How to upholster furniture step by step
Traditional upholstery is done using materials and methods that have been used for many years like horsehair, cotton and upholstery tacks. Modern upholstery is done using materials such as foam, cotton, dacron and staples.
Choosing Upholstery Foam
In addition to choosing a quality frame and durable upholstery fabric your upholstery foam is another important choice to make.
Upholstery foam is categorized by 2 factors.
The ILD (Indentation Load Deflection) and density. The ILD determines how soft or firm the foam is.
The density determines how quickly it bounces back after pressed (how much air vs foam it's made of) and how long it will keep that bounce back ability.
ILD Indentation Load Deflection
Soft foam has an ILD value of 12 - 20
Medium foam has an ILD value of 25 - 35
Firm foam has and ILD value of 40 - 50
Extra Firm foam has an ILD value of 60 or more
Density
The industry standard for foam in new furniture has a density of 1.8 which is about a 4-year life expectancy.
The standard for custom upholstery has a density of 2.5 which is about a 10-year life expectancy
When you choose foam for your upholstery or cushion project be sure to know your numbers. If you are putting in all that time and effort you want it to last!
In addition, if you are purchasing new furniture I would ask the sales person what they know about the foam inside the furniture. Do you want to invest in furniture that will last 4-6 years for 10 plus years?
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