we bought covers for the furniture and also spray them annually with a water repellent. I hate having to remove the covers when I just want to go sit out there for a few minutes. But unless you live in one of those unicorn california homes what are you gonna do?

We put a pergola up with a pull back shade.

Thank you all! I like those ideas. @justwantapool I will also look for covers for the furniture. That's a perfect idea. And I'm going to go get a water repellant spray right away!

We leave ours out all year around, but maybe it depends on your climate. Quality outdoor cushions are intended to be rained on and dry quickly. If you have a heavy rain coming, you can flip the cushions upright rather than removing them completely, which helps them stay drier. You may not need the extra pillows.

@calidesign Actually, flipping the cushions upright is such a genius idea! Thank you! You just saved me a lot of time and hassle this summer! I love that idea. I'm in Maryland, so not quite as beautiful as Cali, but I think I can get away with leaving the cushions out all summer. Thanks again!

We have a small covered back porch with a bench, and have a colorful cushion. Because of the humid climate here, plus all the backyard wildlife (birds, raccoons, etc.), we keep the cushion inside in a closet until we are ready to entertain or go sit outside. Keeps it clean, bug and poop-free, and no mold.

Furniture covers, waterproof. Rain isn’t the issue where my homes are, however, year around sunshine & dirt or whatever can affect the cushions, even my Sunbrella.

I leave mine out all summer and yes, occasionally flip them up before rain. If we're planning a gathering and it's going to rain the day before, I will bring them in the garage. In the Fall I spray them with the power washer to get the worst of the "elements" off them before they go into the garage for storage. We have a lot of trees so they do get some of that green residue, especially along the seams. The power washer does a pretty good job. The pillows are stored in the winter in one of those storage boxes like Patricia mentioned. I've had most of my cushions for 15 years! I told my husband I think they will be replaced after this year but 16 years is a good long life so I don't mind replacing. We use our outdoor spaces a lot so constantly having to move the cushions just isn't in the cards for me. Our summers up here in the tundra are to be enjoyed!

@janecalle Thank you! We are actually renting a power washer this weekend, so that is a great idea to powerwash the cushions. They are a little cobwebby from being in storage all winter. Have a great summer and thanks again!