Restuffing cushions (haha, but serious project)

[berserkfan]

OK, I know it sounds weird to mention this here, but that's my current project. I need to restuff a bunch of deflated sofa cushions.

Offhand I have been getting very high quotes. And my place isn't near any of the upholsterers, which means two off the way trips for someone like me that doesn't have a car. One trip to send, one trip to collect back. Not keen.

I am just thinking of getting my own foam and stuffing my cushions myself.

Does anyone have any idea about the issues to face?

So far I understand the basic concept that Indentation Force Deflection (ILD) defines a cushion's hardness. I understand that usually the pros buy different foams so that there is a mix between hard/firm support and something that can yield to body weight. I want a very high density foam that you can sit on to talk in the living room, and which isn't soft enough for the kids to jump on and hopefully not so light that they will throw around (which killed the old sofa cushions btw).

I haven't seen much talk online about how to cut the foam, techniques or whether it will generate toxic or allergenic dust. Basically would like to see if anyone has had experience working with foam. Also does anyone glue foam to his surfaces with hot glue? Does it work to childproof certain sensitive areas?

OH, if it helps keyboard knowledge... posting here about sound dampening is fine.

[fohat.digs]

The only thing that I know about it is that the block of foam needs to be at least 10%-15% larger, in each direction, than the finished cushion or else it will not stay tight and firm.

I would recommend against gluing small pieces together, I feel certain that a large single block is best.

[berserkfan]

The only thing that I know about it is that the block of foam needs to be at least 10%-15% larger, in each direction, than the finished cushion or else it will not stay tight and firm.

I would recommend against gluing small pieces together, I feel certain that a large single block is best.

My cushion covers are the zip up type, so you put the foam inside and zip up. Won't the harder grades of foam be impossible to get into the cushion cover if they are significantly bigger?

Any suggestion on tools for cutting? I'm new to this area. It kinda sucks that I am not buying new sofas when I move, but frankly that is a $2k expense I can skip on especially when a nicer sofa will only encourage the kids to jump on it more.

[tp4tissue]

There is this specific sea foam that is very durable which they used in imperial family furniture back in the Qing dynasty..

Can't remember what it's called..


BUT.... basically.. I think what you can do, is just buy those large memory foam mattresses, and cut it up..


The only other thing you'd need is a sewing machine, and a wife who knows how to use a sewing machine... but maybe you have both of those already.

[inanis]

I have made my own cushions before. You can get high quality cushion foam at any craft store, but it is fairly expensive. Cut it a bit bigger then what you actually need. If required you can wrap some soft cushion material (the name escapes me, but basically like the "fake snow" stuff you see at Christmas time, batting, maybe?) and it will smooth it out.