Sun loungers do a lot of work in an Australian backyard. They sit beside pools, on decks, under pergolas and in the full afternoon sun. The frames can last for years, but the cushion covers often show wear first. Fading, split seams, sunscreen marks and tired fabric can make a good lounger look older than it really is.
If the frame is still solid, custom sun lounger cushion covers can be a sensible way to refresh the setting. Resort Style Bean Bags makes custom outdoor cushion covers for outdoor furniture, including lounger-style cushions, daybeds, benches and outdoor lounges.
This guide explains what to measure, what details to think about and how to prepare a quote request.
When is it worth replacing sun lounger cushion covers?
It is worth replacing sun lounger cushion covers when the frame is still good, the cushion size is hard to buy off the shelf, or you want a better outdoor fabric than the original cover. Custom covers are especially useful for long cushions, thicker pads and unusual shapes.
Sun lounger cushions are often longer and narrower than standard outdoor cushions. Many also have a shaped top, stitched sections, ties or a folding point where the backrest adjusts. That is why a generic replacement can be difficult to make look right.
Custom covers are a good option if:
- The old cover is faded or torn but the insert is still usable.
- You are sourcing new foam and need covers made to fit.
- The lounger has an unusual length, width or shape.
- You want the loungers to match other outdoor cushions.
- You want fabric better suited to Australian sun and outdoor use.
We do not supply foam or cushion inserts, but we can help you work out what details to confirm with a foam manufacturer if your inserts need replacing.
What measurements do you need for a sun lounger cover?
Measure the full length, width and thickness of the cushion in centimetres. Then note any headrest shape, hinge or fold point, ties, tabs, velcro, rounded corners or separate cushion sections. Clear photos are essential for sun loungers because the shape is not always obvious from numbers alone.
Start with the existing cushion insert if you have one. If the old insert is badly flattened, also measure the lounger frame. This helps confirm whether the old insert still reflects the correct finished size.
Measure and photograph:
- The full cushion length from top to bottom.
- The width across the widest point.
- The cushion thickness.
- Any angled or rounded top section.
- The point where the cushion bends with the lounger back.
- The position of ties, straps or velcro.
- Whether the cushion is one long piece or separate seat and back pieces.
Do not worry if you are unsure. We have made many custom covers from customer measurements and photos, and we will check the important details before making the cover. If something looks off, we will ask rather than guessing.
Which fabric works best for loungers in Australian sun?
For sun lounger cushion covers, choose outdoor fabric that can handle UV exposure, body contact, sunscreen, poolside moisture and regular cleaning. The best fabric is practical first, then decorative.
Sun loungers are often used in the harshest part of the yard. They may sit near reflective paving, beside water or in direct sun for long periods. ARPANSA notes that Australia has high UV exposure, which is one reason outdoor material choice needs to be taken seriously. Their sun exposure information is available here: ARPANSA sun exposure.
For a lounger, think about:
- Colourfastness in strong light.
- Comfort against skin in warm weather.
- Resistance to sunscreen and everyday marks.
- How quickly the fabric can be wiped or cleaned.
- Whether the lounger sits under cover or in full exposure.
Olefin is a practical outdoor fabric option because it is colourfast, comfortable and suitable for Australian outdoor living. Some customers prefer darker colours for marks, while others choose lighter colours to keep a softer poolside look. The right choice depends on how the lounger is used.
Do you need new foam for a sun lounger?
You only need new foam if the existing insert is flat, uncomfortable, damp, crumbling or no longer fills the cover. If the foam is still supportive and dry, a new custom cover may be enough.
Many customers start by assuming they need the whole cushion replaced. Sometimes they do. But if the insert still has shape and comfort, replacing the cover can be the more efficient option.
If the foam has failed, speak with a foam supplier before finalising the cover. Ask about outdoor suitability, finished size, thickness, firmness and whether the foam should be wrapped. We can make the cover to suit the finished insert dimensions, but we do not provide the foam itself.
If you are planning a full refurb, call us on 0411 655 360 before you order foam. A short conversation can help make sure you are collecting the right measurements.
What cover details suit sun loungers?
Small details can make a sun lounger cover much easier to live with.
- Zips: Make the cover removable for cleaning or future replacement.
- Ties or straps: Help stop the cushion sliding down the frame.
- Boxed edges: Give thicker cushions a neater shape.
- Piping: Adds a tailored finish if you want a more structured look.
- Separate sections: May suit loungers where the backrest moves often.
A poolside lounger may need a different approach from a covered verandah lounger. The more exposed the position, the more practical the fabric and construction choices need to be.
How to request a quote for sun lounger cushion covers
Send the details you have, even if they are not perfect. We can help fill the gaps.
A useful quote request includes:
- The number of sun loungers.
- Whether each cushion is one piece or separate pieces.
- Measurements in centimetres.
- Photos of the cushion on the frame.
- Photos of any ties, straps, zips or shaped corners.
- Whether you are keeping the existing foam or sourcing new foam.
- Your preferred fabric colour or style (we can also help with this).
If you are measuring several matching loungers, check more than one cushion. Older cushions can stretch or shrink differently, especially if some loungers get more sun than others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make covers for old sun lounger cushions?
Yes, if the cushion can be measured clearly and the shape is suitable for a custom cover. Photos help us check details such as folds, rounded corners, thickness and tie positions.
Do you supply the cushion insert?
No. We make the custom cover, not the foam or insert. If you need new foam, we can help you work out the measurements and can recommend foam manufacturers where appropriate.
Can the covers be made to match other outdoor cushions?
Yes. If you are refreshing several pieces in the same outdoor area, we can discuss fabric colours and styles that work together across loungers, benches, daybeds and chair cushions.
What if my lounger cushion bends in the middle?
Tell us where it bends and send photos of the cushion flat and on the lounger. The fold or hinge point affects how the cover should be planned.