The main places to buy patio cushions
You can buy patio cushions at big-box home improvement stores, furniture retailers, online marketplaces, and specialty outdoor shops. The choice depends on whether you want to see and touch the cushions before buying, how quickly you need them, and what budget you have. Most people find what they need at one of five types of retailers: home centers like Home Depot and Lowe's, furniture stores like Wayfair and Ashley Furniture, general online marketplaces like Amazon, outdoor specialty shops, and warehouse clubs like Costco.
Each option has a different mix of selection, price, and convenience. Home centers stock basic cushions year-round but have smaller selections than online retailers. Furniture stores carry higher-end options and often have sales. Online marketplaces offer the widest range but require shipping. Specialty outdoor shops focus on durability and fit. Warehouse clubs offer bulk deals if you have a membership.
Key Takeaways
- Home Depot, Lowe's, and Ace Hardware carry cushions in-store so you can inspect them before purchase, though selection is smaller than online options.
- Amazon, Wayfair, and Overstock offer the widest variety and often lower prices, but you cannot see the cushion in person and must wait for shipping.
- Furniture stores like Ashley Furniture and local outdoor shops often have higher-quality cushions and can help you match existing pieces, though prices are typically higher.
- Costco and Sam's Club sell cushions in bulk at discounted prices if you have a membership, but inventory changes seasonally and selection is limited.
- Timing matters: spring and early summer have the most stock, while fall and winter selections shrink as retailers clear inventory.
Home improvement and hardware stores
Home Depot, Lowe's, and Ace Hardware stock patio cushions year-round in their garden and outdoor sections. Home Depot typically carries 20 to 40 cushion styles at any given time, ranging from basic solid colors to patterned options. Lowe's has a similar range and often runs seasonal sales. Both stores let you see and feel the cushion fabric, check the thickness, and inspect seams before you buy.
Prices at these stores usually fall in the mid-range: $30 to $80 for a single seat cushion, $40 to $120 for a lounge cushion. You can take the cushion home the same day if it is in stock. Both stores also offer online ordering with in-store pickup, which lets you reserve a cushion without carrying it through the store. Ace Hardware has a smaller selection but often has local stock and staff who know the store's inventory well.
The downside is that selection shrinks in fall and winter. If you need a specific color or pattern, calling ahead to confirm stock saves a wasted trip. Both stores also sell cushion covers and replacement foam if your existing cushions need repair.
Online marketplaces and furniture retailers
Amazon, Wayfair, and Overstock carry hundreds of cushion styles, colors, and sizes. Amazon has the fastest shipping for Prime members (often two days), while Wayfair and Overstock typically ship within five to ten business days. Prices on these sites range from $20 for basic cushions to $200 or more for high-end outdoor brands.
The advantage of online shopping is selection and price comparison. You can filter by color, size, material, and customer rating without visiting multiple stores. Many online retailers offer free returns within 30 days, so you can order multiple options and send back what does not fit. Wayfair and Overstock often have sales sections with discounts of 20 to 40 percent off.
The trade-off is that you cannot inspect the cushion before it arrives. Read customer reviews carefully, especially comments about thickness, color accuracy, and durability. Check the return policy before ordering, since some sellers charge return shipping. Also verify the cushion dimensions against your furniture — online photos can be misleading about size.
Specialty outdoor and furniture shops
Local outdoor furniture stores and specialty retailers like Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma Home, and regional outdoor shops focus on higher-quality cushions and can help you match existing pieces. These stores often carry cushions in multiple fabric weights and outdoor-specific materials like Sunbrella, which resists fading and mildew better than standard fabrics.
Staff at specialty shops can measure your furniture and recommend cushion thickness and fill based on how you use the space. They also often offer custom cushion covers if you want a specific fabric or size. Prices are higher — expect $80 to $250 for a single cushion — but the cushions often last longer and come with better warranties.
Many specialty shops also offer seasonal sales and will hold items if you are deciding. Some provide delivery and installation for large orders. If you have high-end outdoor furniture or want cushions that match a specific design, a specialty shop is worth the extra cost.
