RST Brands · Outdoor Furniture Cushion Protectants
RST Brands Modular Outdoor Set of 2 Sunbrella Club Ottoman Cushion Covers
Sunbrella fabric likely contains PFAS-based water-repellent coating, brand silent on chemistry.
Sunbrella outdoor fabrics typically use fluorochemical water-repellent coating treatments, a known PFAS application. Grandin Road discloses no information about PFAS.
The better-graded swap
Design Within Reach
Design Within Reach Sculptura Chaise Cushion
75/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Sunbrella acrylic fabric with stain/water-resistant treatment
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.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
PFAS
Sunbrella's standard water-repellent coating formulations historically use fluorochemical compounds (PFAS-class); no public commitment by Grandin Road or Sunbrella to alternatives without these compounds for this product line. PFAS is graded separately per your criteria.
Source, ATSDR ↗VOC off-gassing from dyes and finishes
New acrylic outdoor fabrics may release volatile compounds during initial use or storage, especially if warehouse conditions were warm. Off-gassing is typically mild and short-lived. Airing the covers before first use can reduce odor.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Acrylic textiles may incorporate formaldehyde-based resins in dyeing or setting processes. No recalls or testing data on record for Sunbrella cushion covers; Sunbrella maintains OEKO-TEX Standard 100 compliance for some products, which limits formaldehyde to specific levels, but this is not confirmed for Grandin Road's specific batch.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes or disperse dyes in colored fabric
Sunbrella uses solution-dyed acrylic (dye is part of the fiber), which avoids surface dyes, making azo contamination unlikely. No documentation of dye-related sensitization in this product line.
Flame retardants
These are cushion covers only, not filled cushions. No flame retardant requirement applies to fabric covers alone. If a backing or adhesive is used, it is not detailed in available product specs.
Source, EPA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
These are cushion covers made from Sunbrella acrylic fabric, a solution-dyed synthetic textile engineered for outdoor durability. Sunbrella's stain and water resistance typically relies on fluorochemical (PFAS-based) water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatments applied during manufacturing. The acrylic fiber itself is generally stable, but the finish chemistry matters for longevity and potential leaching under degradation or washing.
The brand's record and disclosure
Grandin Road (the seller) does not publicly disclose PFAS content or sourcing practices for this product line. Sunbrella, the fabric supplier, has not committed to PFAS-free alternatives in its standard outdoor collections, though some eco-labeled variants exist. Neither brand has faced major recalls or documented toxicity complaints specific to cushion covers, but opacity around chemical inputs is a concern for consumers seeking outdoor textiles with lower PFAS concern.
How it compares in its category
Sunbrella fabrics are market-leading for outdoor durability and stain resistance, but this comes at the cost of PFAS-based treatments that are now common industry-wide for performance textiles. Competitors using untreated natural fibers (cotton, linen) or materials not linked to PFAS exist but offer less water/stain repellency and shorter lifespans. This product sits in the 'high performance, high PFAS likelihood' segment; trading durability for reduced chemical load is the main tradeoff in this category.
If you buy it
Avoid machine washing or aggressive scrubbing, which degrades the water-repellent coating finish and may release or concentrate any residual chemicals. Spot-clean with mild soap and water, and allow air-dry only. Store indoors or under cover during off-season to extend the fabric lifespan and reduce weathering that could compromise the coating. Replace covers if seams fray or the fabric becomes pilled or thin, as degradation can increase any migration of finish chemicals into contact areas.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- RST Brands has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Outdoor Furniture Cushion Protectants
Acadia Outdoor 61in Sofa Cushion
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PFAS
Limited concern
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from coating or dyes
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Coating degradation and microplastic shedding
High concern
Mildew and bacterial growth if moisture trapped
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Lower PFAS concern likely, but West Elm discloses nothing.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
West Elm
Acadia Lounge Chair Cushion
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Heavy metals
Limited concern
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding from synthetic fibers
Limited concern
Lower concern cushion, but West Elm provides no PFAS transparency.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
West Elm
Westport Slim Outdoor 68in Sofa Cushion
Polyester/cotton blend cushion cover, no specified water or stain treatment
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding and degradation
Limited concern
Mold and bacterial growth if waterlogged
High concern
Lower PFAS concern. Standard outdoor cushion with no reported treatments flagging risk.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
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.