What a good foam to use for dining chais..gets lots of use

Karen Sienk
by Karen Sienk

After 20 years of use it’s time to refresh my dining room chairs. The foam on the seats right now measures 1 1/2 inches in density and I’m thinking originally it may have been 2 inch foam.. I’m looking for foam that would last for probably 10 years And not sag.

This is what the chairs look like now...they don’t sag at all but I think they could use a little more “cushion” .

  12 answers
  • If you go to Joanne Fabric they can probably show you what the best quality they have there is. Just make sure you use a coupon!

    • Karen Sienk Karen Sienk on Jun 10, 2020

      Thank you Adrienne.....I very seldom shop at JoAnn’s without a coupon for sure! I’m thinking I need about 160 inches for 8 chairs and definitely need affordability. Wish me luck!

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jun 10, 2020

    Hello there,

    Ask for advice from the store! Make sure it is upholstery foam you buy and that it has the safety label and it is self extinguishing. It rather depends on if the foam is the entire pad or overlay for comfort! Best wishes.

    • Karen Sienk Karen Sienk on Jun 10, 2020

      Thank you...never thought about Flammability and safety label...appreciate your advice.

  • Beth Beth on Jun 10, 2020

    Your local fabric store or Joann's will have upholstery foam. If you go to Joann's be sure to bring a coupon--the foam is relatively expensive, but they almost always have a coupon that is for 40% off. I'd use 2" foam, so there's a little room for it to settle, as you said.

    • See 1 previous
    • Beth Beth on Jun 10, 2020

      I don't think they plan for anyone to buy anything without a coupon! That's why there's always a giant sale. :-)

  • Deb K Deb K on Jun 10, 2020

    Hi Karen, you are likely correct in assuming it was 2" foam. The new foam is so much better now too. I attached a video about the different densities of foam which should help you decide which one to use. Hope it helps you.

    https://www.amazon.com/pcr/Best-Rated-Cushion-Upholstery-Foam-Reviews/8090991011


    https://naturalupholstery.com/2014/01/diy-upholstery-tips-cushion-foam-basics/


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=els9ytDVTE4



  • Recreated Designs Recreated Designs on Jun 10, 2020

    Hi Karen, It was most likely 2" but there are also different densities of foam. If you use the chairs a lot I would go with high density foam. A local store like Joanne's will have different densities so ask them and they will be able to point you to the correct one.

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Jun 10, 2020

    I go to a place that does upholstery work. I just built 4 dining room chairs and they cut the foam to fit the base. They will have high density foam to prevent sagging.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jun 10, 2020

    I would get chair foam made for this purpose at a fabric store.

  • William William on Jun 10, 2020

    Walmart sells upholster foam

  • My vote - find a foam store that sells to professional upholsterers. The quality is day and night. Most will cut to fit for a nominal fee. Take an old one as a guide and and they can set you right up.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Jun 11, 2020

    Your foam measures 1 ½ inches in thickness, not density. It is important to understand when purchasing replacement foam that these two terms are not the same.


    This link helps to explain what the difference is and how to buy the right type of foam for your project.


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnPIIFNXye4

  • 17335038 17335038 on Jun 11, 2020


    Using the old foam pieces as a pattern, draw around wth a Sharpie marker to mark the new outline shape on the new piece of foam.

    To achieve neat lines that are not hacked up, use an electric knife to cut out the new pieces of foam for your chairs.

    This works best with one pair of hands holding the foam taut, and one pair of hands doing the cutting.

  • Janice Janice on Jun 12, 2020

    The responders who have mentioned "density" are right on. You can buy foam thast is thick (in measurement) but will squash down to nearly nothing. For your project you'll want foam that holds weight so the chair is comortable. I'd check at a local upholstery shop, then compare with retail stores to insure I spent my $ well.