Warehouse clubs and bulk retailers
Costco and Sam's Club sell patio cushions at discounted prices, but only if you have a membership. Costco typically carries 5 to 10 cushion styles at any time, rotating seasonally. Prices are usually 15 to 25 percent lower than home centers, but you must buy what is in stock — no special orders.
Warehouse clubs are best if you need multiple cushions at once or want to stock up before the season starts. Selection is limited and changes frequently, so if you see a style you like, buy it then. Inventory is heaviest in spring and early summer, then drops sharply in fall.
Both Costco and Sam's Club accept returns on cushions within a reasonable timeframe, though policies vary. Check your local warehouse's website or call ahead to see what cushions are currently in stock, since inventory differs by location.
Seasonal timing and stock patterns
Patio cushion stock follows a clear seasonal pattern. March through June is peak season, when all retailers stock the widest variety and prices are highest. July and August see sales as retailers clear spring inventory to make room for fall merchandise. September through November is clearance season, with discounts of 30 to 50 percent, but selection shrinks rapidly.
December through February is the slowest season. Most retailers stock only basic styles, and many outdoor shops reduce hours or close temporarily. If you need cushions during winter, online retailers are your best option since they maintain inventory year-round.
If you can wait, buying in late August or September gives you the best prices. If you need cushions when ready, home centers and online retailers are your fastest options. Plan ahead if you want a specific color or pattern, since popular styles sell out quickly in spring.
Comparing price, quality, and convenience
Price varies significantly by retailer and season. A basic solid-color seat cushion costs $25 to $40 at home centers, $20 to $50 on Amazon, and $60 to $100 at specialty shops. A lounge cushion ranges from $40 to $80 at home centers, $30 to $120 online, and $100 to $250 at specialty retailers. Warehouse clubs offer the lowest per-unit cost if you buy multiple cushions.
Quality also varies. Home center cushions are adequate for casual use but may fade or flatten after two to three seasons. Online cushions vary widely — read reviews to assess durability. Specialty shop cushions and premium outdoor brands like Sunbrella last four to six seasons with proper care. The extra cost upfront saves money over time if you use your patio regularly.
Convenience depends on your priorities. If you want to see the cushion before buying and need it when ready, home centers win. If you want the widest selection and lowest price, online retailers win. If you want informed information and high quality, specialty shops win. If you want bulk discounts, warehouse clubs win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order patio cushions online and pick them up in-store?
Yes. Home Depot, Lowe's, Wayfair, and many other retailers offer online ordering with in-store or curbside pickup. This lets you reserve a cushion without waiting for shipping and see it in person before taking it home. Pickup is usually available within one to three business days. Check the retailer's website to see if this option is available for the specific cushion you want.
What is the difference between indoor and outdoor cushion fabric?
Outdoor fabrics are treated to resist water, mildew, and UV fading. Common outdoor materials include Sunbrella (acrylic), solution-dyed polyester, and performance fabrics. Indoor cushions use untreated cotton or polyester and will fade, mildew, and deteriorate quickly if left outside. Always buy cushions labeled for outdoor use if they will sit on a patio or deck.
How do I know what size cushion to buy?
Measure your furniture seat from front to back and side to side. Cushions should be 1 to 2 inches smaller than the seat on all sides so they fit without bunching. Check the product listing for exact dimensions — online photos can be misleading. If you are unsure, buy from a retailer with free returns so you can send back cushions that do not fit.
Are expensive cushions worth the cost?
It depends on how often you use your patio. If you use it daily or year-round, premium cushions with Sunbrella fabric or high-density foam last longer and resist fading better, saving money over time. If you use your patio occasionally or seasonally, basic cushions from home centers are adequate. Check the warranty — better cushions often come with two- to five-year guarantees.
When should I buy patio cushions to get the best price?
Late August through September offers the deepest discounts as retailers clear summer inventory. Prices are 30 to 50 percent off. Spring and early summer have the widest selection but highest prices. Winter has the smallest selection. If you need cushions when ready, buy now; if you can wait, hold off until late summer for better prices.