How To Keep Outdoor Cushions From Sliding

Creating a relaxing outdoor space can feature anything from backyard ponds to pergolas but usually includes some comfortable patio furniture. But when your outdoor cushions don’t stay in place, your backyard retreat becomes anything but relaxing. Luckily, there are easy ways to keep outdoor cushions from sliding so you can get back to enjoying your backyard retreat.

To keep outdoor cushions from sliding, you can use a non-slip cushion pad, add velcro, or opt for a cushion with ties. You can also make your own ties with ribbon or zip ties. Or use a cushion cover with a less slippery material. A quick, temporary DIY hack is using a rubber or vinyl shelf liner to add some grip under the cushion.

If you have some time, you can create a more permanent solution to your sliding outdoor cushion problem. But, you have some quick options, too, if you’re in a pinch (like a last-minute backyard BBQ).

The last thing you need when you kick back on your outdoor sofa with a cocktail is to slip and slide. But if your cushions won’t stay in place, then this is exactly what ends up happening. When your outdoor cushions keep sliding, you can’t get comfortable.

Plus, if your outdoor cushions slip and shift all the time, it can add more wear and tear, leading to rips and damaging your cushions. But don’t despair.

Before you chuck your cushions or give up on your backyard cocktail hour, check out these simple ideas for keeping outdoor cushions in place. You’ll find some easy ways to keep your outdoor cushions from sliding without a lot of hassle or headache.

You can find non-slip pads for underneath furniture cushions at home stores or online. It’s a relatively simple and quick way to give your existing cushions some extra grip. However, if you plan to leave them in place permanently, make sure you purchase a style that is outdoor-friendly.

Non-slip pads go between your cushion and the furniture, providing a textured surface that adds some much-needed grip. If you love your existing patio cushions, purchasing a stand-alone non-slip pad can be a good fix for your problem.

However, if you’re in the market for new cushions, some come with a built-in non-slip bottom. So, if your budget allows, upgrade to a fresh set of patio cushions that have this feature.

If you’re up to a little more effort, you can attach industrial-strength velcro to the bottom of your cushions. Then, attach the reverse side of the velcro to the furniture. The velcro will do what it does best, grip and keep your cushions in place.

You can purchase Velcro (hook-and-loop fasteners) at craft or sewing stores. You’ll typically find it in the sewing notions aisle, and you can get sew-on velcro or adhesive-backed.

You likely will want to purchase both types of velcro. You can stitch the sew-on Velcro to the bottom of the cushions to ensure it stays in place. To attach the Velcro to the furniture, use adhesive-backed velcro or glue the pieces to the furniture.

Note that trying to use adhesive-backed velcro on the actual cushion may not work very well. The adhesive won’t stick very well to most fabrics, at least not long-term. Therefore, if using velcro, take the time to use the sew-on style on the actual cushion.

Many outdoor cushions might already have chair ties attached. If so, you can simply tie them to the sides of your chair to keep them in place. Chair ties will also help keep cushions in place on an outdoor sofa or bench.

However, even with chair ties, cushions can sometimes shift a bit. Eventually, if it shifts too much over time, the tie can break, and you’re back to square one.

If your cushions still slide slightly with chair ties, you can use a non-slip pad or velcro in addition to the ties. You can also make your own ties out of velcro or sew ribbons onto the cushions.

Whether for an outdoor sofa, chair, or something else, if your existing cushion features a silky material, consider recovering them. Opt for a pre-made cushion cover or make your own if you have sewing skills, and use a slightly more textured fabric. The added texture can help add a little grip to the cushions.

However, as with using chair ties, you might find your cushions still slide a bit. If so, employ one of the other methods to add some extra stability to the outdoor cushions. If you’re making your own cushions, consider adding a non-slip bottom to your new cover.

If you’re in a pinch and don’t have much time, buy an inexpensive rug gripper. Cut it into pieces that match the size of your cushions and place them underneath. Although it might not be a permanent solution, it can certainly help keep things in place temporarily.

Rubber shelf liners can also work in a similar fashion. You can purchase an inexpensive roll at Wal-Mart or a home store. Measure and cut the approximate size you need for your cushion and slip it underneath to add some grip.

It might not be the classiest solution, but if you’re not a sewer and need a fast fix, grab some zip ties. Zip ties are super strong and won’t easily break if it’s windy.

You can punch holes into your cushion to thread the zip tie through. Or, for a stronger solution, purchase a grommet kit and add a grommet to each back corner of your cushion. Then, you can simply slide the zip tie through the grommet and around the back of your patio furniture before securing it.

Consider how often you use your patio furniture when determining the best way to secure your cushions. If you use your outdoor space often and host a lot of people, a more permanent solution is best. In these situations, opt for a non-slip cushion with some added security of velcro or chair ties.

However, if you only use your outdoor furniture now and then, a more straightforward solution could be enough. With less use, just having chair ties or using a simple non-slip pad beneath your cushion works fine.

If you rarely use your outdoor furniture, then you might opt only to put the cushions out as needed. If so, you could use one of the more temporary solutions, like the rug gripper or a shelf liner.

If it’s an extra windy day, keeping outdoor cushions in place can be extra challenging. If you leave the cushions in place during heavy winds, it could lead to snapped chair ties and lost cushions. And simple non-slip pads aren’t any match for an overly blustery day. Strong enough winds will simply blow the pad away along with your cushions.

If you aren’t using your outdoor furniture, it might be best to remove the cushions and store them. You can carve out some storage space for your outdoor cushions in a shed or garage to protect them from the elements. Or you might keep them in a deck box on the patio when not in use.

Yes, outdoor cushions are meant to be outside, but that doesn’t mean they can last forever. Storing your outdoor cushions in a dry place when not in use can help prolong their lifespan and keep them from fading prematurely.

If you’re tired of your outdoor cushions shifting and sliding every time you sit, it’s an easy problem to solve. You can purchase non-slip pads that go between your furniture and the cushions. Or, you can opt to attach velcro to the furniture and cushion bottom to add extra security.

If you’re purchasing new outdoor cushions, look for ones with a non-slip surface built into the bottom. Or, opt for cushions with chair ties.

If the cushions you love don’t have chair ties, it’s easy to make your own. You can simply sew on a piece of ribbon or even use thin, sew-on velcro to create a tie.

If the issue is overly silky fabric, recovering your cushions with a more textured fabric can add some grip. Or, if you just need a quick fix, put a rubber shelf liner or basic rug gripper underneath the cushions. If sewing isn’t your thing, adding a grommet and using a zip tie can keep your cushions in place.

Any of these methods can help add stability to your outdoor cushions. It’s just about finding the option that works best for you and how you use your outdoor space. Then you can kick back without fear of spilling your margarita.