Ballard Designs · Waterproof Outdoor Cushions
Ballard Designs Outdoor Bordered Pillow Cover
Outdoor pillow cover with stain/water treatment; PFAS not disclosed.
Ballard Designs does not disclose PFAS content or treatment chemicals. Outdoor textiles typically receive water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finishes that may contain legacy PFAS. No third-party verification available.
The safe swap
Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens 19 inch x 18 inch Rectangle Outdoor Seat Pad Cushion, 1-Piece, Medallion
75/100 safety
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Outdoor polyester or acrylic blend with water/stain resistant finish
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
furniture is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This pillow cover is a polyester or polyester-acrylic blend designed for outdoor use. The 'water/stain resistant finish' is the critical component: outdoor textiles are routinely treated with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings, historically PFAS-based compounds like perfluorooctane, to prevent mildew and staining in wet conditions. Ballard Designs has not publicly disclosed whether this specific pillow uses PFAS-free alternatives or traditional PFAS chemistry.
The brand's record and disclosure
Ballard Designs is a home furnishings brand owned by Blyth, Inc., with no publicly available PFAS transparency policy or third-party certifications (such as Oeko-Tex or GOTS) listed for this product line. The brand does not appear on major chemical disclosure databases or retailer commitments to PFAS phase-out. No recalls or controversies specific to this pillow cover are documented.
How it compares in its category
Outdoor pillow covers as a category almost universally rely on water-resistant treatments; this product is typical in that respect. Competitors like Sunbrella-branded covers often disclose water-repellent coating chemistry more transparently. PFAS-free outdoor textiles are now available from brands like Patagonia and some mainstream retailers, though they cost more and may require more frequent replacement due to shorter water-repellent lifespan.
If you buy it
Store indoors during off-season to extend the water-repellent coating's life. Wash by hand or gentle cycle with mild detergent; do not use harsh chemicals or high heat, which can degrade the finish. Replace covers every 2-4 years depending on weather exposure, as the water-resistant treatment degrades over time. Keep away from skin contact during extended wet conditions if you have concerns about PFAS exposure, though risk from a pillow cover is lower than drinking water or non-stick cookware.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating composition
Outdoor textiles typically use PFAS-based water-repellent coating treatments; Ballard Designs has not disclosed whether this cover uses PFAS or alternatives. If PFAS is present, migration into skin or home environment is minimal compared to food-contact items, but disposal or degradation in water could pose environmental concern.
Polyester fiber degradation and microplastic shedding
Outdoor polyester blends can fragment over years of UV and weather exposure, but no specific recalls or documented shedding issues are on record for Ballard Designs outdoor textiles. Microplastic release is not typically a primary concern for pillow covers versus apparel.
Azo dyes in colored fabric
Outdoor polyester textiles may use azo dyes, which can release aromatic amines if abraded or in contact with sweat; no specific documentation exists for this product. Industry standard for outdoor furnishings is lower than for apparel, so risk is minor.
Flame retardant chemicals
Outdoor pillow covers are not typically treated with added flame retardants unless marketed as fire-resistant; no such claim is apparent for this product, so this hazard is unlikely.
Formaldehyde resins in finishing or dyeing
Polyester textiles may contain trace formaldehyde from resin binders used in printing or dyeing; no specific formaldehyde issues or warnings are documented for Ballard Designs outdoor covers.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Outdoor Cushions
Better Homes & Gardens
19 inch x 18 inch Rectangle Outdoor Seat Pad Cushion, 1-Piece, Medallion
polyester fabric fill, cotton cover
Lower concern. No PFAS-prone treatments reported for cushion.
⚠Risky category by default
West Elm
Cut Garden Flowers Pillow Cover
100% cotton canvas
Lower concern. Plain cotton pillow cover unlikely to contain PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
West Elm
Outdoor Knotted Border Pillow
outdoor pillow, likely synthetic fibers or polyester blend
Outdoor pillow with no disclosed PFAS or water-repellent coating treatment info.
⚠Risky category by default
More waterproof outdoor cushions grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.