Introduction
We love foam. We’re not afraid to say it. And we want you to be comfortable with foam, too. Not all foam is the same, though, and knowing what’s available and what options are right for your project will help you make an informed decision:
Understanding the differences between foam types and densities will help you pick the right one for your project.
When choosing a foam, it’s important to understand the difference between density and firmness. Density is the weight of the foam per unit of volume. It’s measured in pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft3), and higher densities mean that less air occupies space within the foam. The more compacted a material is, the firmer it will feel because there are fewer spaces for air to flow through; this is why dense materials like granite are harder than less-dense ones like wood or plastic.
Density isn’t an indicator of comfort; rather, it indicates how long your chair will last. Lower-density foams tend to compress more easily over time but also spring back into place faster after being compressed by someone sitting on them or leaning against them hard enough to leave an impression on their surface. Higher-density foams don’t compress as much when pressed upon; however, they take much longer to recover from distortion caused by pressure applied directly onto their surfaces—which means they may require extra cushioning under where people sit so that they don’t feel uncomfortable pressing against hard edges underneath themselves while sitting down in certain chairs designed with low cushions everywhere else!
You’ll find a few different densities when shopping for cushions.
Density is a measurement of how much weight something can hold before it starts to compress. The more dense the foam, the less likely it will bounce back into shape after being compressed. Foam that has been compressed for a long time will be less dense than when it was new.
When shopping for cushions, you may run into different densities listed as “soft,” “medium,” and “firm.” Those numbers refer to a scale developed by SAE International called Standard Test Method for Density (STMD). This method uses a predetermined amount of force applied to an object at given intervals until it compresses completely. For example, STMD 663 states that when 50 pounds is applied to 1 cubic foot of foam over 10 seconds, the resulting density would be 0.927 g/cm^3; if 100 pounds were applied over 40 seconds instead, the density would be 0.769 g/cm^3—or just under half as much again!
Foam can be manufactured in various sizes, and you may have to cut it to fit.
Foam can be found at the local hardware store in various sizes, but if you need to cut it to fit your chair, use a sharp knife and a straight edge. Make sure to have your cutting mat and utility knife handy when you do this. For example, if you’re using a 6-inch block of foam, first measure out 6 inches from the side of your cushion frame with your ruler and then cut along that line with your utility knife.
Understanding basic foam terms can help you find the right foam type for your project.
If you’re looking for a foam that is less dense, heat-sensitive and more resilient, you may want to choose an elastic or viscoelastic foam.
Elastic foams have a lower density than their viscoelastic counterparts. This means they will be less rigid and less durable when exposed to pressure or weight. They also tend to be softer than viscoelastic foams because of their lack of rigidity and the fact that they are more easily compressed during use. While these factors make them appropriate for some projects like seat cushions or pillows where comfort is key, they should not be used in high-use areas such as chair backs where firmness and durability are needed over comfortability
Where and how you’ll use your foam will affect your buying decision.
Before you decide on what type of foam to buy, it’s worth considering the following:
- What will the foam be used for?
- Will it be used in a car seat or on a boat? If so, you’ll want to look at something that is lightweight and easy to move around.
- How much do you need? If your project requires only a small amount of foam (such as reupholstering an armchair), then buying a sheet would probably be more cost-effective than ordering several smaller pieces.
- How much can you afford? As with any other material, one rule applies: The higher quality = more expensive. On average, high density foams are going to cost more than low density ones because they are denser (which means fewer cells per cubic inch). But if money isn’t an issue for your project—and if it doesn’t matter how long it takes—then go ahead and splurge! You might find that these types of projects become easier when using higher-quality materials.
There are many good options when choosing cushion foam; know what you need before you buy.
Before you go out and buy cushion foam, there are a few things to consider. What’s your project? How much cushioning do you want to provide? And how much will it cost to cover the desired area with that amount of foam?
If your project is simple and relatively small (like making a chair cushion), then you might not need super fancy parts. However, if your project involves making a large area comfortable (like an entire couch), then it’s worth getting top-quality materials. Also consider whether or not there will be additional pressure on the cushions from people sitting on them regularly – if so, choose dense foam with good durability or else plan for regular repairs/replacements as necessary
Conclusion
Now that you know more about the foam types and densities available, it’s time to find the right fit for your project and budget. Use the information in this blog post to make a decision that will keep you comfortable and satisfied with the results for years to come!