Frequently Asked Questions
If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please visit our ‘Contact’ page to request information.
Fabric Questions
• How can I order fabric swatch samples or fabric by the metre?
• Why acrylic fabric?
• How do Sunbrella fabrics lock in color? Do they provide UV protection?
• Are Elements/Sunbrella brand fabric waterproof?
• Do Elements/Sunbrella brand fabrics dry quickly?
Product Design and Construction Questions
• Which cushion thickness is best for me?
• Should I order ties for my cushion? How long are they and where should they be placed?
• Round vs. square cushion corners: Which is best for me?
• Are all cushions made with zippers?
• What types of filling are used in your cushions?
Fabric Care and Cleaning Questions
• How often do I need to thoroughly clean the fabric? Can I hose them down?
• How can I clean bird droppings off of my cushions?
• In your cleaning instructions you use the term mild or natural soap. What is mild or natural soap?
• Is Elements/Sunbrella brand fabric waterproof and mildew proof?
Ordering Questions
• What happens after I place my order?
• HELP! I just placed my order, and I need to make a change or cancel my order.
Shipping and Payment Questions
• Is it safe to use my credit card for online purchases?
• When will my credit card be charged?
• How long before my cushions will arrive?
• Do you ship interstate Australia wide?
• What is your return policy?
How can I order fabric swatch samples or fabric by the metre?
To purchase fabric swatch samples click here.
To purchase fabric by the metre click here.
Because of variations from one computer screen to another, it's difficult to precisely match colour samples on our website. We suggest that you purchase fabric samples if color matching is important to your individual buying decision.
Why acrylic fabric?
Elements Weatherproof Soft Furnishings primarily uses Sunbrella solution-dyed acrylic fabrics because they are designed for easy maintenance and longevity. Solution-dying is the process of adding color to acrylic fibers during manufacturing while they are in a liquid state. This characteristic of acrylic fabrics is the key to locking in color, easy cleaning and long life. For this reason, acrylic fabric offers incredible resistance to stains, weather and wear in any application.
How do Sunbrella fabrics lock in color? Do they provide UV protection?
Sunbrella fabrics are made from 100 percent solution-dyed acrylic yarns. Solution-dying is the process of adding color to acrylic fibers during manufacturing while they are in a liquid state. This characteristic of Sunbrella fabrics is the key to locking in color, easy cleaning and long life. Sunbrella fabrics have been tested and proven to provide up to 98 percent UV protection from the harmful effects of the sun. Whites and lighter colored fabrics provide less protection than darker fabrics, which have more depth of color. This protective factor is inherent to the product and will not be reduced by usage and/or fabric exposure to the sun.
Are Elements/Sunbrella brand fabric waterproof?
Elements/Sunbrella brand fabrics are not waterproof, but they are water repellent. This means that during the finishing process, a water-repellent finish is applied to the fabric. Normal wear and usage will reduce the effectiveness of this finish, as will cleaning the fabric. We suggest that after Elements/Sunbrella brand fabrics are cleaned and water repellency is a factor, we recommend that you re-treat your fabrics with a water repellent treatment such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ which can be purchased from our online store.
Do Elements/Sunbrella brand fabrics dry quickly?
Because Elements/Sunbrella brand fabrics are woven, they are also highly breathable, which is why they dry quickly with only air exposure.
A clothes dryer is not necessary and will often overheat and shrink the fabric.
An important note about Elements/Sunbrella brand fabrics, is that they are treated with a flurocarbon coating, which greatly enhances water repellency. This coating requires replenishment after every vigorous cleaning. We suggest that after Elements/Sunbrella brand fabrics are cleaned and water repellency is a factor, we recommend that you re-treat your fabrics with a water repellent treatment such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ which can be purchased from our online store.
Which cushion thickness is best for me?
While we get a lot of questions on what thickness is typical for different furniture styles, this is a very subjective topic mostly driven by personal taste and preference. For dining and folding chairs, most people typically order 5–7.5cm thickness. Depending on how often you will use the cushions, and your particular comfort choices, you may want to consider 10cm or thicker cushions. For larger chairs or benches, thicknesses of 7.5–10cm are very common. However, larger daybeds often warrant up to 120cm thickness. Thickness is really a personal preference, and we hope these general trends are helpful to you.
Should I order ties for my cushion? How long are they and where are they placed?
If your cushions will get a lot of use and seating traffic, you may want to consider ties to keep them in place and prevent sliding. Our ties positioning is shown on our custom cushion illustrations. Our cushion ties are approximately 30cm in length and are in ‘self’ fabric (ie the same fabric as your cushion).
Round vs. square cushion corners: Which is best for me?
