FAQ for Seats and Cushions

How do I measure my cushions?

See the following link for how to measure your cushions: Measure Your Cushion

When adding fiberfill wrap, should I compensate by reducing the foam's dimensions?

No, you should not adjust the foam's size dimensions to compensate for the addition of fiberfill. Fiberfill is a fabric sheet filler that helps a cushion achieve a fuller and more rounded look but is soft and easily compacted. Fitting the foam and fiberfill into a cover slightly smaller than the product's dimensions is what allows it to completely fill out a cushion without any sagging.

What are density and firmness? Is there a difference?

Density and firmness refer to two different characteristics of foam.

Density is measured by taking a solid cube of foam, sized 12" x 12" x 12", and weighing it in pounds. The denser the cube, the greater the likelihood that the particular foam is of higher quality, making it more resilient and durable. This is true only if the foam is not filled or "loaded" with additives that just increase the weight of the foam. This is a deceptive business practice, and one we do not endorse or engage in.

Firmness is measured by Indentation Load Deflection, or ILD. This is done by taking a cut of foam no smaller than 24" x 24" x 4" and compressing it 1 inch, a 25 percent compression test, with a 50 square inch circular foot, measuring in pounds the force needed to compress the foam. The force needed is stated in a number reflecting the number of pounds needed to compress the foam 1 inch. The greater the number, the firmer the foam and the lower the number, the softer the foam.

What if you don't have the shape I am looking for?

We can custom-make virtually any shape or size a customer would want. If you have a cushion shape not found in our selection, Contact Us for details and pricing on cutting your unique shape.

What should I consider when purchasing the foam?

When purchasing foam, there are three major factors to consider:

SUPPORT: The foam should be able to support the weight put on it. One major factor in a foam's ability to support weight is the foam's thickness. Foam thinner than 3 inches will be a bit softer than stated and foam thicker than 6 inches will be a bit firmer than stated. The weight being placed on foam also affects its ability to support. Heavier people (270LB or more) will need a firmer foam to get proper support, and lighter people (75LB or less), can use a softer foam.

COMFORT: For most people, the softer a foam is, the better it feels and the more comfortable it is. However, foam that is too soft will not be as supportive and may lead to soreness, typically around the back. Ideally, you need a cushion that has a balance of comfort and support suited for both its use and your preference. Adding fiberfill wrap is an excellent way to increase softness and comfort without sacrificing supportive firmness.

DURABILITY: Durability or resiliency is the ability to maintain firmness and support throughout the life of a foam. Higher density foams have a much greater resistance to compressing, collapsing or bottoming out than lower density foams. High density foams are suggested when the cushion is used for heavy and/or everyday use. For applications with lighter and/or occasional use, lower density foam is usually suggested.

What foam types do you carry, and do you have the technical details on them too?

You can find our range of foams as well as their technical specifications on our Foam Types page.