Which Type of Foam is Right For Your Outdoor Cushions?
Don’t look now, but spring is only a month away. That means the weather will soon be mild enough for you to begin spending more time on your patio, deck, or boat. But what happens if you pull your outdoor furniture or boating equipment from storage only to realize that the cushions are saggy, rotten, mildewed, or otherwise unusable? The answer is to replace them with one of the following types of foam.
Dryfast foam
Dryfast foam is a very versatile foam that can be used for a variety of outdoor applications. Its open-cell structure permits moisture and air to pass through more freely than other types of foam, which allows for quicker drying. In addition, its antimicrobial properties prevent mold, mildew, and bacteria growth. Dryfast foam is available in thicknesses ranging from 1” to 6” and can be cut to fit any type of outdoor chair, couch, bench, or chaise longue.
Closed cell foam
This type of foam is best known for its buoyancy, which is a direct result of the closed cell structure. Water is unable to pass through closed cell foam, making it ideal for various flotation devices, boat seats, and other marine applications. Closed cell foam may also be paired with Dryfast foam for added support and comfort—though holes should be cut through the closed cell portion to allow for drainage.
Conventional polyurethane foam
If you’re working on a tight budget and need to save money, it’s possible to use conventional polyurethane foam for outdoor furniture—as long as you have good plastic covers for the cushions. Make sure to drill vent holes in the plastic covers for draining and drying! And just like with Dryfast foam, we can cut our conventional foam to any shape required, so let us know what you need.
Scrap polyester
For cushions or foam sacks that don’t need to be replaced entirely but could use some sprucing up, we suggest using scrap polyester. This material comes in different sizes and densities, and can be pulled apart for a highly economical way to rejuvenate sagging cushions or chair backs.
In the coming weeks, make time to inspect your outdoor furniture, seat cushions, and boat cushions to ensure they’re ready for spring and summer use. If the foam has seen better days, order Dryfast foam, closed cell foam, polyurethane foam, or scrap polyester foam replacements so you can revitalize the pieces before the outdoor season starts.
Tags: Couch Cushion, Custom Cushion, Custom Foam, Foam Cushion, Patio Cushion, porch cushion
Posted in Cushions, Outdoor and Marine, Outdoor Seating
Can you cover dryfast foam inserts for ease of removing outdoor cushion covers?
Dryfast foam could be covered with our fiberfill material. This will help in inserting and removing the cushion. This material can also be used outdoors.
I would like to know what type of foam to use for bolster pillows outside? I am going to use dry fast foam for my porch swing.
The Dryfastfoam is the only foam we recommend for outdoor use, however, many people use the Dacronfiberfill for outdoor pillows.
What type of foam should we use for our outdoor patio seats that would be comfortable and yet firm enough to sit on for long periods of time?
If you are looking for a foam that needs to hold up to the weather, then we would recommend our Dryfastfoam. If this foam will be staying mostly dry, then our Lux-HQfoam could also be used.
Is there a special Dacron fiber fill that should be used outdoor? Or is the same used for both indoor and outdoor cushions?
The same Dacronfiber fill can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Does the Dryfast come with different IFD so you can use a softer one for the back cushion? If not, does a thinner piece of Dryfast foam for the back cushion make it softer?
Our Dryfastfoam only comes in one firmness, but thinner pieces will tend to feel softer.
Can the dry fast foam be easily cut at home? Thanks!
Yes, our Dryfast Foamcan be cut at home. On our website, we do offer DIY Cuttinginstructions if you need assistance.
Would you recommend Dryfast or Lux-HQ foam for a sofa that is on a covered deck that does not directly get wet, but does have high humidity during summer months? Need something that is firm.
Dryfast foam is suggested.
The cushions on my furniture are listed as poly synthetic fiber. They are not very firm and the indentation lasts for days after sitting. How does this compare to your products and what would be an upgrade for a replacement
Hello,
Poly synthetic fiber is just stacked fiberfill wrapping, there is not foam inside your cushion cover.
If you are looking for replacements, than we suggest replacing the inserts with a foam core wrapped in the fiberfill wrapping. This will provide the support needed that is currently lacking in your current cushion.
Do these seat cushions get wet? If so, we suggest using the outdoor Dry Fast foam. This foam is firmer in order to remain perforated for water to drain through.
All pricing for outdoor cushion replacements can be found on the link below.
Outdoor Foam Seats & Cushions
Please let us know if you have any other questions!