Although this is a somewhat subjective topic driven by personal taste and preference, the primary consideration you should use is the shape of the furniture on which it will be used. For example, classic dining table chairs with sharp, distinctive corners usually are complemented with square edges. Furniture or seating types with more subtle lines and style are more often complemented with rounded edges. This truly is a personal preference, and we can make your custom cushion in either style.
Are all cushions made with zippers?
Yes all of Elements cushions include zippers, which are tactfully located on your custom soft furnishings.
What types of filling are used in your cushions?
You can select from either a High Grade Open Polyurethane Foam or a High Grade Outdoor Specific foam. Click here to read more detail about our true performance foam options.
How often do I need to thoroughly clean the fabric? Can I hose them down?
In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be required every two to three years. However storing your cushions or soft furnishings indoors through colder months will greatly reduce the frequency needed for thorough cleanings. One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella fabrics looking good and delay the need for deep or vigorous cleaning is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply imbedded in the fabrics and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. Always remember to allow the fabrics to air dry after hosing it down. We suggest that after Elements/Sunbrella brand fabrics are cleaned and water repellency is a factor, we recommend that you re-treat your fabrics with a water repellent treatment such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ which can be purchased from our online store.
How can I clean bird droppings off of my cushions?
For those stains that are beyond our normal care and cleaning instructions, such as bird droppings, roof run-off, acid rain, pollution, rust, tree sap, insect stains, etc., we suggest immediate cleaning with a mixture of – dishwashing liquid (60ml), bleach (1 cup), 1/4 cup mild soap and 4 litres of clean water. Spray or apply to entire area and allow to soak into the fabric for 15 minutes. Remove stain(s) with a sponge, clean towel or very soft bristle. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Allow fabric to air dry. If stain and/or mildew are severe, bleach quantities may be increased. We recommend that you spot clean your fabrics with a water repellent treatment such as 303 High Tech Fabric/Vinyl Cleaner™ which can be purchased from our online store. Spray stain with Fabric cleaner, brush the fabric with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary.
In your cleaning instructions you use the term mild or natural soap. What is mild or natural soap?
By ‘natural soap’ we mean a basic gentle soap. Gentle soaps rinse out easily and will not diminish the water-repellent ‘finish’ applied to the fabric. Remember to use cold water and spot clean only, and allow the fabric to air dry. After several cleanings we recommend that you re-treat your fabrics with a water repellent treatment such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ which can be purchased from our online store.
Is Elements/Sunbrella brand fabric waterproof and mildew proof?
Sunbrella fabric is not waterproof, but it is water repellent. This means that during the finishing process, a water-repellent finish is applied to the fabric. Normal wear and usage will reduce the effectiveness of this finish, as will cleaning the fabric. Elements/Sunbrella brand fabrics, if kept clean, will not mildew. An inherent characteristic of acrylic fiber is that it will not support the growth of mildew as a natural fiber will. Mildew will and can grow on any surface that is dirty, so to keep your Sunbrella fabrics from mildewing, you must keep your fabrics clean. If mildew growth becomes a problem, please refer to our care and cleaning instructions.
What happens after I place my order?
After completing the checkout process, you will receive a confirmation email at the address you provided. This confirmation will serve as your invoice. This is also to confirm that your order information is correct. If you do not receive the confirmation email after checkout, contact us as soon as possible to confirm your order. If you have any questions or problems, just email our customer service desk at info@elementsaustralia.net.au.
HELP! I just placed my order, and I need to make a change or cancel my order.
If you just placed your order and notice an error on your part, or ours, please let us know immediately by using our contact form, and we can easily correct it for you. If you let us know about an error within one business day of your order placement, we can correct virtually all problems. Beyond that, we cannot guarantee your changes will not incur extra costs if materials have already been cut for your order.
Is it safe to use my credit card for online purchases?
Yes, it's extremely safe. Elements use SecurePay for all online credit card transactions accepted by Visa and MasterCard. To find out more about how SecurePay protects buyers, visit www.securepay.com.au.
When will my credit card be charged?
Due to all orders being custom orders and made to your unique specifications, your credit card will be charged within 24 hours of placing your order. Online orders are immediately charged to your credit card account.
How long before my cushions will arrive?
Online orders: Allow up to 10 working days for delivery of your order.
Custom orders: Allow approximately 4 to 6 weeks for delivery of your order.
Elements will advise if your order is delayed for any reason.
You may email or call customer service on 0438 596 001 to check on your order, but due to the nature of our business, we may not be able to give an exact date for completion and shipping of your cushions.
Do you ship interstate Australia wide?
We do ship interstate Australia wide and upon special request we are able to arrange international shipping. We only deliver cushions within Australia to a physical location. We do not deliver to a PO Box. All orders are shipped via courier and must be signed for. Shipping charges vary according to weight and delivery location. A delivery charge will be confirmed at the time of placing your order.
What is your return policy?
