How to Keep Outdoor Cushions From Sliding - Outdoor Cabinets

Outdoor cushions are a great way to add comfort and style to your patio, deck, or pool area. However, keeping them in place can be a challenge, especially on surfaces like wood or tile. Sliding cushions are not only annoying, but can also pose tripping hazards. Fortunately, there are several effective techniques to keep your outdoor cushions securely in place all season long.

Use Cushion Ties

Cushion ties, slip resistant bands on the underside of cushions, are by far the easiest way to keep cushions from sliding around. These are usually made of elastic or velcro and attach each corner of the cushion to the furniture underneath.

When shopping for cushion ties, choose options that are durable and weather resistant. Elastic ties may need to be replaced each season as they degrade in the sun and elements. Velcro offers a stronger hold and often comes with an adhesive backing for easy application.

To install cushion ties:

Carefully lift each corner of the cushion and attach the ties centered underneath.
Stick the adhesive velcro pieces to the furniture frame. Position them so the ties are slightly taut but not overstretched.
For a slip resistant surface between the cushion and furniture, attach small squares of grippy shelf liner where the ties meet the frame.
Check ties frequently for stretching and replace as needed. Also detach ties when removing cushions for storage or cleaning.

Properly installed cushion ties keep cushions super secure on outdoor surfaces. Just be sure not to overtigthen, as this can damage ties over time.

Use Non-Slip Pads

Non-slip pads create friction between cushions and furniture to prevent sliding. These come in a few different forms:

Non-Slip Shelf Liner

Self-adhesive shelf liner applied to the underside of a cushion keeps it from slipping on smooth surfaces. The grippy texture grabs the surface underneath. Use an outdoor-rated liner for best results.

To apply:

Cut the liner about 1-2 inches smaller than the cushion dimensions. Round the corners slightly.
Thoroughly clean and dry the cushion bottom and apply the liner centered.
Smooth and press down firmly over the whole surface for maximum adhesion.
Replace the liner if it starts peeling off or losing stickiness.

Rubber Mesh Grippers

Mesh grippers act similarly to shelf liner but are more heavy duty. The raised rubber nubs cling tightly to surfaces without adhesive. The material is also weather resistant.

Simply set the gripper mesh on furniture where you want to place cushions.
For maximum hold, put mesh pieces under the entire surface area of a cushion.
Use scissors to trim mesh if needed for a custom fit.

Mesh grippers work well for heavy cushions that tend to slide easily. They also avoid leaving any adhesive residue on furniture.

Anti-Slip Pads

These pads have a flat side that adheres to the cushion and a grippy rubberized side. The textured bumps grab the surface below to prevent sliding. Outdoor rated versions can survive sun, rain, and temperature extremes.

To use pad grippers:

Thoroughly clean the underside of the cushion where pads will be placed.
Remove adhesive backing and securely attach pads near each corner of cushion.
Apply even pressure to create a strong bond, particularly in the center.
Set the cushion on the furniture, rubber side down. Check corners stay stuck down.
Replace pads once the adhesive loses tackiness and cushions slide again.

Pads offer the combined benefits of adhesive and rubber grippers. Place them strategically in spots where cushions tend to slide most.

Use Anti-Slip Furniture Paint

For hard surfaces like wood, metal, or plastic, paint on a textured coating formulated to resist slipping. These paints contain gritty silicone particles or sand for an extremely grippy finish.

Before painting furniture:

Clean and sand the surface thoroughly to prepare for painting.
Use painter’s tape to mask off any areas you don’t want coated.
Apply 2-3 thin coats of anti-slip paint using a small foam roller or paintbrush.
Allow each coat to fully dry before adding another. Lightly sand between coats for maximum traction.
Avoid thick, globby coats that can cause the paint to pool rather than adhere evenly.

This technique permanently modifies furniture to prevent slippage. It works well for surfaces where adhesive pads are unreliable. Maintain the paint by lightly sanding and reapplying as needed.

Add Hook and Loop Fasteners

Self-adhesive hook and loop fastener strips, similar to velcro, let you secure cushions reliably. The hook side sticks to furniture while the loop side attaches to the cushion bottom.

To install:

Thoroughly clean and dry furniture and cushion undersides.
Cut fastener strips about 2 inches smaller than the cushion dimensions.
Remove adhesive backing and press strips firmly in place – hooks on furniture, loops on cushion.
Position strips close to corners and edges for stability. Add more pieces in the center if needed.
Press cushions down onto furniture to adhere tightly.

The main downside is that hook and loop strips leave a residue when removed. However, the hold is very strong for heavy cushions. Replace strips once adhesive wears off.

Use Cushion Anchor Straps

These strap systems connect cushions to furniture legs or frames with adjustable buckles. This prevents sideways sliding and lift from wind gusts.

