Sunbrella · Waterproof Outdoor Cushions
ZIPCushions Sunbrella Square Outdoor Custom Cushion Covers
Sunbrella uses water-repellent coating treatment; PFAS status undisclosed by brand.
Sunbrella outdoor fabrics are treated for water and stain resistance, which commonly involves PFAS-based water-repellent coating coatings. Brand provides no public disclosure of PFAS presence or absence. Lab testing unavailable.
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
Sunbrella acrylic fabric with water-repellent coating 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
ZIPCushions Sunbrella covers are made from Sunbrella solution-dyed acrylic fabric, a synthetic material that resists fading and water absorption by design. The fabric receives a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish to enhance outdoor performance. Solution-dyed acrylic itself has low documented toxicity risk, but the composition and chemistry of Sunbrella's proprietary water-repellent coating treatment remain undisclosed by the brand, creating uncertainty around potential chemical additives.
The brand's record and disclosure
Sunbrella is owned by Glen Raven and has built reputation for durability and fade resistance but maintains silence on detailed chemical composition and treatment methodology. The brand does not publish Safety Data Sheets or PFAS use statements, and no third-party certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or Cradle to Cradle) are prominently associated with these covers. This lack of transparency is typical within the outdoor fabric industry but limits independent hazard assessment.
How it compares in its category
Sunbrella acrylic covers occupy the mid-to-premium segment of outdoor cushion fabrics. They outperform untreated natural textiles and basic polyesters in longevity and stain resistance, but compete with brands that offer certified performance (such as those with OEKO-TEX or GOTS standards). Most outdoor cushion fabrics in this price range use similar water-repellent coating treatments without public disclosure; Sunbrella's opacity is not exceptional but reflects industry-wide practice.
If you buy it
Wash covers by hand or gentle machine cycle with mild detergent; avoid harsh scrubbing that may degrade the water-repellent coating finish. Do not use heat sources (dryers, direct sun for extended periods) as synthetic acrylic can weaken and release off-gassing if overheated. Inspect seams and fabric annually for pilling, cracking, or water-beading loss; replace covers once the water-repellent coating treatment visibly fails or the fabric shows structural wear. Store indoors in winter or use a breathable storage cover to reduce weathering.
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) treatment composition
Sunbrella does not disclose whether its water-repellent coating uses fluorinated compounds (which may contain PFAS) or non-fluorinated alternatives. Industry practice varies; independent testing would be needed to confirm chemical identity. This uncertainty is the primary non-PFAS concern for this product.
Formaldehyde in resins or finishes
No documentation of formaldehyde-releasing resins in Sunbrella acrylic fabric. Solution-dyed acrylic typically does not require formaldehyde-based finishing, but cross-contamination during manufacture remains theoretically possible for any textile.
Azo dyes or heavy metal colorants
Sunbrella uses solution-dyed acrylic, meaning pigment is embedded during fiber extrusion rather than applied afterward. This process reduces azo dye risk compared to post-dyed fabrics, and no recalls or public hazard alerts regarding dye toxicity have been recorded for this brand.
Flame retardant chemicals
No evidence that Sunbrella cushion covers contain added flame retardants. Acrylic fiber itself has moderate inherent flame resistance; outdoor cushions are not typically required to meet strict flame standards in residential use.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing
New Sunbrella fabric may release light VOCs during initial use, typical of treated synthetics. Airing covers outdoors or in ventilated spaces for 24-48 hours after purchase should minimize any detectable odor. Off-gassing levels are not documented as hazardous by independent testing.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 42% 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.