When it comes to furniture, we all know that the cushion used on a bench, chair, or sofa can make or break the end product in terms of comfort. The other side of the story is that, no matter how good your cushion is, its going to wear down eventually. For this reason, it is absolutely essential that you know how to purchase a new cushion.
Types of Bench Seat Cushion
Before ordering your new cushion, it’s essential that you understand the different options you have to choose from. There are three, arguably four, different foam options.
Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane foam is undoubtedly the most common type of bench seat cushion, thanks to its ready availability and affordable nature. It comes in several different types, with low-density or standard-density foam being the most common and the most affordable. However, lower density foam also has a shorter lifespan
Cold Foam
Polyurethane foam is also available in a higher density, and this type of polyurethane is sometimes known as cold foam. It is a lot sturdier than standard polyurethane foam, offering more support and a longer lifespan. However, it also tends to be harder than any of the other options on the list, which means it may not be as comfortable as some of the other options.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is another type of polyurethane foam but with a unique formulation. Another name for this kind of foam is viscoelastic polyurethane foam, a noam which it gets because it has the elasticity of a gel but the viscosity of a liquid.
The advantage of memory foam is that it has a memory and typically returns to the shape that it was before it was compressed. The disadvantage to this is that, when used on its own, it can create an uncomfortable feeling like you’re sinking into the cushion. This is why memory foam is used in conjunction with another type of foam, more often than not.
Latex Foam
Latex foam is almost certainly the least commonly used option for bench seat cushions. There are two different types of latex used in these cushions. The one is a derivative of the rubber naturally produced by rubber trees, the other is a synthetic product.
When you buy natural latex, it’s a fairly environmentally-friendly product, which is a significant advantage. The synthetic latex doesn’t offer any advantages along those lines.
However, there are certain advantages consistently offered by a latex bench seat cushion. For one thing, they’re wonderfully breathable. They also have relatively long lifespans, and tend to revert to their original form quickly after they’ve been compressed.
How to Purchase a New Bench Seat Cushion
While it may sound fairly complex, buying a new bench seat cushion is reasonably simple. Below, we’ll briefly discuss what you need to know when buying a cushion.
Step 1: Measure Your Existing Cushion
The first step you need to take when buying a new cushion is to determine the dimensions of your existing cushion. The best way to do this is to remove the cushion from its case and measure the cushion from both sides, as well as the thickness of the cushion. Take note of all the measurements, as you will need them to get an appropriately-sized cushion.
Foam is generally available either pre-cut in standard sizes, or in large sheets which you can have cut to size. If you provide the required dimensions, the supplier should cut it to size for you.
Step 2: Choose the Right Kind of Foam
The next thing you need to do is determine the kind of foam you’d like to use. Different types of foam have different advantages and disadvantages, making some of them a better option for bench seat cushions.
We’ve discussed the types of foam in more detail above, but bear in mind that you can always combine different types of foam to get the effect that you want. For a bench seat cushion, you require stability which means that cold foam or high-density foam might be a good option. However, it’s not always the most comfortable option. Layering it with memory or latex foam will help solve that problem.
Step 3: Purchase Your Foam
Once you’ve determined the type and size of cushion you want, all that’s left to do is order one or buy it at a store. Simply take the measurements and the foam type to a stockist, and ask them to cut a cushion of that size and type.
If you’ve opted for a cushion made of more than one foam, they will cut the two types of foam independently and you will need to glue them together. Remember to compensate for the two layers when ordering foam of a certain thickness.
Buying a new bench seat cushion is easy. Just ensure that you know which type of foam and dimensions you want, and you’ll be able to order a new cushion without any trouble.
