A Guide To Foam For Sofas
If you’ve spent any time working with sofas and other foam or cushion-related furniture, then you’ll have discovered that the foam used can make a surprising difference to the final product of your furniture.
But what should you be looking for when you’re trying to select the appropriate type of foam for sofas and the other uses?
Let’s find out.
Choosing Foam For Your Use
There are a few main considerations you should be thinking about that will help you choose a high-quality foam for your sofa.
Foam Density
When choosing foam for your sofa your main consideration is the density.
The foam’s density is distinctly different from its hardness and refers more to the quality of the foam.
Low-density foam tends to be of lower quality and invariably has a shorter lifespan – because it’s softer and doesn’t keep its shape as well when used for specific applications like sofa cushions.
Typically low density foam is often used to create things like sports mats or as a secondary layer in pillows or mattresses.
High-density foam, on the other hand, tends to be somewhat more expensive, but it’s also linked to a higher level of comfort and has a considerably longer lifespan – because it’s far more resilient.
This type of foam is often used for mattresses, the base cushion in sofas, and other places where resilience is required.
Foam Hardness
While hardness and density are distinct characteristics, they are interrelated.
The higher the density the foam is, the harder the foam is likely to be, simultaneously, lower-density foams tend to be softer. However, this is a generalisation and you can find foams with varying degrees of softness across foams with the same density.
The formulation of the foam, the manufacturing processes, and the post-manufacturing treatment of the foam all play a role in the overall softness thereof.
Foam hardness is measured using a durometer, which measures how resistant the foam is to indentation.
Sizes and Cuts
Another essential consideration when trying to choose the appropriate foam for your application is the size you require. Most haberdashery and upholstery stores that stock foam cushions or sheets will have a range of standard sizes that you can simply grab and go.
You may require foam that isn’t a standard size, especially when you’re working with unique or DIY furniture, fortunately, most places that work with foam will be willing to cut it to the sizes you require.
If this is the route you’re going down, ensure that you take and provide accurate measurements when you’re having foam cut.
Types of Foam
Unlike in the past, nowadays there are different types of foam available on the market to choose from.
The type of foam you choose can make a huge difference in the effectiveness of the end product – since each type has different pros and cons.
Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane foam is probably the most readily available type of foam, which results in it being highly popular. It’s also reasonably affordable, and easy to use.
You can use polyurethane on its own, and many people do, making it one of the simplest options.
However, many people like to use polyurethane as the main base of the cushion, and then top it with memory foam to make it more comfortable.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a slightly more expensive option, though it isn’t as expensive as some non-foam options.
This foam is also known as viscoelastic polyurethane foam, and is essentially a different formulation of standard polyurethane foam. Thanks to its unique formulation, it has memory or is viscoelastic. It has the viscosity of the fluids used and the elasticity of a gel, so it returns to its original shape after it has been compressed.
While you can use memory foam on its own to make sofa cushions, mattresses, and in other applications, this isn’t a preferred option.
Many people find that when using memory foam on its own, the elasticity of the foam results in a sinking feeling. This can be uncomfortable and has resulted in memory foam commonly being used in conjunction with standard, high-density polyurethane to help make a more stable cushion or mattress.
Latex Foam
A lesser-known option, latex foam is made from rubber. It offers excellent breathability, bounces back to its original shape quickly, and is considered hypoallergenic. This type of foam can be eco-friendly when produced from natural rather than synthetic latex.
Choosing the Right Foam
When you’re ready to make a purchase, there are only a few essential things to bear in mind.
First, when deciding on a density, remember that higher density foam will offer more support but is likely to be harder. The reverse is true for low-density foam.
Second, consider combining different types of foam to get the best result. By combining polyurethane and memory or latex foam, you can get a much firmer but more comfortable end result.
