Cushions The Outdoor Soft Spot

Cushions… the outdoor soft spot!

A Cushion is a Cushion… but not necessarily a good one!
By Jerry Newton, Casual industry veteran entrepreneur

In a never ending quest for cost cutting on indoor and outdoor furniture, many manufacturers have chosen to import their cushions from overseas. Cushions can make or break outdoor relaxation. There are choices out there; selecting the right one is worth a closer look.

Even though labor costs have always been notably less offshore, in past years the limited selection of marketable fabrics has left a lot to be desired in both quality and style by American standards. The solution to that was to export domestic fabrics, cut, sew and stuff overseas and re-ship the finished goods back once again to the American market. The time and cost of this process pretty much eliminated the benefit.

In recent years, notable improvement in offshore fabrics has once again encouraged cost cutters to import cushions to cover their product. They often look “acceptable” to the untrained eye, and the landed cost of a cushion with imported fabric and fill is a fraction of the cost of one containing American made materials and labor.

However, there is far more to a good quality cushion than appearance. There is still no substitute for well engineered consistent quality cushion filler. An attractive and functional design, the proper density of high quality foam combined with premium fiber, and quality sewing is the one and the only way to accomplish the comfort and durability that our consumer deserves… and demands.

In most cases one test drive of an imported cushion is all it takes to understand this point. “It looks nice… price is low… but OH MY… it surely isn’t comfortable!” Furthermore, these imported fillers typically break down even more in a very short time.

Fortunately for those of us in the casual specialty industry, our big box counterparts have chosen to take the path of price, price, and price. In some cases, it is difficult for end consumers to recognize the difference in quality of the frames between our products and those in the mass venues. But I promise you, when they sit down for a few minutes, they will become irrevocably convinced that there is truly a difference in comfort between a good domestically produced cushion and a cheap import.

One manufacturer that has been crafting cushions in Florida since the early 80’s is Palm Springs Rattan and Garden Classics. Each cushion is uniquely designed for style, durability and utmost comfort on its specific frame. All Palm Springs sofas, sleepers, loveseats, recliners and action chairs are manufactured in the USA by American craftsmen. There is also a very extensive selection of high quality fabrics offered at one grade pricing.

Most successful suppliers will tell you, the cushion on a seating or dining group is an extremely vital part of the success of the group. You can have the best looking frame in the world, but if the cushion is not properly designed, the group will not retail. Palm Spring Rattan and Garden Classics is one company that understands cushions. They have always believed that the first impression of furniture must be a “WOW”, and the second impression as the customer sits down must be an “AHHH”. Every piece is individually designed to earn that reaction.

“Our high back rattan seating is a good example”, states Tami Newton, Palm Springs Rattan’s marketing director. “We have pulled out all the stops on comfort. Every person who sits back into our Islamorada Seating says it is one of the most comfortable sofas they have ever experienced.”

Yes… a cushion is a cushion… and some can even look pretty good. But when you find the one that is designed from top to bottom with pride and quality, you will quickly experience the difference.