Amazon upholstery foam vs Sailrite foam

[ksanders]

Looking at seat cushon foam...

Medium high density foam at Sailrite is approx twice the cost of High density foam on amazon... and Amazon ships for free.

I am a loyal Sailrite customer, but is there really a difference in foam, both near and long term??

 

[Insequent]

I bought some Sailrite foam, the open-cell type, for use on exterior cushions. This allows water to drain out if the fabric or seams are porous, assuming you have the correct base material such as phifertex.

Typical foam will retain moisture and not drain/dry quickly. But if the Amazon stuff is open-cell, maybe it is OK for exterior use. If your cushions are interior only then open-cell type is not necessary.

 

[Larry M]

There can be a big difference. We replaced the foam on our last boat. Within 2 years it was in worse shape than the stuff we replaced. I don’t know enough to tell you the difference but we learned not all high quality foam is high quality. I know you can’t physically go shopping where you live but don’t skimp on the foam is all I can suggest.

 

[ksanders]

There can be a big difference. We replaced the foam on our last boat. Within 2 years it was in worse shape than the stuff we replaced. I don’t know enough to tell you the difference but we learned not all high quality foam is high quality. I know you can’t physically go shopping where you live but don’t skimp on the foam is all I can suggest.

OK Larry, you just made me feel better.

I had bought foam this morning on Sailrite, and then was shopping on amazon, and saw their foam for half the price.

Nothin g would make me unhappier than to save $50 on a project only to have to re-do the project in a couple of years.

 

[Waywego]

Sounds like you are set for this project, but in case others look here...


Another good source of foam for boat cushions is www.thefoamfactory.com. They are quite helpful and the prices are good.

 

[Moonfish]

I always thought closed-cell foam was preferable for exterior cushions, as it does not become water-logged when wet.

 

[muttskie]

There can be a big difference. We replaced the foam on our last boat. Within 2 years it was in worse shape than the stuff we replaced. I don’t know enough to tell you the difference but we learned not all high quality foam is high quality. I know you can’t physically go shopping where you live but don’t skimp on the foam is all I can suggest.

Agreed. Foam quality is much more important than many people realize. It will make or break the job. And, probably firmer than you might think. There's nothing worse than sitting down after a couple of years and sinking down to the point of feeling the base.
Actually, more than one layer, with the firmest on the bottom usually works out well.

 

[Insequent]

I always thought closed-cell foam was preferable for exterior cushions, as it does not become water-logged when wet.

That can also be the case. But the Sailrite open-cell stuff is fast drying, and drains very well. It does not get water-logged at all.

 

[Larry M]

...Another good source of foam for boat cushions is www.thefoamfactory.com. They are quite helpful and the prices are good.

Thanks for posting. I think we had door #1? Looks like a good reference/source.

Sofa Foam, Sofa Foam Replacement, Sofa Seat Cushions, Cushion Replacement