Foam Garden Kneelers: Buy or Make Your Own
We've seen a big rise in people taking up DIY and garden activities. Reconnecting with nature is a healthy break from the TV and computer screen, and gives a real sense of satisfaction. Gardening is an easy hobby to pick up, and whether you're growing fruit and vegetables or planting flowers, a few basic pieces of equipment make a difference.
What is a garden kneeler mat?
Alongside the trowel and fork, many gardeners recommend a garden kneeler mat. Despite first impressions, these are useful for people of all ages, not just the elderly or those with physical ailments. Kneeling for a prolonged time to dig and plant is uncomfortable for many, and a garden kneeler foam mat is an easy fix – suitable for soil, grass and harder surfaces such as patio stone.
Buying a garden kneeler
Many garden and DIY shops sell kneeler mats in a range of sizes, materials and specifications. Most use a high-density polyurethane foam, firm enough to hold shape, support and comfort even under concentrated pressure. They also come in various shapes, including contoured floor seats. For extra comfort, memory foam kneelers are available, usually a high-density polyurethane base topped with a memory foam layer.
How to make your own foam garden kneeler
Even with so many kneelers available, many people struggle to find one that suits them, and shop-bought products rarely reveal their foam composition. Making your own is easy, and gives you full control using eFoam's cut to size tool, so you choose the exact shape, size and foam grade. The steps below show how, and if you'd like more detail on templates, see our guide to making a paper template for foam.
- Tape a few pieces of A4 paper together and turn it over so the tape is underneath. Draw your desired shape on the paper, adding any gradients or contours if needed – though a flat kneeler works perfectly well.
- Choose your material and trace around the template, adding two inches to allow room for the foam once the material is stitched and stuffed.
- Fold up your template and send it to us following the instructions on the cut to size page, and we'll cut your foam while you cut your material.
- Stitch your outer material together as desired and fasten a small zip to one side.
- When your foam arrives, insert it along with its stockinette, then zip it up and get gardening.
A cover-free waterproof option
You may prefer a garden kneeler without an outer cover. For this we recommend a waterproof foam such as Plastazote superior closed-cell foam, which is rigid, lightweight and available in an array of colours.
For any advice on creating your own DIY kneeler, please contact us.
Frequently asked questions
What foam is best for a garden kneeler?
Most kneelers use high-density polyurethane foam, which is firm enough to keep its shape, support and comfort under concentrated pressure such as kneeling. For extra comfort, a high-density base can be topped with a memory foam layer.
Can I make my own garden kneeler?
Yes. Make a paper template, trace it onto your cover material adding two inches, send the template to us to cut the foam, then stitch the cover with a zip and insert the foam with a stockinette.
What foam works for a waterproof kneeler without a cover?
For a cover-free kneeler, we recommend a waterproof foam such as Plastazote superior closed-cell foam, which is rigid, lightweight and available in a range of colours.
