What Is High-Density Foam? A Complete Guide for Upholstery Projects
X-HT-300782
What Is Upholstery Foam?
First things first — let’s talk about upholstery foam. Upholstery foam is used in furniture backrests and cushions, ottomans, marine and automotive seating, and even boat cabin sleeping berth mattresses to provide comfort and support. Depending on the project, you might need different types of foam, ranging from antimicrobial to water draining, or from soft and plush to firm and supportive. Foam comes in various densities, which is a fancy way of saying how much material is packed into a cubic foot of foam.
This brings us to high-density foam. As the name suggests, high-density foam has more material packed into it, making it denser than other types of upholstery foam. This extra density gives it some great advantages for projects that require supportive and durable foam that won’t bottom out over time.
Why Use High-Density Upholstery Foam?
So, why is high-density foam so popular for upholstery work? Let’s break it down.
It’s Durable: High-density foam lasts much longer than lower-density foams. If you’re working on a project like a sofa or chair that will get a lot of use, this foam is your best bet. It holds its shape and resists sagging, even after years of sitting. In fact, Sailrite’s high-density foam offering, CushionRite® Premium Foam, can last up to 12 years.
It Has Great Compression Recovery: High-density foam bounces back after use. If you’re tired of cushions that lose their shape or get soft after minimal use, this foam will be a game changer. It keeps your cushions looking and feeling new longer.
Where Can I Use High-Density Foam?
You can use high-density foam for various projects, both inside and out (wrap Silk Film around the foam for added protection when used outdoors). It’s great for high-traffic indoor furniture (think living room sofas and dining room chairs), marine interior and exterior cushions and upholstery, car upholstery, and mattresses. Sailrite CushionRite Premium Foam, for example, has been featured in many projects on the Sailrite DIY YouTube channel. Sailrite Project Guy Eric has used CushionRite Premium in several home, marine and automotive upholstery projects with fantastic results.
We asked Eric what he likes about high-density foam and why he uses it in his upholstery and cushion videos. Here’s what he had to say:
“When selecting foam for durable, long-term use, I always prioritize density over IFD (Indentation Force Deflection). High-density foam, rated at 2.3 pounds per cubic foot or higher, has a robust cellular structure that withstands frequent compression, ensuring longevity and preventing the foam from bottoming out with extended use. CushionRite Premium Foam, for instance, offers a density of 2.8, making it ideal for heavy-use applications. IFD only affects the foam’s firmness/stiffness, so you can choose a soft IFD with high density for comfort without sacrificing durability.
Click here to learn more about IFD and foam firmness ratings.
Eric continued: “To distinguish high-density foam, check its weight; it will be heavier than medium- or low-density foam, typically over 2.3 pounds per cubic foot. For boat seating or applications with daily wear, high-density foam is recommended for seats, with an option to use medium density for less-used backrests. For simplicity in fabrication, using high-density foam throughout a boat ensures consistent quality and longevity, while varying IFD for comfort — medium or firm for seats and soft for backrests — tailors the feel without compromising durability.”
Here are some of Eric’s most popular projects using high-density CushionRite Premium Foam:
• RV Dinette Bench Cushion
• Dining Room Chair Upholstery
• Boat Cabin V-Berth Mattress
How to Cut High-Density Foam for Upholstery Projects
Cutting high-density foam doesn’t have to be intimidating, but you will need the right tools. A simple knife won’t cut it (literally), because this foam is denser and tougher than regular foam. This is where the Sailrite® Blade Foam Saw comes in handy.
The Sailrite Blade Foam Saw is perfect for cutting high-density foam and all other types of upholstery foam up to 7-1/2" thick. Here’s why it’s a great tool for DIYers and small job shops:
- Precision Blades: The razor-sharp blades work together to slice through foam effortlessly, leaving you with the smoothest cuts and the cleanest angles. This quality tool slices through all upholstery foam types like butter.
- Dual Blade Action: The stationary blade grabs the foam while the moving blade saws, creating less bounce for the smoothest cuts. Single-blade saws struggle to cut through high-density foam, but not the Sailrite Blade Foam Saw.
- High Quality: This tool is built to last and delivers quality results you’ll be pleased with. Whether you run a small upholstery business or you’re a casual DIYer, this foam saw a great addition to your workbench.
Conclusion: Sailrite CushionRite Premium – The Best High-Density Foam for Upholstery Projects
If you’re looking for a high-quality, long-lasting foam for your upholstery and cushion projects, high-density foam is a fantastic choice. And for the best results, Sailrite CushionRite Premium Foam should be at the top of your list. It’s made in the United States and is available in a variety of firmness ratings, sheet sizes and thicknesses, so you can find the perfect fit for your project. Plus, there’s an antimicrobial option that’s perfect for marine environments, ensuring your cushions stay mold- and mildew-free.
CushionRite is certified by CertiPUR-US to be free from:
- Ozone depleters
- Certain chemical flame retardants
- Mercury, lead and other heavy metals
- Formaldehyde
- Certain phthalates
- High levels of volatile organic compounds
We hope this article has helped you understand the qualities, characteristics and best uses for high-density upholstery foam. Whether you’re working on home furniture, boat cushions or mattresses, or automotive seating, high-density CushionRite Premium Foam will deliver superior performance, longevity and durability. Pair it with the Sailrite Blade Foam Saw for professional-quality cuts and angles. Elevate the quality and look of your upholstery and cushion projects with these Sailrite-exclusive products. Happy upholstering!
