When you’re choosing the right flexible foam for your project—whether you’re reupholstering a lounge, making outdoor cushions, or building a boat seat—it helps to understand the differences between open cell, closed cell, and reticulated flexible foam. Each type is designed with specific properties, and choosing the right one ensures the best comfort, performance, and durability for your job.
🫧 Open Cell Foam
Open cell foam is made with tiny, interconnected air pockets, allowing air and moisture to flow through freely. It’s soft, breathable, and ideal for comfort-focused indoor applications.
Features:
- Soft and springy
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Available in different comfort feels (firmer and softer)
- Great for indoor cushions and seating
Best used for:
- Lounge cushions
- Dining chairs
- Bed overlays and toppers
- Upholstered headboards
💡 Explore our full range of Open Cell Foam Sheets (Indoor & Outdoor) or order your size using our custom cut foam calculator.
💧 Closed Cell Foam
Closed cell foam has a dense structure that blocks air and water from passing through. It’s much firmer and more durable than open cell foam, making it ideal for tough or water-prone environments.
Features:
- Water-resistant or waterproof
- Firm, supportive structure
- UV and chemical resistant (depending on type)
Best used for:
- Boat cushions
- Caravan and camper van seating
- Packaging
- Exercise mats and support blocks
🧱 Browse our Closed Cell Foam Sheets (PE & EVA), or get your exact shape with our custom foam calculator.
🌦️ Reticulated Outdoor Foam (Quick-Dry Foam)
Reticulated foam is a specialised outdoor foam designed for wet conditions. It has an open-cell structure like standard open cell foam, but it’s been treated to remove the cell membranes—creating a super-porous, fast-draining foam ideal for outdoor furniture.
Features:
- Highly porous for rapid drying
- Resists mould and mildew
- Designed for all-weather outdoor use
- Comfortable yet durable
Best used for:
- Outdoor bench or lounge cushions
- Poolside daybeds
- Boat seating
- Alfresco dining sets
☀️ Available in outdoor-ready foam sheets or as custom-cut cushions via our foam calculator.
Comparison Table
| Property | Open Cell Foam | Closed Cell Foam | Reticulated Foam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breathability | ✅ Excellent | ❌ Minimal | ✅✅ Superior |
| Water Resistance | ❌ Low | ✅ High | ✅ Drains freely |
| Comfort Level | ✅ Soft | ❌ Firm/Rigid | ✅ Medium-soft |
| Outdoor Suitability | ❌ Not suitable | ✅ Suitable | ✅✅ Ideal |
| Use Case | Indoor cushions | Marine, gym, packing | Outdoor furniture, boats |
Ordering Foam with Home Upholsterer
All foam types—open cell, closed cell, and reticulated—are available in full foam sheets via our Foam & Fillings category, and can also be ordered in custom shapes and dimensions using our cut-to-size foam calculator.
🛠 Have a project that requires a specific foam grade not listed in the calculator? No problem. Contact us for a custom quote—our team is here to help.
🧵 Shop Related Products:
- Custom Cut Foam – Any Shape or Size
- Foam Mattress Toppers & Bed Overlays Open Cell Foam Sheets
- Closed Cell Foam Sheets
- Marine & Outdoor Fabrics
- Foam FAQs – Learn More