Choosing the right foam is key to achieving comfort, durability, and a professional finish. Whether you're updating indoor cushions, reupholstering marine seating, outfitting an RV, or tackling an outdoor project, this guide will help you select the perfect foam for your needs—quickly and confidently.
Indoor Seating (Sofas, Chairs, Benches)
Recommended Foam:
Upholstery Foam Sheets (Open Cell):
- Medium- to high-density foam provides support and long-term comfort
- Available in multiple thicknesses to suit your project.
- Breathable and easy to cut to size
Silk Film: Recommended
- Especially helpful for tight or custom cushion covers
- Makes inserting foam easier and gives a smooth, wrinkle-free finish
Optional Add-Ons:
- Upholstery Padding (Terylene): Adds softness and rounds out edges for a plush look or to fill loose covers
- Super Soft Foam: Used as a comfort topper in seat cushions or backrests where extra plushness is desired
Use for: Indoor seating (sofas, dining chairs, benches & window seats)
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Open Cell Upholstery Foam
- Curon Foam: Cost-effective, available in multiple firmness options, and ideal where softer support is needed
- Qualux Foam: The Cadillac of foam: various densities, high-resilience, long-lasting, and supportive. Great for everyday use as it maintains its shape over the years.
Marine Seating & Poolside Furniture
Recommended Foam:
Open-Cell Curon High-Density Foam
- Offers a balance of comfort and support.
- High density ensures durability and long-term performance.
- Cost-effective — ideal for budget-conscious DIYers
Silk Film: Recommended
- Makes inserting cushions into tight covers easier
- While not fully waterproof, it can help slow moisture ingress temporarily (e.g., from splashes or brief exposure)
Use For: Boat cushions, Poolside lounges, & Dock seating
Tip: For added protection, use with a marine-grade vinyl fabric as the outer cover.
Patio & Lawn Furniture
Recommended Foam:
Outdoor Cushion Fiber Foam
- Breathable, soft, and designed to dry quickly after rain.
- Ideal for outdoor furniture not constantly exposed to standing water
Silk Film: Not Recommended
- Seals in moisture, leading to mold, mildew, and fiber breakdown
Use For: Lawn furniture, Patio seating & Covered outdoor lounges
RV, Van & Automotive Upholstery
Recommended Foam:
Provides comfort, support, and breathability
Provides an upholstered finish with built-in structure
Moisture resistant, thermal insulation, sound-dampening, and structural stability
Silk Film: Recommended (based on application)
- Use with seat cushions or mattresses going into removable covers
- Not used for foam-backed vinyl or exposed closed-cell applications, as it reduces breathability and serves no functional benefit
Use for:
- Open Cell Foam: Seating/Bench cushions & Beds/ sleeping platforms
- Foam-Backed Vinyl: Automotive headliner & Door panels
- Closed-Cell Foam: Wall liners, Headliners, Hull liners, & Panel upholstery
Stitched Seats, Headboards & Back Panels
Recommended Foam:
- Provides light padding and structure, making it ideal for stitched designs.
- It adds definition between stitch lines, such as channels or quilting.
- Helps create a plush, textured surface that enhances softness and gives a high-end, tailored look.
Silk Film: Not recommended
Creates a slippery barrier when sewing through both fabric and sewing foam, applications as also usually fixed panels and not removable.
Use for:
- Stitched seating with channeling or quilting
- Decorative back panels of upholstered furniture
- Upholstered headboards with tufting or stitching details
Backpacks
Recommended Foam:
Closed-Cell Foam: Best for structured support
General Purpose Foam: A budget-friendly option suited for light padding in low-stress areas.
Silk Film: Not recommended
Unnecessary in backpack construction, as foam is typically laminated, glued, or encased during assembly and not inserted into removable covers.
Use for:
- Closed-cell foam: Ideal for performance gear and vertical padding, offering moisture resistance, shape retention, and firm structure.
- General-purpose foam: Budget-friendly and suitable for light-duty use, or decorative headboards, but not recommended for load-bearing components.
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Need help choosing foam for your next project? Contact JT’s Outdoor Fabrics — we’re happy to help!
Please note: The information shared in this blog is meant to be general guidance. While we do our best to ensure everything is accurate and helpful, we can’t guarantee its suitability for every situation. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test products in a small, inconspicuous area first. Use at your own discretion.
