Better Homes & Gardens · Waterproof Outdoor Cushions
Better Homes & Gardens 24 inchx 24 inch Outdoor Deep Seat Cushion (2-Piece)
Outdoor cushion with likely water treatment; PFAS details undisclosed by brand.
Better Homes & Gardens does not disclose PFAS use or testing for this cushion. Outdoor textiles commonly receive water-repellent coating coatings that may contain PFAS, but no confirmation available for this product.
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
polyester fabric with water-resistant treatment
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 cushion is constructed from polyester fabric with a water-resistant treatment applied to the surface. The water resistance almost certainly involves fluorinated compounds (PFAS-class chemicals) given industry standards for outdoor seating, though Better Homes & Gardens does not disclose the specific treatment or its chemistry. Polyester itself is a synthetic polymer that can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during production and initial use, particularly when new. The cushion core is foam padding, which may contain flame retardants or other chemical additives not specified on the product label.
The brand's record and disclosure
Better Homes & Gardens (Walmart's house brand) maintains minimal chemical transparency across its furniture line and does not publish safety data sheets or ingredient disclosures for cushion treatments. The brand has no documented commitments to PFAS phase-out or third-party chemical certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or Global Organic Textile Standard) for textiles. No major recalls or contamination incidents specific to this product line are on record, but the absence of transparency means chemical risks are not independently verified. Walmart itself has made limited public commitments to reducing PFAS in some product categories, but enforcement at the private-label level remains unclear.
How it compares in its category
Outdoor cushions universally rely on water-resistant treatments; untreated polyester alternatives would degrade quickly and offer no performance advantage. Compared to premium brands (Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware), Better Homes & Gardens does not disclose treatment chemistry, placing it in the lower transparency tier. Compared to budget alternatives, this product offers reasonable durability and cushion thickness for the price. Cushions made from natural fibers (cotton, linen blends) or certified recycled polyester with disclosed low-PFAS treatments exist but cost significantly more and sacrifice water resistance.
If you buy it
Unpack and air the cushion outdoors for 24-48 hours before use to reduce VOC off-gassing, especially if you or family members have respiratory sensitivity. Keep cushions covered or stored indoors during heavy rain or extreme weather to extend the water-resistant coating's lifespan; reapplication of water treatment is not practical for consumers. Wash covers with cool water and mild detergent only; do not dry-clean or expose to high heat, as this can degrade the fluorinated coating and potentially release chemical residues. Inspect annually for tearing or compression loss, and replace if padding becomes noticeably flattened, as this indicates breakdown of internal materials.
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.”
Flame retardants in foam padding
Polyurethane or polyester foam cushion cores used in outdoor furniture commonly contain brominated or phosphorus-based flame retardants. These additives are not disclosed by Better Homes & Gardens and may leach or off-gas, especially if the cushion is heated or degraded.
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) off-gassing from polyester and treatments
New polyester textiles and water-resistant chemical coatings emit VOCs (benzene, toluene, formaldehyde precursors) during the first weeks of use. Outdoor placement and ventilation reduce but do not eliminate exposure, particularly in enclosed porches or patios.
Coating degradation and chemical release over time
Fluorinated water-resistant coatings degrade under UV exposure and physical wear in outdoor environments. As the coating breaks down, microscopic fibers and residual PFAS-related compounds may be shed or released into the environment and handled during cushion maintenance.
Polyester microfiber shedding
Worn polyester cushion covers can shed microfibers, particularly when rubbed or sat upon for extended periods. Outdoor exposure accelerates this process; shed fibers may contaminate soil and be ingested by animals or inadvertently handled during cleaning.
Heavy metal pigments in fabric dyes
No reports of heavy metal contamination in Better Homes & Gardens outdoor cushions specifically. Standard industry practice now avoids azo dyes and cadmium-based colorants, but independent testing of this product has not been publicly disclosed.
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.