Cushion anchor steps:

Thread straps through buckles and wrap around furniture legs and/or cross supports.
Cinch straps snugly so they don’t sag, but avoid tightening so much it strains the furniture.
Attach cushion or furniture clips to the ends. Clip these over the cushion edges or into pre-drilled holes.
Add extra anchor points if needed until the cushion feels stable and secure.
Unclip cushions from straps when not in use and detach any hardware from furniture.

This is one of the most secure anti-slide options, especially for heavy cushions on legged furniture like chairs or chaises. Place extra anchors near the corners.

Weigh Cushions Down

For cushions that still slide despite grippers, add weighted objects on top for more stability. Some options are:

Smooth stones or pavers: Place 2-4 flat stones near the corners or middle of a cushion. Choose sleek, rounded stones for comfort.
Containers: Fill lidded plastic storage bins, metal buckets, or ceramic planters with sand or pebbles to weigh them down. Conceal with cushion corners over top.
Wrought iron weights: Decorative iron disks, footed trays, or birdcage stands placed on cushions add sufficient heft. Choose designs that coordinate with your furniture style.
Magnets: Individually, magnets are too small to be effective. But gluing rows of powerful magnets inside cushion covers can help hold it in place on metal furniture.

Use enough heavy objects to keep the cushion from sliding or lifting but avoid overly weighing down the furniture. Combine with non-slip pads for added security.

Make Cushions Non-Slip from the Start

When shopping for new outdoor cushions, look for specific features to prevent sliding:

Textured underside: Cushions with rubberized grip dot or woven textured bottoms grip better than flat surfaces.
Corner grommets: Built-in holes in the corners allow cushions to be tied down easily with rope or bungee cords.
Internal weights: Some cushions have weighted pellets stitched into the seams or edges for stability. Check product descriptions for this feature.
Polyfill stuffing: Cushions filled shredded polyester batting hold their shape but conform to furniture better than foam or feathers.
Cushion covers: Covers made of moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric like polyester or olefin stay put even when wet.

Getting cushions specially designed not to slip can save time compared to DIY options. However, added features may increase the price.

Best Practices for Non-Slip Cushion Success

Keep these tips in mind as well when shopping for and using outdoor cushions:

Select cushions 2-3 inches smaller than furniture dimensions to avoid overhanging edges.
Fluff and rotate cushions regularly so they rest flush against furniture.
Check slip-resistant pads and grippers after weather exposure and replace if needed.
Tie down or store cushions during windy conditions and stormy weather.
Use furniture covers over cushions when not in use to protect from UV rays, dirt, and moisture.
Bring cushions indoors when not in use for extended periods.

Proper care extends the life of cushions. And taking small steps to secure them saves hassle and frustration down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about creating non-slip surfaces for your outdoor cushions? This FAQ covers additional common inquiries.

Can I use double-sided tape instead of grip pads?

Double-sided carpet tape can work in a pinch. But outdoor rated adhesive pads or shelf liner provide much better longevity. Indoor tape wears out quickly when exposed to sun, moisture, and temperature swings.

What about securing cushions with outdoor-friendly magnets?

Magnets alone usually aren’t strong enough to hold cushions in place unless they are large or you use many. For metal furniture, adhesive-backed magnet strips under cushions can help boost sliding resistance when combined with other methods.

Is there an easy homemade solution using stuff I already have?

You may be able to create instant grip by placing pieces of an old anti-slip bathmat or rubber drawer liner under cushion corners. Or cut sections from an old yoga mat or exercise flooring to stick onto the cushion bottoms. Just be sure all materials are waterproof and durable.

Can I just put my cushions on the grass or patio instead?

Setting cushions directly on the ground can protect cushions and furniture from getting scratched or damaged. But debris, dirt, and moisture will transfer more easily onto the cushions. And you may still have issues with cushions blowing around in the wind.

Will grippy solutions also prevent cushion covers from getting dirty?

Not necessarily. Things like rubber mesh and shelf liner only reduce sliding – they won’t prevent dirt, pollen, and environmental dust from accumulating on the tops of cushions. But they do help keep dirt from transferring as much between the cushion bottoms and furniture.

How do I make a concrete or tile patio less slippery?

Unfortunately non-slip cushion solutions don’t work as well on these very smooth surfaces. Outdoor carpet tiles or rugs under furniture legs can help stabilize. Etching concrete or applying textured paint treatments also improves traction.

Conclusion

Don’t let slippery cushions ruin your time outdoors this season. With a few simple tricks, you can keep cushions firmly in their place all year long. Non-slip pads, grippers, ties, and surface treatments prevent sliding without damaging furniture or cushions. Follow best practices when purchasing and caring for cushions as well. Investing a small amount of time and money now protects your investment and lets you enjoy your outdoor living space safely and comfortably for years to come.