34Poor

Does Frontgate outdoor furniture cushion protectants have PFAS?

We graded 24 Frontgate outdoor furniture cushion protectants products, averaging Poor (34/100). 2 of them grade Good or better. Against the other 48 outdoor furniture cushion protectants brands we grade, where the middle brand sits at 36/100, Frontgate is about typical, scoring above 46% of them.

PFAS Authority is a scoring system, not a laboratory. We do not test products ourselves. Grades are model-based, built from published ingredients, materials, certifications, brand disclosures and third-party lab results where they exist. See the rubric.

Frontgate outdoor furniture cushion protectants worth buying Good or better, best-graded first

Hudson Indoor/Outdoor Pillow - Glacier, 20" x 20" Square Glacier, 20" x 20" Square in Glacier with Mineral/Natural Fring

Frontgate

Hudson Indoor/Outdoor Pillow - Glacier, 20" x 20" Square Glacier, 20" x 20" Square in Glacier with Mineral/Natural Fring

Polyester/cotton blend textile with mineral fringe trim

PFAS Grade75Excellent
Overall Grade59Good
💨

Formaldehyde / VOCs

Polyester textiles can be treated with formaldehyde-based finishing resins for wrinkle…

70
🎨

Azo dyes and colorant toxicity

The 'Glacier' colorway (likely gray-blue) relies on synthetic dyes applied to polyester…

70
⚠️

Antimony in polyester

Polyester textiles are sometimes polymerized with antimony trioxide as a catalyst…

70
🫧

Microfiber shedding and degradation

Polyester fibers can shed microfibers during washing and wear, particularly if seams fray…

70

Lower concern pillow; typical indoor-outdoor textile without water-resistant finish claimed.

Starting grade for this product type

Crew Stripe Indoor/Outdoor Pillow - Seaglass, 20" x 20" Square, 20" x 20" Square Spa Tassels - Frontgate

Frontgate

Crew Stripe Indoor/Outdoor Pillow - Seaglass, 20" x 20" Square, 20" x 20" Square Spa Tassels - Frontgate

Cotton textile pillow cover with spa tassels

PFAS Grade75Excellent
Overall Grade41Poor
💨

Formaldehyde / VOCs

Cotton textiles are often treated with formaldehyde-based resins for wrinkle resistance…

70
🎨

Heavy metals

The seaglass (light teal/green) color may use reactive or azo-based dyes; some azo dyes…

70
♾️

PFAS

Indoor/outdoor pillows often receive water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating)…

70
⚠️

Mold and mildew growth (maintenance hazard)

Indoor/outdoor designation means the pillow is designed to tolerate moisture; however…

20

Probably lower concern, but Frontgate won't address PFAS treatments.

Starting grade for this product type

Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these

Outdoor Deep Seating Cushions - Brick, Small - Frontgate

Frontgate

Outdoor Deep Seating Cushions - Brick, Small - Frontgate

polyester/acrylic outdoor fabric with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatment

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade18Bad
♾️

PFAS

Frontgate has not disclosed whether water-repellent coating is fluorocarbon-based (PFAS)…

70
🫧

Polyester and acrylic fiber shedding (microfibers)

Outdoor cushions shed microfibers, particularly when abraded by weather or friction.…

70
⚠️

Mold and bacterial growth from moisture retention

Cushions stored damp or in humid climates can develop mold or mildew, releasing spores.…

70

Avoid unless Frontgate discloses its water-repellent coating formula.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Frontgate Outdoor Premium Deep Seating Cushion Sets

Frontgate

Outdoor Premium Deep Seating Cushion Sets

Outdoor cushion with fabric covering and foam fill; waterproof/stain-resistant treatment unspecified

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade0Bad
🔥

Flame retardants

Outdoor cushion foam cores (polyurethane or polyester) may contain brominated or…

70
💨

VOC off-gassing from foam and adhesives

New polyurethane or polyester foam and glues used in seaming may release formaldehyde…

70
🫧

Microplastic shedding from synthetic fabric cover

Polyester and acrylic fabric covers shed microfibers during weathering and cleaning…

70
⚠️

Mold and bacterial growth if moisture-trapped

If the waterproof treatment fails or moisture is sealed into the foam core during…

20

Avoid until Frontgate discloses treatment chemistry or provides independent testing.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Terrace Park Dining Chair Replacement Cushions - Quick Dry, Sand - Frontgate

