How to Measure Outdoor Chairs, Loveseats, Benches

The following are instructions on how to gather measurements from your patio or backyard furniture for your new replacement cushions. A good tip is to try to imagine the cushion sitting on the furniture. This helps to know how high and far you would like the cushions to come to the edges.

Back Measurement

Measure from the preferred top edge of the patio furniture down to the seat.

• Back Width: Measure the total width of the back support (left to right).
• Back Height: Measure the height of the back support (top down to seat).

Back Height – Seat Thickness = Total Back Height**

**When seat and back are separate pieces make sure to subtract the thickness of the seat cushion from the height of your back measurement or the back cushion will be taller than the chair back when put into position.

Seat Measurement

Measure from the back of the patio furniture out to the preferred front edge.

• Seat Width: Measure the total width of the seat (left to right between the arms).
• Seat Depth: Measure the depth of the seat (front to back).

Cushion Thickness

Cushion thickness varies on type of furniture as well as personal preference.

Designer Tips

• When measuring your outdoor furniture, try to imagine the cushion in place if no cushion is available. Old cushions tend to spread out over time and may not provide you with accurate measurements.
• For most accurate results use a firm tape measure (carpenter's tape) rather than a flexible measuring tapes (tailor's tape).
• Back and seat measurements are very important as this will tell you where the break in the cushion will be. IMPORTANT: Subtract the thickness of your seat cushion from the height of your furniture back measurement or the back cushion will sit higher than the back support when put into position. This rule applies to separate back and seat cushions ONLY -- not hinged cushions.