Choosing the right foam comes down to the size, thickness, foam grade and how the cushion will be used.
At Home Upholsterer, we supply Australian made foam cut to size in a wide range of grades, shapes and sizes. Whether you are replacing sofa cushions, making outdoor seating or creating a custom mattress, the right foam depends on the job it needs to do.
This page gives quick answers to the questions we get asked most. For step-by-step help, see our guides to measuring cushion covers, choosing foam thickness, understanding foam grades and choosing Dacron wrap.
What’s the Best Foam for Sofa Seat Cushions?
There is no single best foam grade for every sofa. The right choice depends on the cushion thickness, how heavily the sofa is used and how firm you want it to feel.
See our foam grades explained guide to compare density and firmness, and our foam thickness guide if you are unsure how the cushion depth affects your options.
Our foam calculator also includes an Application field to help narrow the grade options based on the cushion thickness and use.
Can You Cut Foam to Any Shape and Size?
We cut foam to custom dimensions in a wide range of common shapes through the foam cut to size calculator.
If your cushion has curves, notches, cut-outs or unusual angles that do not match a calculator shape, choose Custom Shape and send us the measurements, notes and a sketch or template so we can check it before cutting.
Current cutting turnaround is shown in the calculator at checkout and can vary depending on the shape and order volume.
Foam is not cut on demand in store, but you are welcome to visit our Sydney showroom to see and feel different foam grades before placing your order.
How Do I Measure Foam for Replacement Cushions?
Measure the cushion cover, not the old foam. Worn foam can shrink, flatten and spread, so copying it can give you the wrong size for the new insert.
Remove the old foam, close the cover and measure it seam to seam while it lies flat and unstretched. Our cushion cover measuring guide walks through the full process, including when to add a small fullness allowance.
For a smoother, rounder finish, Dacron fibre wrap can help the cushion fill the cover more cleanly. Do not reduce the core foam measurements just because you are adding Dacron.
Do You Offer High-Density Foam for Mattresses?
Yes, we stock high-density foam suitable for:
- Campervan and caravan mattresses
- Daybeds and bench cushions
- Foam overlays or toppers
You can also build a custom layered mattress using a firm high-density base mattress and a softer mattress overlay to combine support with a softer top feel.
What Foam Should I Use for Outdoor Cushions?
If the cushions will regularly get wet from rain, splashes or wet swimmers, use reticulated outdoor foam. Its open structure allows water to drain through rather than staying trapped inside the cushion.
For sheltered cushions that will stay dry, standard indoor foam may still be suitable. See our open-cell, closed-cell and reticulated foam guide for the full comparison.
What’s the Difference Between Foam Density and Firmness?
Density describes how much material is packed into the foam and is an important part of durability. Firmness describes how hard or soft the foam feels when compressed.
A higher-density foam is not automatically firmer. Our foam grades explained guide shows how to read a grade code such as N31-190 and compare density, firmness and use.
What Type of Foam Lasts the Longest?
Higher-density foam generally offers better durability and longer-lasting support under regular use. Firmness is separate, so a firmer foam is not automatically a longer-lasting one.
For a high-use sofa, bench or mattress, see our foam grades explained guide to compare the available grades.
Do You Offer Foam Samples?
Yes. We do offer foam samples, but they are not pre-made or sent automatically. You can order small pieces of foam yourself through our foam cut to size calculator to test different grades before committing to a full order.
You are also welcome to visit our Sydney showroom to compare different foam grades in person and get help narrowing down your options.
Other Helpful Tips
- Fitting new foam: Use silicone spray or the vacuum method to help fit foam into a tight cushion cover.
Ready to order your foam?
Choose your shape, dimensions, foam grade and Dacron wrap in the Cut Foam calculator.
Start your custom foam order