Frontgate

Terrace Park Dining Chair Replacement Cushions - Quick Dry, Sand - Frontgate

Polyester fabric with water/stain-resistant finish

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade18Bad
♾️

PFAS

Frontgate does not disclose whether the water-resistant finish is PFAS-based or…

70
🫧

Polyester fiber degradation and microfiber shedding

Outdoor polyester fabrics degrade under UV and weather stress, potentially releasing…

70
🍳

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from coating and foam

New outdoor cushions may off-gas low levels of VOCs from the water-resistant finish and…

70

Avoid until Frontgate reveals the water-repellent coating treatment formula.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Frontgate Outdoor Premium Ottoman Cushion

Frontgate

Outdoor Premium Ottoman Cushion

Solution-dyed polyester with water-repellent coating finish (likely fluorinated)

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade18Bad
♾️

PFAS

Typical for outdoor cushion fabrics but chemistry unconfirmed by Frontgate. Fluorinated…

70
🫧

Polyester microplastic shedding

Solution-dyed polyester is durable but degrades under UV and mechanical stress (rubbing…

70
💨

Formaldehyde / VOCs

Some polyester textiles use formaldehyde-based resins for wrinkle resistance or…

70

Avoid unless Frontgate discloses its water-repellent coating formula.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Set of 2 Balencia Chaise Cushions - Quick Dry, Resort Stripe Terracotta - Frontgate

Frontgate

Set of 2 Balencia Chaise Cushions - Quick Dry, Resort Stripe Terracotta - Frontgate

Outdoor textile with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade22Bad
♾️

PFAS

water-repellent coating finishes on outdoor textiles commonly contain long-chain or…

70
🫧

Microfiber shedding from coating degradation

As water-repellent coating coatings wear or peel from UV exposure and washing, cushion…

70

Avoid until Frontgate discloses water-repellent coating treatment or commits to PFAS-free.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Cafe Cushion for Square Stacking Chair - Quick Dry, Sailcloth Air Blue - Frontgate

Frontgate

Cafe Cushion for Square Stacking Chair - Quick Dry, Sailcloth Air Blue - Frontgate

Sailcloth (polyester blend), water-repellent coating-treated textile

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade18Bad
⚠️

Antimony in polyester fiber

Polyester is sometimes manufactured with antimony trioxide as a catalyst; residual…

70
⚠️

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from water-repellent coating and sizing finishes

New outdoor cushions often release odors from finishing chemicals, including potential…

70
🫧

Lead

As the water-repellent coating finish and polyester fibers degrade over 2-3 years of…

70

Avoid until Frontgate discloses its water-repellent coating formula.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Knife-edge Outdoor Chair Cushion - Quick Dry, Resort Stripe Indigo, 21"W x 19"D - Frontgate

Frontgate

Knife-edge Outdoor Chair Cushion - Quick Dry, Resort Stripe Indigo, 21"W x 19"D - Frontgate

Polyester outdoor cushion fabric with unspecified water/stain treatment

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade18Bad
♾️

PFAS

Frontgate does not disclose whether this quick-dry treatment uses legacy PFAS (PFOA…

70
⚠️

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from dyes and finishes

Indigo-dyed polyester and factory-applied finishes emit VOCs during initial use and…

70
🫧

Coating degradation and microplastic shedding

As water-repellent coating coatings weather and flake from UV and flexing, polyester…

70

Avoid until Frontgate discloses its water-repellent coating formula.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Double-piped Outdoor Chair Cushion - Standard, Black, 21"W x 19"D - Frontgate

Frontgate

Double-piped Outdoor Chair Cushion - Standard, Black, 21"W x 19"D - Frontgate

Outdoor cushion fabric with water/stain-resistant treatment (type unspecified)

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade4Bad
♾️

PFAS

The unspecified water/stain-resistant coating is the primary concern. Outdoor cushion…

20
🫧

Microplastic Shedding from Synthetic Fiber

If the cushion fabric is 100% polyester or polyester-blend, weathering, UV exposure, and…

70

Coating Degradation and Leachate Exposure

As the water-repellent coating treatment breaks down (typically 2-4 years outdoors), the…

70

Avoid; outdoor cushions commonly use PFAS-based finishes, but brand discloses nothing.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Sincerity Indoor/Outdoor Pillow by Elaine Smith - Caramel, 20" x 20" Square Caramel - Frontgate

