, in extreme cases, go 5 weeks or more. Orders can be expedited, but a RUSH fee may apply. Rush is available at our discretion and may not be offered depending on the state of production. You may email or call customer service at 1.800.510.8325 to check on your order, but due to the nature of our business, we may not be able to give an exact date for completion and shipping of your cushions.
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What is your return policy?
Please see our terms and conditions.
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How will my cushions be shipped?
We normally ship via FedEx or UPS Ground. All shipping costs and times are calculated using normal ground delivery. Most orders can be delivered within 5 business days from the shipping date. Normally, our shipments do not require a signature and are left on your doorstep if you are not available at the time of delivery. Larger orders and products may have to be shipped via LTL truck carrier. Expedited shipping is available and appropriate rates apply.
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Why acrylic fabric?
Cushion Source primarily uses Sunbrella solution-dyed acrylic fabrics because they are designed for easy maintenance and many years of use. Solution-dying is the process of adding color to acrylic fibers during manufacturing while they are in a liquid state. This characteristic of acrylic fabrics is the key to locking in color, easy cleaning and long life. For this reason, acrylic fabric offers incredible resistance to stains, weather and wear in any application. Awning grade acrylic fabric carries a 10-year warranty against loss of color and strength.
Furniture grade acrylic fabric carries a 5-year warranty against loss of color and strength.
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Is Sunbrella fabric waterproof?
Sunbrella fabric is not waterproof, but it is water repellent. This means that during the finishing process, a water-repellent finish is applied to the fabric. Normal wear and usage will reduce the effectiveness of this finish, as will cleaning the fabric.
We suggest that after Sunbrella fabrics are cleaned, and if they remain exposed to the elements constantly, that you re-treat your Sunbrella fabrics with a water-repellent treatment such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard, which can be purchased online or at local awning and marine shops.
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Will Sunbrella fabric mildew?
Sunbrella fabrics, if kept clean, will not mildew. An inherent characteristic of acrylic fiber is that it will not support the growth of mildew as a natural fiber will. Mildew will and can grow on any surface that is dirty, so to keep your Sunbrella fabrics from mildewing, you must keep your fabrics clean.
If mildew growth becomes a problem, please refer to our care and cleaning instructions.
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Can I hose down Sunbrella fabric?
One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella fabrics looking good and delay the need for deep or vigorous cleaning is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply imbedded in the fabrics and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years. Always remember to allow the fabrics to air dry after hosing it down.
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Can I put wet Sunbrella fabrics in the dryer?
Sunbrella fabrics do not absorb water and are designed to air-dry very quickly - usually within a matter of minutes. A clothes dryer is not necessary and will often overheat and shrink the fabric.
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Do your fabrics dry quickly?
Because Sunbrella fabrics are woven, they are also highly breathable, which is why they dry quickly with only air exposure. It's also important to know that Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish requires replenishment after vigorous cleaning.
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How often do I need to thoroughly clean the fabric?
In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years. Spot clean only - Do not put cushions or shells in the washing machine.
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How can I clean bird droppings off of my cushions?
For those stains that are beyond our normal care and cleaning instructions, such as bird droppings, roof run-off, acid rain, pollution, rust, tree sap, insect stains, etc., we suggest the following products: An off-the-shelf product such as Goo Gone Grease Cutter (hand cleaner), Greased Lightning, Clean Rite Purple Power (available at most discount retailers) or Release (available through Awning Rejuvenation Systems International in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 1.800.776.5664). Rub the product into the fabric to allow penetration. Brush the fabric with a soft brush, rinse THOROUGHLY and repeat if necessary.
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In your cleaning instructions you use the term mild or natural soap. What is mild or natural soap?
By "natural soap" we mean Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite. These gentle soaps rinse out easily and will not diminish the water-repellent "finish" applied to the fabric. Remember to use cold water and spot clean only, and allow the fabric to air dry. Do not put shell or cushion in washing machine.
After several cleanings you will need to re-treat the fabric with a water-repellent product, such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard.
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Do Sunbrella fabrics provide UV protection?
Sunbrella fabrics have been tested and proven to provide up to 98 percent UV protection from the harmful effects of the sun. Whites and lighter colored fabrics provide less protection than darker fabrics, which have more depth of color. This protective factor is inherent to the product and will not be reduced by usage and/or fabric exposure to the sun.
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Which Cushion thickness is best for me?
While we get a lot of questions on what thickness is typical for different furniture styles, this is a very subjective topic mostly driven by personal taste and preference. For dining and folding chairs, most people typically order a 2" thickness.
Depending on how often you will use the cushions, and your particular comfort choices, you may want to consider 3" or thicker cushions. For larger chairs or benches, thicknesses of 2" and 3" are very common. However, many customers prefer a more plush feel and higher comfort, and they often choose 4" to as much as 8" thicknesses. Thickness is really a personal preference, and we hope these general trends are helpful to you.
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Should I order ties for my cushion?
If your cushions will get a lot of use and seating traffic, you may want to consider ties to keep them in place and prevent sliding. Ties can add style, as well as serve a purpose for your cushions.
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How do I decide on the placement of ties on my cushions?
Cushion Tie PlacementUsually the most functional placement of cushion ties is in close proximity to the uprights or corner posts of the furniture on which they are being placed.
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How long are cushion ties?
Cushion TiesOur cushion ties are approximately 12 long. If you would like your cushion ties to be longer, you can indicate this in the Notes section of your order.
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Round vs. square cushion corners: Which is best for me?
Although this is a somewhat subjective topic driven by personal taste and preference, the primary consideration you should use is the shape of the furniture on which it will be used. For example, classic dining table chairs with sharp, distinctive corners usually are complemented with square corners. Furniture or seating types with more subtle lines and style are more often complemented with rounded corners. This truly is a personal preference, and we can make your custom cushion in either style.
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Should I choose a box edge or a double corded box edge?

