A First-Time Buyer's Guide to Foam Cut to Size

If you are looking to buy foam, then look no further. You may already have a rough idea of what you need, including an approximate budget, or you may be a complete novice who isn't sure where to start. Either way, at eFoam we want to make buying foam cut to size as easy as possible, whatever your project. This guide walks you through the few simple decisions that get you the right piece of foam first time.

Start with what you'll use the foam for

The easiest place to begin is the job the foam needs to do, because the use almost always points to the right type:

• Seating, sofas and cushions – our upholstery foam grades, all of which are hypoallergenic, are the most popular choice. They are available cut to size or as foam sheets, and are ideal for giving a tired sofa a new lease of life.
• Mattresses and sleep – a memory foam and upholstery foam combination for a mattress gives support with comfort, and a memory foam mattress can be paired with a quilted Coolmax cover.
• Packaging and protection – water-resistant closed-cell foams such as Zotefoam Plastazote® and EFP30 closed-cell polyethylene hold their shape and resist moisture.
• Acoustic and fire-rated needs – for an industry-grade, fire-retardant option we recommend Pyrosorb-S, a Class 0 rated acoustic foam that is flexible and non-irritant.
• Ponds and aquaria – high-quality Reticulated polyether (PPI foam) is highly resistant to water (including salt water), humidity, soap, oils and lubricants, helping to ensure the best environment for aquatic life.

Understanding density, firmness and grade

Three words come up a lot when buying foam, and they don't all mean the same thing:

• Density describes how much material is packed into the foam. As a rule, a higher density tends to last longer and hold its shape better over years of use, which is why it matters most for anything you will sit or lie on regularly.
• Firmness (or feel) is simply how soft or supportive the foam feels. A foam can be firm without being especially dense, or soft yet hard-wearing, so it is worth considering separately from density.
• Grade is the specification – the particular combination of density and firmness, which we group into named grades. The main upholstery grades are set out below.

To turn that into something concrete, here are the main upholstery foam grades we cut, from softest to firmest, and the jobs each one suits best:

As a rough guide to longevity, inexpensive polyether foam often starts to sag within 18–24 months of daily use, whereas a high-density seating grade like High Firm (SF38) typically lasts 5–8 years, and contract-grade Reconstituted chip can last 20 years or more. You can find the full technical specifications for every grade on our foam grades and types page. And if you are still unsure which suits your project, you don't have to guess – tell us what you are making and we will recommend one, or try before you buy with our foam sample service.

Measuring and sending us your sizes

For a simple square or rectangular piece, all we need are three measurements: the length, the width and the depth (thickness) you want. If your shape is more involved, send us a paper pattern or template and we will cut to it; we are happy to work from approximate dimensions and advise you from there. We cut both standard and custom and odd shapes, so unusual jobs are no problem.

Popular shapes, fully customisable

We specialise in foam cut to size and shape, and we also offer a range of ready-to-customise shapes such as rounded-edge cushions for sofas and four-part pieces for lounge chairs. Every one can be tailored to your preferred foam type, density, thickness, feel and shape.

Useful extras

To make your purchase straightforward, we also supply the complementary items you might need alongside your foam. These include quilted, purpose-made Coolmax covers for a new memory foam mattress, and foam Stockinette undercovers that protect a sofa's cover fabric from the abrasive surface of a fresh foam insert. The possibilities of foam are truly endless, and they are affordable to explore with our sample service.

How to order your foam cut to size

When you are ready, head to our foam cut to size page to choose your shape, size and grade, or send us a template for a fully custom piece. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a regular customer, and whether you are ordering as a consumer or a trade account, we are glad to talk your project through. As the UK's number one foam supplier, eFoam takes real pride in its customer service, so call us 7 days a week on 0800 043 9990 or email us at info@efoam.co.uk and we will help you get it right. We look forward to speaking with you.

First-time foam buyer FAQs

Can you cut foam to any size or shape?

Yes. We cut to your exact dimensions, offer a range of popular shapes, and will cut custom or odd shapes from a pattern or template you send us.

How do I measure for foam cut to size?

For a square or rectangular piece, measure the length, width and depth. For anything irregular, a paper template is the most accurate method; approximate sizes are fine to begin with, and we will advise.

I'm not sure which foam to choose – can you help?

Absolutely. Tell us what you are making and we will recommend a grade, or order our sample service to feel the options before you commit.

Is your upholstery foam hypoallergenic?

Yes, our upholstery foam grades are hypoallergenic.

Do you supply trade as well as individuals?

We do. We work with both consumers and trade customers, and trade accounts are available.