Frontgate

Sincerity Indoor/Outdoor Pillow by Elaine Smith - Caramel, 20" x 20" Square Caramel - Frontgate

Polyester with stain/water-resistant finish

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade4Bad
♾️

PFAS

Water and stain repellents for outdoor polyester are historically PFAS-based; Frontgate…

70
🫧

Coating degradation and particle shedding

Applied finishes on polyester break down under UV, heat, and weather, potentially…

20
💨

Formaldehyde / VOCs

Some outdoor finishes include formaldehyde-based binders for durability. Frontgate does…

70

Outdoor pillow likely treated with water/stain repellent; PFAS content unknown.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Botanic Bliss Indoor/Outdoor Pillow - Glacier, 20" x 20" Square, 20" x 20" Square Glacier Piping - Frontgate

Frontgate

Botanic Bliss Indoor/Outdoor Pillow - Glacier, 20" x 20" Square, 20" x 20" Square Glacier Piping - Frontgate

polyester/cotton blend with water-repellent coating finish

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade0Bad
♾️

PFAS

Indoor/outdoor pillows are routinely treated with water-repellent finishes; manufacturer…

20
💨

Formaldehyde / VOCs

Cotton and cotton-blend textiles may be treated with formaldehyde-based resins for…

70
🎨

Heavy metals

The 'Glacier' (light gray/blue) colorway uses synthetic dyes; no specific pigment…

70
🫧

Microfiber shedding from polyester

Polyester textiles shed microfibers during washing and wear, particularly if the fabric…

70

Indoor/outdoor pillow likely treated with water-repellent coating; manufacturer silent on PFAS.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Bronte Tile Indoor/Outdoor Pillow - Cobalt, 20" x 20" Square, 20" x 20" Square Cobalt Piping - Frontgate

Frontgate

Bronte Tile Indoor/Outdoor Pillow - Cobalt, 20" x 20" Square, 20" x 20" Square Cobalt Piping - Frontgate

polyester pillow with stain/water-resistant treatment

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade0Bad
♾️

PFAS

Outdoor polyester textiles are almost universally finished with water-repellent coating…

20
⛏️

Heavy metals

Cobalt pigments in textiles can contain trace heavy metals, though modern commercial dyes…

70
💨

Formaldehyde / VOCs

Polyester textiles may receive formaldehyde-based cross-linking or wrinkle-resistance…

70
🫧

Microplastic shedding from degraded polyester

Polyester textiles shed microfibers when abraded or washed, especially as UV and…

70

Outdoor pillow likely treated with water-repellent coating; Frontgate silent on PFAS content.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Solid Indoor/Outdoor Pillow - Square, Black Square, 24" x 24" Square, Individual - Frontgate

Frontgate

Solid Indoor/Outdoor Pillow - Square, Black Square, 24" x 24" Square, Individual - Frontgate

Polyester/acrylic blend with stain and water resistant treatment

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade22Bad
🍳

water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating composition unknown

Stain and water resistant treatment is undisclosed; outdoor textiles commonly use…

70
🫧

Microfiber shedding or surface degradation over time

Polyester/acrylic blends can shed microfibers when abraded or weathered, especially as…

70

Outdoor pillow likely treated for durability; treatment composition undisclosed.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Asteria Floral Indoor/Outdoor Pillow - 20" x 20" Square, 20" x 20" Square Knife Edge - Frontgate

Frontgate

Asteria Floral Indoor/Outdoor Pillow - 20" x 20" Square, 20" x 20" Square Knife Edge - Frontgate

solution-dyed polyester with stain and water resistant finish

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade4Bad
♾️

PFAS

Solution-dyed polyester indoor/outdoor pillows almost universally receive water-repellent…

20
💨

Formaldehyde / VOCs

Some water-repellent coating and stain-resistant finishes use formaldehyde-based or…

70
💨

Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing from finish

New chemical finishes on textiles can off-gas solvents, adhesives, or monomers in the…

70

Indoor/outdoor pillow likely treated with water-repellent coating, PFAS status undisclosed.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Sylva Indoor/Outdoor Pillow by Elaine Smith - 12" x 20" Lumbar - Frontgate

Frontgate

Sylva Indoor/Outdoor Pillow by Elaine Smith - 12" x 20" Lumbar - Frontgate

solution-dyed acrylic fabric with water and stain resistance

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade22Bad
♾️

PFAS

Frontgate does not disclose whether Sylva uses legacy PFOA/PFOS, short-chain fluorinated…

