Design Within Reach · Outdoor Furniture Cushion Protectants
Design Within Reach Block Island Sunbed Cushion Outlet
No PFAS disclosure. Outdoor cushion risk depends on water-repellent coating's undisclosed treatments.
Design Within Reach does not publicly disclose PFAS or water-repellent treatment details for this sunbed cushion. Outdoor textiles often receive water-repellent coating finishes that may contain PFAS; contact the brand for material confirmation.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
outdoor cushion cover, likely solution-dyed acrylic or polyester blend
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
PFAS
Outdoor cushion covers routinely receive water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) or stain-resistance topical treatments. water-repellent coating does not disclose whether these are PFAS-based, silicone, wax, or other chemistry. Undisclosed treatment composition is a gap in transparency, not a confirmed hazard.
Source, ATSDR ↗off-gassing or odor from new textile finishes
New outdoor cushions sometimes emit volatile organic compound (VOC) or chemical odors from finish curing, especially if stored in sealed packaging. This typically dissipates within days to weeks of airing; it is not a long-term health hazard but may indicate untested or non-standard finish chemistry.
cushion cover degradation and microfiber shedding over time
Acrylic-blend outdoor fabrics gradually fray and shed microfibers with UV and abrasion exposure. This is a material-life issue rather than a toxicological hazard, but it does release synthetic fibers into the environment and may contribute to microplastic accumulation.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Flame retardants
Interior cushion fill (polyurethane or polyester batting) may contain flame retardants, but Design Within Reach does not publish fill composition or flame-retardant type. No specific complaints or recalls document this product. Flammability standards for outdoor upholstery are less stringent than indoor furniture.
Source, EPA ↗Heavy metals
Solution-dyed acrylic fibers present lower concern than piece-dyed textiles because dye is incorporated at the fiber stage. Regulated manufacturers avoid restricted azo dyes and heavy metals (cadmium, lead), but water-repellent coating does not provide Oeko-Tex or similar third-party dye certification.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Design Within Reach Block Island cushions are typically solution-dyed acrylic or acrylic-polyester blends, chosen for outdoor durability and UV resistance. Solution-dyeing (pigment added before fiber extrusion) presents lower concern than piece-dyeing because it avoids excess chemical baths. However, the cushion cover almost certainly receives water-repellent and stain-resist finishes applied post-manufacture, and water-repellent coating does not disclose the chemistry of these treatments.
The brand's record and disclosure
Design Within Reach markets itself as a design-focused furniture brand but does not publish material safety data sheets, chemical disclosure, or third-party certifications (Oeko-Tex, GOTS, etc.) for upholstery or cushions. The brand has not made public commitments to PFAS avoidance or sustainability standards. No recalls or safety incidents specific to this product line are documented in FDA or CPSC records.
How it compares in its category
Most premium outdoor cushion brands either disclose treatment chemicals (Sunbrella, for example, lists PFOA-free certifications) or use inherently water-resistant materials like solution-dyed acrylic without additional topical finishes. water-repellent coating's silence on finish treatments puts this product below disclosure-transparent competitors and at parity with budget brands that also do not specify. The material grade itself (acrylic-blend) is standard and low-risk if untreated.
If you buy it
Store cushions indoors or under cover during off-season to minimize UV and moisture exposure and extend fabric life. Wash covers with mild soap and water only; avoid bleach or solvents, which can degrade finishes and potentially mobilize trapped chemicals. Replace covers if seams separate, filling compacts, or visible wear appears (typically 3-5 years for outdoor use). Request Care and Material Safety information directly from water-repellent coating before purchase if PFAS or flame-retardant status matters to you.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 55% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Design Within Reach has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More outdoor furniture cushion protectants 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.