Box Edge Custom Cushion
Box Edge Cushion with Double Cording
This is really based on personal taste and preference. However, if the custom cushions you are ordering will be in proximity to other cushions on other furniture, the style of your existing cushions should be a significant consideration in your choice of cushion style. While a box edged cushion offers a more subtle style that tends to blend in with the furniture and not make as prominent an appearance, double cording usually tends to stand out more and make a prominent style statement. Whatever your style choice of custom cushions, we can provide you with your choice.
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Are all cushions made with zippers?
Cushion ZipperUnless you specify otherwise, our standard cushions include zippers, which are tactfully located on your custom cushions. However, because acrylic fabrics, like Sunbrella, are extremely stain resistant, most stains can be removed with simple spot-cleaning techniques. Click below to view the PDF for cleaning instructions, including recommended cleaning solutions for a wide range of stubborn stains. We highly recommend that you avoid removing the cushion covers simply due to the difficulty involved in replacing the filling, especially in larger cushions. Part of the difficulty in this process involves restoring the evenness of the filling, which may result in lumps and other irregularities. Please Note: Our puffy style cushions, which are tufted with either a circle tack or button, DO NOT include zippers.
Sunbrella Cleaning Guide (PDF 25k)

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What are your cushions filled with?
Our outdoor cushions are filled with a compressed poly fill, which has a much lower water retention level than most indoor cushions made with foam or loose fill. The poly fill material drains water and dries much quicker than foam, depending on the weather conditions present at your setting. The compressed nature of the poly fill closely replicates the firmness of traditional upholstery foam. For indoor cushions we use a medium-density upholstery foam, Grade B36 36 ILD. It provides lasting comfort and holds up well to repeated use.
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Do you sew tags into your products?
Our production team includes both a law tag and a CushionSource.com tag on every custom product.
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How does Sunbrella lock in color?
Sunbrella fabrics are made from 100 percent solution-dyed acrylic yarns. Solution-dying is the process of adding color to acrylic fibers during manufacturing while they are in a liquid state. This characteristic of Sunbrella fabrics is the key to locking in color, easy cleaning and long life.
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLEANING STAINS

Below are our recommended cleaning methods for Sunbrella for some of the most common and toughest stains.
Sunbrella Stain Chart (PDF 27k)

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STAIN Recommended Cleaning Solutions
BEER liquid detergent, white vinegar
BERRY liquid detergent / ammonia (3-6% water)
BLOOD (DRIED) detergent / ammonia (3-6% water)
BUTTER volatile solvent (acetone)
CHARCOAL, PENCIL MARKS vacuum, then liquid detergent
CATSUP OR MUSTARD liquid detergent
CHEWING GUM volatile solvent (acetone)
CHOCOLATE liquid detergent, ammonia water
COFFEE detergent, white vinegar, volatile solvent (acetone)
COLA liquid detergent
CRAYON paint, oil or grease remover
EGG (RAW) liquid detergent
GRAPE JUICE liquid detergent
GRAVY liquid detergent
GREASE (CAR) volatile solvent (acetone)
INK (PERMANENT, INDIA,BALLPOINT) paint remover, volatile solvent (acetone), detergent
IRON RUST oxalic or citrus acids, water
LIPSTICK paint, oil or grease remover
MASCARA paint remover, volatile solvent (acetone), detergent, water
MILDEW 1 cup of bleach and 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of water
MILK liquid detergent
NAIL POLISH volatile solvent (acetone)
OIL volatile solvent (acetone)
ORANGE DRINK liquid detergent, water
PAINT (LATEX) WET liquid detergent, water
PAINT (LATEX) DRIED paint, oil or grease remover
PAINT (OIL OR LACQUER) paint, oil or grease remover
SHOE POLISH (LIQUID) volatile solvent (acetone)
SHOE POLISH (WAX) apply heated iron over towel, volatile solvent (acetone)
SUNTAN LOTION Pine Power or pine oil detergent
TEA liquid detergent
TOMATO JUICE liquid detergent
TREE SAP turpentine, liquid detergent
URINE liquid detergent, white vinegar
VOMIT detergent, water, white vinegar
WATER COLOR liquid detergent, water, white vinegar
WAX (CANDLE) apply heated iron over towel, volatile solvent (acetone)
WINE liquid detergent / ammonia (3-6% water), white vinegar