70
🫧

Microplastic shedding from acrylic fiber degradation

Acrylic is a synthetic polymer prone to pilling and microfiber release under friction…

70

Stain-resistant indoor/outdoor pillow, Frontgate hides PFAS treatment details.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Frontgate Berries & Bows Outdoor Pillow Cover

Frontgate

Berries & Bows Outdoor Pillow Cover

polyester with water-repellent coating/stain-resistant treatment

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade4Bad
♾️

PFAS

water-repellent coating treatments on outdoor textiles commonly use PFAS-based chemistry.…

20
⚠️

Antimony in polyester resin

Antimony is used as a catalyst in polyester manufacturing. It is not typically a…

70
🫧

Coating degradation and microfiber shedding

water-repellent coating coatings degrade with UV exposure and washing. Shed particles and…

70

Outdoor pillow cover likely treated for water and stain resistance, PFAS details not disclosed.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Outdoor Deluxe Ottoman Cushion - Standard, Resort Stripe Indigo, 26"W x 24"D - Frontgate

Frontgate

Outdoor Deluxe Ottoman Cushion - Standard, Resort Stripe Indigo, 26"W x 24"D - Frontgate

solution-dyed polyester outdoor cushion fabric with stain/water-resistant treatment

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade4Bad
🏷️

Water/stain-resistant chemical treatment (undisclosed type)

Outdoor cushion fabrics are almost universally treated for water and stain resistance…

20
🎨

Azo dyes in polyester

Solution-dyed polyester can use azo dyes, which are permitted in textiles but some…

70
🫧

Microplastic shedding from outdoor weathering

Polyester fabric exposed to UV and temperature cycling over time can release microfibers…

70

Probably treated for water and stain resistance; full contents unknown.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Arielle Indoor/Outdoor Pillow Covers - Melon, 20" x 20" Melon - Frontgate

Frontgate

Arielle Indoor/Outdoor Pillow Covers - Melon, 20" x 20" Melon - Frontgate

Polyester with stain and water-resistant treatment

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade14Bad
⚠️

water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatment chemicals, unspecified

Frontgate does not disclose whether this polyester pillow uses PFAS-based or alternative…

70
🫧

Polyester fiber shedding and microplastic release

All polyester textiles shed microfibers, especially when washed or subjected to friction.…

70
💨

VOC off-gassing from treatment finishes

Newly treated polyester textiles may emit low-level volatile organic compounds (VOCs)…

70

Coating degradation and end-of-life environmental impact

As water-resistant treatment degrades over 2-3 years, chemical residues may leach into…

70

Get details on treatment chemicals before buying from Frontgate.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Outdoor Premium Deep Seating Cushion Sets - Standard, Bronte Tile Indigo, 26"W x 30"D - Frontgate

Frontgate

Outdoor Premium Deep Seating Cushion Sets - Standard, Bronte Tile Indigo, 26"W x 30"D - Frontgate

polyester fabric, likely water-repellent coating-treated outdoor cushion cover

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade0Bad
♾️

PFAS

Outdoor cushion covers almost universally use PFAS-based water-repellent coating to…

20
💨

Formaldehyde / VOCs

Polyester fabrics often undergo wrinkle-resistant or color-fixing treatments using…

70
🔥

Flame retardants

If the cushion filling includes polyurethane foam or polyester batting, flame retardants…

70
💨

VOC off-gassing from polyurethane foam or polyester fill

Polyurethane foam and polyester batting off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during…

70

Outdoor cushion finish likely uses PFAS repellents; no disclosure given.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Single-Piped Outdoor Chair Cushion - Brick, 17"W x 17"D - Frontgate

Frontgate

Single-Piped Outdoor Chair Cushion - Brick, 17"W x 17"D - Frontgate

outdoor cushion with water-resistant and stain-resistant treatment

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade0Bad
🏷️

Flame retardants

Outdoor cushions typically receive water, stain, and flame-resistant treatments.…

70
🫧

Microplastic shedding from synthetic fiber breakdown

Polyester and acrylic outdoor fabrics shed microfibers as UV, moisture, and mildew…

20
⚠️

Mildew and fungal growth from moisture retention

Cushion density and water-repellent coating can trap moisture in core, promoting mildew…

