DIY: Replacing Foam in a Lounge Chair Cushion

There's no question that down cushions are high-end and luxurious. The down side (ha! no pun intended) is that they lack resilience and don't provide the springiness many folks want in their seat. The problem with foam cushions is that they get compacted and crumbly after years of use.  Many people ask me how to change out their down cushions to foam, or just replace their flattened out foam cushions. To see a very DIY friendly,

and quick lesson in cushion replacement, see this streamlined tutorial. If you have the time, you should cover the entire foam form in dacron or cotton batting, sides and all. This is the DIY quick wrap.  

what you need:

piece of foam the same depth as the boxing of your cushion cover

marker

electric knife, hacksaw or bona fide upholstery foam cutter

spray glue

dacron or cotton batting

The Steps

1.  Remove the old cushion insert from the cover

2. Measure the 'boxing' or gusset depth of the cushion cover

3. Use a piece of foam measuring as close to the depth of the cushion cover as you can find  and a hack saw, electric knife or bona fide foam cutter. 

4. Trace around the cushion cover with a marker without marking on the cover and getting an accurate outline of the cushion.

4. Cut along the drawn line, keeping the cutting blade perpendicular to the foam.

5.  Cut out a piece of dacron batting or cotton batting that will wrap around the cushion starting at the back of the top side, wrapping around the front edge and ending up at the back of the bottom side of the cushion.

6.  Spray adhesive on the foam, wrap and smooth the dacron around the cushion.

7.  When the dacron is dry, scrunch the new cushion form up and insert it into the cushion cover.

Usually you have to work the new insert around inside the cover to get all of the corners filled out and to get the cover straight. Expect to spend some time adjusting the new insert. If the corners are baggy, wad up some stuffing and fill them out. 

Here is a nice, fresh, newly wrapped cushion that fits  inside the old cushion cover. This will give your chair seat renewed cushion and comfort.

May 10, 2009

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