Foam Series: Selecting the Right Upholstery Foam

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DetailsIf you need new foam for the cushions on upholstered furniture like a couch or chair, there is one option that stands above all others: high density polyurethane foam. In this blog, we’ll discuss why this is a such a great pick for your interior upholstery projects. We’ll also share how to layer foam to get just the right thickness and firmness to create a comfortable, durable cushion.When looking for cushion foam for upholstery, you want to get something that is going to stand the test of time. A general guideline is that foams of a higher density (in other words, foams that have less air in them) are higher quality and last longer. The higher density makes the foam more resilient; after you sit on it, the foam bounces back to its original shape. That’s why for upholstery applications, especially for high-traffic areas like your family room, we recommend using a foam with a density of 2.5 pounds or higher per cubic foot.Sailrite® CushionRite® Premium Foam is perfect for high-use upholstery applications. This foam has a density rating of 2.8 pounds per cubic foot. You can get it in a variety of thicknesses and firmness levels, and some varieties are also antimicrobial. CushionRite foam should last up to 12 years before needing to be replaced.Did you know that you can layer multiple pieces of foam on top of one another? It’s not only possible, but it’s also a common practice. Layering foam is popular because it allows you to easily increase the thickness of your cushion. It’s also a great way to keep your cushion sturdy for a long time by using foams with different firmness ratings.Layering foam to create a different thickness is a pretty straightforward concept, but layering firmness is less so. The idea is to use firmer foam on the bottom for support and softer foam on the top for comfort. The bottom foam acts much like a box spring for a mattress, helping stabilize the cushion. Then, if the softer top cushion starts to bottom out, you still have the firmer cushion supporting you. Foam layers are easily attached to each other using a spray adhesive.Using multiple layers of foam is a matter of preference and completely up to you. If you find a cushion of the exact right thickness or firmness without layering, then you’re all set.To learn more about foam, check out the other posts in our Foam Series. These blogs are packed with helpful info that will make it easy for you to choose the right foam for all your DIYs!Footnote:This blog was updated in March 2023 to reflect changes to foam inventory and naming conventions.

High density foam has a compression rate of 44 lbs. It features the perfect amount of cushioning and stiffness. Its soft but still holds its firmness and support for an individual to sit on it without compressing the foam too much. Compression = firmness compression (not density) is what determines firmness. If you don't want a cushion that's hard as a rock or a mattress that sinks when you sit on it, you have to check the compression or ILD number.

FoamTouch 4x24x96HD1.8 Upholstery Foam 4x24x96 White

Use this comfy and soft polyurethane foam for your day to day home decor projects! This white foam is protective, insulated and extremely durable. It is great for a many different projects around the house, as well as outdoor projects.