Please click here to see our terms and conditions.
Fabric Questions
• How can I order fabric swatch samples or fabric by the metre?
• Why acrylic fabric?
• How do Sunbrella fabrics lock in color? Do they provide UV protection?
• Are Elements/Sunbrella brand fabric waterproof?
• Do Elements/Sunbrella brand fabrics dry quickly?
Product Design and Construction Questions
• Which cushion thickness is best for me?
• Should I order ties for my cushion? How long are they and where should they be placed?
• Round vs. square cushion corners: Which is best for me?
• Are all cushions made with zippers?
• What types of filling are used in your cushions?
Fabric Care and Cleaning Questions
• How often do I need to thoroughly clean the fabric? Can I hose them down?
• How can I clean bird droppings off of my cushions?
• In your cleaning instructions you use the term mild or natural soap. What is mild or natural soap?
• Is Elements/Sunbrella brand fabric waterproof and mildew proof?
Ordering Questions
• What happens after I place my order?
• HELP! I just placed my order, and I need to make a change or cancel my order.
Shipping and Payment Questions
• Is it safe to use my credit card for online purchases?
• When will my credit card be charged?
• How long before my cushions will arrive?
• Do you ship interstate Australia wide?
• What is your return policy?
How can I order fabric swatch samples or fabric by the metre?
To purchase fabric swatch samples click here.
To purchase fabric by the metre click here.
Because of variations from one computer screen to another, it's difficult to precisely match colour samples on our website. We suggest that you purchase fabric samples if color matching is important to your individual buying decision.
Why acrylic fabric?
Elements Weatherproof Soft Furnishings primarily uses Sunbrella solution-dyed acrylic fabrics because they are designed for easy maintenance and longevity. Solution-dying is the process of adding color to acrylic fibers during manufacturing while they are in a liquid state. This characteristic of acrylic fabrics is the key to locking in color, easy cleaning and long life. For this reason, acrylic fabric offers incredible resistance to stains, weather and wear in any application.
How do Sunbrella fabrics lock in color? Do they provide UV protection?
Sunbrella fabrics are made from 100 percent solution-dyed acrylic yarns. Solution-dying is the process of adding color to acrylic fibers during manufacturing while they are in a liquid state. This characteristic of Sunbrella fabrics is the key to locking in color, easy cleaning and long life. Sunbrella fabrics have been tested and proven to provide up to 98 percent UV protection from the harmful effects of the sun. Whites and lighter colored fabrics provide less protection than darker fabrics, which have more depth of color. This protective factor is inherent to the product and will not be reduced by usage and/or fabric exposure to the sun.
Are Elements/Sunbrella brand fabric waterproof?
Elements/Sunbrella brand fabrics are not waterproof, but they are water repellent. This means that during the finishing process, a water-repellent finish is applied to the fabric. Normal wear and usage will reduce the effectiveness of this finish, as will cleaning the fabric. We suggest that after Elements/Sunbrella brand fabrics are cleaned and water repellency is a factor, we recommend that you re-treat your fabrics with a water repellent treatment such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ which can be purchased from our online store.
Do Elements/Sunbrella brand fabrics dry quickly?
Because Elements/Sunbrella brand fabrics are woven, they are also highly breathable, which is why they dry quickly with only air exposure.
A clothes dryer is not necessary and will often overheat and shrink the fabric.
An important note about Elements/Sunbrella brand fabrics, is that they are treated with a flurocarbon coating, which greatly enhances water repellency. This coating requires replenishment after every vigorous cleaning. We suggest that after Elements/Sunbrella brand fabrics are cleaned and water repellency is a factor, we recommend that you re-treat your fabrics with a water repellent treatment such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ which can be purchased from our online store.
Which cushion thickness is best for me?
While we get a lot of questions on what thickness is typical for different furniture styles, this is a very subjective topic mostly driven by personal taste and preference. For dining and folding chairs, most people typically order 5–7.5cm thickness. Depending on how often you will use the cushions, and your particular comfort choices, you may want to consider 10cm or thicker cushions. For larger chairs or benches, thicknesses of 7.5–10cm are very common. However, larger daybeds often warrant up to 120cm thickness. Thickness is really a personal preference, and we hope these general trends are helpful to you.
Should I order ties for my cushion? How long are they and where are they placed?
If your cushions will get a lot of use and seating traffic, you may want to consider ties to keep them in place and prevent sliding. Our ties positioning is shown on our custom cushion illustrations. Our cushion ties are approximately 30cm in length and are in ‘self’ fabric (ie the same fabric as your cushion).
Round vs. square cushion corners: Which is best for me?
