OK, let me start over. I make a lot of pillows, but not many cushions, and in looking over my notes, I was wrong. I make the cover the same size as the foam, but I DO add seam allowances to that. Sorry! But that would be also adding batting, which makes it thicker, so making the cover the same size as the foam without using batting, seems like it should fit. So, it could be the foam you're using. Anyway, if you decide to use batting, you can get upholstery batting at an upholstery shop, or if that's not possible, try to get 1/2" batting at a fabric store, or at least the 4 oz. batting. Put your foam on the batting and trace around it to make two pieces. You can either use foam adhesive spray, adhere the batting, then press the edges together all around, or you can sew around, preferably hand stitching, but you can use a machine if you want. Make the cover the size of the foam and add your seam allowance. I think using the batting will help firm your foam to avoid the buckling.

>>>Is there a name for that kind of cushion? What is the hardboard bottom piece called? This is a plate or a plated cushion. Use it for your pattern to cut a new one out of plywood. Pre check your fit before you pad and cover it... and trim as needed. Cut your foam/padding so that it is 1/2 inch larger all the way around. So a 15 X 15 inch chair plate would have a 16 X 16 inch foam pad. >>>Without a sewing machine, is it possible for me to make simple ones myself? We have the ability to cut the material for the cushion support/bottom. Measure for fabric up, over and down with extra added for your puller. On the 15 inch plate, with a 3 inch piece of foam you would need a fabric piece 24 X 24. It is easier to work if the padding is tacked to the plate with spray glue or elmers. Attach front edge of fabric to underside of front edge of plate by stapling. Do only the center 5 or 6 inches. Then smooth over with your hand and pull as tight as you can to the under back edge and staple. Again, only the center 5 inches or so. Then do each side the same. Don't pull the first side too tight or you will be removing staples. Next pull in the corners. Pull right off the points, tight, tight , tight and staple at the point. Work each side in from the points back to the previously secured place. Some adjustment may be necessary if there are waves and dimples. >>>Or make a base with wood and foam and use a purchased chair 'pad' or cushion? That would work. So, as described above... your padding would only be about 1 inch thick and your fabric piece would 20X 20 inches. If this could get damp, then polyurethane the wood on both sides and edges. If your purchased cushion is a little over sized you might be able to get away with a painted plate only. Make it darkish so it won't be seen.

This is gorgeous, 2.625 yd Brunschwig Fils Upholstery Fabric Monsoon Floral Coral and I think it would work beautifully, but note the odd sizes of the pieces if you are interested. Brunschwig fabric is very expensive, and this is a 'relative bargain' on eBay.

Thx, Sue. Yes, a regular old lamp on our back screened porch. Note that that 2 sides of that porch are up against the house, and that the remaining two sides are only screened halfway up. The lamp is on the inside corner so pretty protected. We take it in in the winter. Funnily enough, I just bought another indoor lamp for our front verandah. Three sides of our verandah are entirely open and it faces the water (though not close). The place where I wanted to put the lamp is against the house and prob. 10' from the end of the roof in either direction. (I put it on a little table next to where you see the clam shell in the photo; our sofa is usually in front of that window but was moved for the dinner party). I looked at outdoor lights, but they are ugly and expensive. DH said, since we have a GFI outlet, he didn't care what I bought. I googled it and found ... a post from you 8 years ago, LOL. And so then I went to HG and bought a cute lamp for like $30. I am going to store it in the closet and only put it out when I'm there....