Does your foam need to be replaced?
Since there are different qualities of foam, there is not a specific length of time that can be used as a guide. Foam is
expensive. Depending on the size, the foam insert can cost more than a custom made cover. A good quality foam will
last, so you should not have to buy the foam insert again for 12-20+ years. Therefore, as your tastes change, you will
only have to change the fabric when it comes time to decorate again.
If the cushion is still comfortable to you then you can probably wait. Remember that the foam can be changed at any
time, so if the foam has a few more years of life, than you can simply buy a new piece of foam in a few years. However,
if it is beginning to have a "rounded" front edge, become powdery, or if the seat foam doesn't offer you the support that
you need to feel comfortable then you are probably ready for new foam.
See our indoor foam web page for what to look for when purchasing foam, and if you would like to know even more
about foam and its properties, there is a very good article published in "In Touch" magazine's July 1994 issue.
Since there are different qualities of foam, there is not a specific length of time that can be used as a guide. Foam is
expensive. Depending on the size, the foam insert can cost more than a custom made cover. A good quality foam will
last, so you should not have to buy the foam insert again for 12-20+ years. Therefore, as your tastes change, you will
only have to change the fabric when it comes time to decorate again.
If the cushion is still comfortable to you then you can probably wait. Remember that the foam can be changed at any
time, so if the foam has a few more years of life, than you can simply buy a new piece of foam in a few years. However,
if it is beginning to have a "rounded" front edge, become powdery, or if the seat foam doesn't offer you the support that
you need to feel comfortable then you are probably ready for new foam.
See our indoor foam web page for what to look for when purchasing foam, and if you would like to know even more
about foam and its properties, there is a very good article published in "In Touch" magazine's July 1994 issue.
| Foam |
The foam cushion in the picture on the left is wrapped in
dacron. Dacron helps give the cushion a nice crown when
the cushion is not in use, but does not provide any
additional support. Dacron is recommended, because it
helps protect the fabric from wear against the foam, and
from mildew if anything is spilled on the cushion. If
something is spilled on the cushion and is absorbed into the
foam, the dacron does not hold liquid, so it maintains a dry
area between the damp foam and the fabric. This will allow
the fabric to dry out, and help prevent mildew on the fabric.
The cushion below is a mockbox cushion, and the
polyester wrap help soften the edges of the foam.
dacron. Dacron helps give the cushion a nice crown when
the cushion is not in use, but does not provide any
additional support. Dacron is recommended, because it
helps protect the fabric from wear against the foam, and
from mildew if anything is spilled on the cushion. If
something is spilled on the cushion and is absorbed into the
foam, the dacron does not hold liquid, so it maintains a dry
area between the damp foam and the fabric. This will allow
the fabric to dry out, and help prevent mildew on the fabric.
The cushion below is a mockbox cushion, and the
polyester wrap help soften the edges of the foam.
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