Although this is a somewhat subjective topic driven by personal taste and preference, the primary consideration you should use is the shape of the furniture on which it will be used. For example, classic dining table chairs with sharp, distinctive corners usually are complemented with square edges. Furniture or seating types with more subtle lines and style are more often complemented with rounded edges. This truly is a personal preference, and we can make your custom cushion in either style.
Are all cushions made with zippers?
Yes all of Elements cushions include zippers, which are tactfully located on your custom soft furnishings.
What types of filling are used in your cushions?
You can select from either a High Grade Open Polyurethane Foam or a High Grade Outdoor Specific foam. Click here to read more detail about our true performance foam options.
How often do I need to thoroughly clean the fabric? Can I hose them down?
In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be required every two to three years. However storing your cushions or soft furnishings indoors through colder months will greatly reduce the frequency needed for thorough cleanings. One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella fabrics looking good and delay the need for deep or vigorous cleaning is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply imbedded in the fabrics and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. Always remember to allow the fabrics to air dry after hosing it down. We suggest that after Elements/Sunbrella brand fabrics are cleaned and water repellency is a factor, we recommend that you re-treat your fabrics with a water repellent treatment such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ which can be purchased from our online store.
How can I clean bird droppings off of my cushions?
For those stains that are beyond our normal care and cleaning instructions, such as bird droppings, roof run-off, acid rain, pollution, rust, tree sap, insect stains, etc., we suggest immediate cleaning with a mixture of – dishwashing liquid (60ml), bleach (1 cup), 1/4 cup mild soap and 4 litres of clean water. Spray or apply to entire area and allow to soak into the fabric for 15 minutes. Remove stain(s) with a sponge, clean towel or very soft bristle. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Allow fabric to air dry. If stain and/or mildew are severe, bleach quantities may be increased. We recommend that you spot clean your fabrics with a water repellent treatment such as 303 High Tech Fabric/Vinyl Cleaner™ which can be purchased from our online store. Spray stain with Fabric cleaner, brush the fabric with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary.
In your cleaning instructions you use the term mild or natural soap. What is mild or natural soap?
By ‘natural soap’ we mean a basic gentle soap. Gentle soaps rinse out easily and will not diminish the water-repellent ‘finish’ applied to the fabric. Remember to use cold water and spot clean only, and allow the fabric to air dry. After several cleanings we recommend that you re-treat your fabrics with a water repellent treatment such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ which can be purchased from our online store.
Is Elements/Sunbrella brand fabric waterproof and mildew proof?
Sunbrella fabric is not waterproof, but it is water repellent. This means that during the finishing process, a water-repellent finish is applied to the fabric. Normal wear and usage will reduce the effectiveness of this finish, as will cleaning the fabric. Elements/Sunbrella brand fabrics, if kept clean, will not mildew. An inherent characteristic of acrylic fiber is that it will not support the growth of mildew as a natural fiber will. Mildew will and can grow on any surface that is dirty, so to keep your Sunbrella fabrics from mildewing, you must keep your fabrics clean. If mildew growth becomes a problem, please refer to our care and cleaning instructions.
What happens after I place my order?
After completing the checkout process, you will receive a confirmation email at the address you provided. This confirmation will serve as your invoice. This is also to confirm that your order information is correct. If you do not receive the confirmation email after checkout, contact us as soon as possible to confirm your order. If you have any questions or problems, just email our customer service desk at info@elementsaustralia.net.au.
HELP! I just placed my order, and I need to make a change or cancel my order.
If you just placed your order and notice an error on your part, or ours, please let us know immediately by using our contact form, and we can easily correct it for you. If you let us know about an error within one business day of your order placement, we can correct virtually all problems. Beyond that, we cannot guarantee your changes will not incur extra costs if materials have already been cut for your order.
Is it safe to use my credit card for online purchases?
Yes, it's extremely safe. Elements use SecurePay for all online credit card transactions accepted by Visa and MasterCard. To find out more about how SecurePay protects buyers, visit www.securepay.com.au.
When will my credit card be charged?
Due to all orders being custom orders and made to your unique specifications, your credit card will be charged within 24 hours of placing your order. Online orders are immediately charged to your credit card account.
How long before my cushions will arrive?
Online orders: Allow up to 10 working days for delivery of your order.
Custom orders: Allow approximately 4 to 6 weeks for delivery of your order.
Elements will advise if your order is delayed for any reason.
You may email or call customer service on 0438 596 001 to check on your order, but due to the nature of our business, we may not be able to give an exact date for completion and shipping of your cushions.
Do you ship interstate Australia wide?
We do ship interstate Australia wide and upon special request we are able to arrange international shipping. We only deliver cushions within Australia to a physical location. We do not deliver to a PO Box. All orders are shipped via courier and must be signed for. Shipping charges vary according to weight and delivery location. A delivery charge will be confirmed at the time of placing your order.
What is your return policy?
Please click here to see our terms and conditions.