Foam Series: The Best Cushion Foam for Upholstered Furniture

X-HT-300057

If you're replacing the foam in your couch or chair cushions, there's one type of foam that stands out above the rest — high-density polyurethane foam. In this guide, we’ll explain why high-density foam is the best choice for indoor upholstery projects, how to layer foam for custom comfort and how to build cushions that last for years.

Foam Series: The Best Cushion Foam for Upholstered Furniture

Why Choose High-Density Foam for Upholstery?

When choosing upholstery cushion foam, longevity and support should be top priorities. High-density foam is ideal because it’s made with less air, giving it a stronger structure. This means the foam resists sagging and quickly returns to its original shape after use — a key benefit for high-traffic furniture like living room sofas and chairs.

As a general rule, look for foam with a density of 2.5 lbs. per cubic foot or higher for indoor seating. This level of density ensures the foam will maintain its shape and comfort over time.

Our Top Pick: CushionRite Premium Foam

Sailrite® CushionRite® Premium Foam is our top recommendation for high-use furniture. With a density of 2.8 lbs. per cubic foot, this foam is built to last — offering up to 12 years of durability. It’s available in multiple thicknesses and firmness options. CushionRite Premium Firm even features antimicrobial properties to help resist mold and mildew.

Shop CushionRite Premium Foam

How to Layer Foam for the Perfect Cushion

Foam Series Selecting the Right Upholstery Foam 3

Did you know you can layer different types of foam to create a cushion that’s both supportive and comfortable? Foam layering is a simple and effective way to:

Achieve the exact cushion thickness you need.
Customize the firmness and feel of your cushion.
Improve the overall lifespan of your upholstery.

The Right Way to Layer Foam

To get the best results, use a firmer foam as the base layer for stability and support. Then, add a softer top layer for plush comfort. This combination mimics the structure of a mattress with a box spring — the base provides strength while the top adds cushioning.

You can securely bond foam layers together using spray adhesive, which keeps everything in place during use.

Don’t want to layer? That’s perfectly fine! If you find a single piece of foam with the right thickness and feel, there’s no need to layer — but it’s a great option to have when customizing your cushions.

Learn More in Our Foam Series

Need help picking the perfect foam? Check out the rest of our Foam Series for expert tips and in-depth guides. Whether you're reupholstering a favorite chair or building custom seating from scratch, we’ve got the resources to help you succeed.