A Practical Guide to Measuring, Selecting Foam, and Ordering Online

Is your lounge sagging, lumpy, or just not as comfortable as it used to be? Replacing the foam inserts in your sofa cushions is one of the simplest ways to bring your furniture back to life. It’s affordable, customisable, and surprisingly easy — especially with Home Upholsterer’s online foam price calculator.

Whether you’re replacing one cushion or redoing a full set, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get it right the first time.

1. Measure Your Cushion Covers — Not the Old Foam

Foam shrinks and softens over time, so it’s important to measure the cushion cover rather than the old insert.

Here’s how:

• Remove the existing foam insert.
• Zip the cover closed and gently flatten it without stretching.
• Measure the width and depth from seam to seam.
• Measure the thickness based on the side panel or seam-to-seam height.

If you plan to add Dacron wrap (recommended for a full, rounded look), allow an extra 10–20mm in thickness.

The Foam Calculator includes a link to our Foam FAQs Page and a helpful measuring diagram on the page to guide you visually.

2. Choose the Right Foam for Your Cushions

We offer a wide range of Australian made open-cell polyurethane foams, each with different firmness levels and best-use applications. Below is a simplified breakdown of the grades we recommend most often for sofa and lounge cushions.

Recommended Foam Grades

You can also view our Foam Technical Brochure (PDF) for detailed specifications.

3. Use Our Online Foam Calculator for Instant Pricing

Once you’ve measured your cushion and chosen your foam type, head over to the Foam Calculator to get started.

You’ll be able to:

• Select from 10 common shapes
• Enter your exact dimensions in millimetres
• Choose your foam grade
• Add Dacron wrap if desired
• Select your intended application from a dropdown list (e.g. sofa seat, backrest, outdoor use)

The application dropdown helps ensure you’re ordering a suitable grade for your project — especially helpful for first-time DIY customers.

The calculator will display your price instantly, so you can adjust and compare options as needed. All foam is cut to order in our Sydney warehouse and available for fast delivery or click-and-collect.

4. Why Dacron Wrap Makes a Difference

Dacron is a polyester fibre wrap added to the outside of foam cushions. It improves both appearance and comfort.

Benefits of adding Dacron:

• Gives cushions a full, plump look
• Softens the edges and improves seat feel
• Helps the foam slide more easily into the fabric cover
• Reduces friction between the cover and foam, helping prolong fabric life

You can add this option when ordering via the calculator — our team will professionally wrap it for you before dispatch.

5. Fitting the Foam into Your Covers

Fitting new foam is usually straightforward:

• Fold the insert slightly (like a taco) and guide it into the cover
• Take your time around corners and boxed shapes
• Once zipped, reshape and plump the cushion
• If it is particularly snug, some silicone spray can be used to help the cushion slide into the covers.

New foam may feel firmer initially but will relax with use. If you selected Dacron wrap, it may feel snug when fitting — this is normal and ensures a smooth, rounded finish once settled.

6. Ready to Upgrade Your Sofa?

Replacing your sofa cushion foam is one of the easiest ways to refresh your furniture without the cost of new upholstery or a brand-new lounge. With Home Upholsterer, you get the confidence of high-quality, Australian made foam, cut to your exact specs, with expert advice if you need it.

Order online, try our instant foam price calculator, or visit us in-store — we’re here to help you get the job done right.

Quick Links:

• Start Your Foam Order Now →
• Browse Foam FAQs
• Why Australian Made Foam is Worth It
• Learn About Dacron Wrap