20

Skip until Frontgate reveals what water-resistant chemicals it uses.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Almeria Indoor/Outdoor Pillow Cover - 13" x 20" - Frontgate

Frontgate

Almeria Indoor/Outdoor Pillow Cover - 13" x 20" - Frontgate

Polyester blend with stain/water-resistant treatment

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade4Bad
♾️

PFAS

Undisclosed treatment composition on outdoor pillow. Industry standard for this product…

70
💨

Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing from finish

Applied stain treatments often release VOCs, especially in warm or UV-exposed…

70
🫧

Coating degradation and microparticle shedding

Polyester with topical finish degrades under outdoor UV and weathering. Fragmented…

20

Outdoor pillow treatment unknown; PFAS risk remains unclear.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Cafe Cushion for Square Stacking Chair - Quick Dry, Resort Stripe Melon - Frontgate

Frontgate

Cafe Cushion for Square Stacking Chair - Quick Dry, Resort Stripe Melon - Frontgate

Polyester with quick-dry water-repellent finish

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade0Bad
🫧

water-repellent coating degradation and particle release

Quick-dry finishes on polyester degrade predictably with UV and washing. Degrading…

20
💨

Formaldehyde / VOCs

Polyester fabric dyes and fixative resins may contain formaldehyde releasers. Frontgate…

70
🎨

Azo dyes (if synthetic red/melon colorant)

The 'Melon' color stripe suggests synthetic red or orange dyes, which may include azo…

70
🔥

Flame retardants

If this cushion contains foam or polyester fill underneath the shell, fire-blocking…

70

Quick-dry finish suggests water-repellent coating; brand won't disclose what it uses.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Outdoor Premium Ottoman Cushion - Standard, Resort Stripe Seaglass, 24"W x 20"D - Frontgate

Frontgate

Outdoor Premium Ottoman Cushion - Standard, Resort Stripe Seaglass, 24"W x 20"D - Frontgate

Synthetic fabric with stain/water-resistant treatment

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade0Bad
♾️

PFAS

Frontgate does not disclose whether the water-repellent finish contains PFAS or PFAS…

20
🎨

Azo dyes in printed pattern

The 'Resort Stripe Seaglass' print involves synthetic dyes on polyester; major…

70
🫧

Polyester fiber shedding and microplastic release

Synthetic outdoor cushions naturally shed microfibers over time, especially when degraded…

70

Coating degradation over time

The water-resistant coating will degrade from UV exposure, moisture, and thermal cycles.…

70

Probably water or stain treated; exact composition not disclosed.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Better outdoor furniture cushion protectants from other brands

Graded higher than the Frontgate average of 34.

Acadia Outdoor 61in Sofa Cushion

Acadia Outdoor 61in Sofa Cushion

Polyester cushion cover; likely acrylic or polyester-blend upholstery

PFAS Grade75Excellent
Overall Grade39Poor
♾️

PFAS

Limited concern

70
🍳

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from coating or dyes

Limited concern

70
🫧

Coating degradation and microplastic shedding

High concern

20
⚠️

Mildew and bacterial growth if moisture trapped

Moderate concern

45

Lower PFAS concern likely, but West Elm discloses nothing.

Starting grade for this product type

West Elm Acadia Lounge Chair Cushion

West Elm

Acadia Lounge Chair Cushion

Polyester upholstery cushion cover

PFAS Grade75Excellent
Overall Grade59Good
🎨

Heavy metals

Limited concern

70
💨

Formaldehyde / VOCs

Limited concern

70
🫧

Microplastic shedding from synthetic fibers

Limited concern

70

Lower concern cushion, but West Elm provides no PFAS transparency.

Starting grade for this product type

Westport Slim Outdoor 68in Sofa Cushion

West Elm

Westport Slim Outdoor 68in Sofa Cushion

Polyester/cotton blend cushion cover, no specified water or stain treatment

PFAS Grade75Excellent
Overall Grade49Poor
💨

Formaldehyde / VOCs

Limited concern

70
🫧

Microplastic shedding and degradation

Limited concern

70
⚠️

Mold and bacterial growth if waterlogged

High concern

20

Lower PFAS concern. Standard outdoor cushion with no reported treatments flagging risk.

Starting grade for this product type

See every Frontgate product we grade on the Frontgate brand page, or the full outdoor furniture cushion protectants ranking.