Replace the Foam, the Cover or the Whole Cushion?

Quick answer: Press the middle of the cushion. If the foam springs back and the cover is just faded or stained, replace the cover. If the foam stays flat, crumbles or smells musty but the cover is good, replace the foam. If both are worn, replace the whole cushion.

Replacing only what has worn out saves money and keeps good materials in use. Here is how to decide.

The press test

• Springs back quickly: the foam is fine.
• Stays dented or feels thin: the foam has lost its support.
• Crumbles, or you can feel the frame: the foam has broken down.
• Smells musty: moisture has got in; replace the foam.

When to replace just the covers

The foam is firm but the fabric is faded, stained, torn or simply dated. Order covers only, sewn to the size of your foam. Measure the foam edge to edge, not the old cover.

When to replace just the foam

You love the covers but the seats have gone flat. Order foam cut to size. Foam for UK orders is made and cut in the UK by our partner GB Foam Direct.

• Lux: firm seats.
• High Density: a medium feel.
• Quick-drain foam: for garden cushions that get rained on.
• Super Soft: back cushions only.

Foam cannot be swapped after delivery, so if you are unsure of the feel, order one piece first.

When to replace the whole cushion

Both the foam and the cover are worn, or you want a new look and a better fit. Start with made-to-measure cushions or garden furniture cushions.

How to measure for replacement foam

1. Unzip the cover and take out the old foam.
2. Measure the cover seam to seam: width, depth and thickness. This is the size the new foam should fill.
3. If the old foam had a Dacron wrap, remember the wrap adds about 6 mm.
4. For shaped cushions, lay the cover flat on paper and trace it.

If you are ordering new covers for old foam, work the other way round and measure the foam edge to edge. Our sofa cushion measuring guide has more detail.

Which foam for which seat?

• Sofa and armchair seats: Lux for a firm sit, High Density for a medium one.
• Back cushions: Super Soft, or fibre fill for a relaxed look.
• Garden furniture left outside: quick-drain foam, which dries in hours.
• Window seats and benches: High Density or Lux at 5–10 cm.
• Boats and caravans: high density foam for seats and beds; quick-drain foam for anything on deck.

Signs it's time to replace the whole cushion

• The cover is torn at the seams or the zip has failed.
• The fabric has faded unevenly or worn thin where you sit.
• You want a different thickness, which means a new cover as well as new foam.
• The cushion never fitted the seat properly in the first place.

Mistakes to avoid

• Measuring a stretched old cover and ordering foam that is too big.
• Putting Super Soft foam in a seat cushion; it flattens quickly.
• Keeping foam that smells musty. Moisture inside the foam brings mould back.
• Replacing one sofa seat when the others are just as worn, so one sits higher than the rest.

Delivery and fitting

We cut foam within ±13 mm of the size you order. If it arrives vacuum-packed, open it and give it 12–18 hours to expand fully before fitting. To fit foam into a cover, fold it slightly lengthways, slide it in and ease the corners into place. Delivery is free across the UK, with import duty and VAT paid. Garden cushions looking tired too? See replacement garden furniture cushions. Sofa gone flat? Read how to fix flat sofa cushions.

Can I change the thickness?

You can, but only by replacing the cover as well. A cover is sewn to fit a particular thickness, so thicker foam won't zip in and thinner foam will leave the cover baggy. If you want a firmer or fuller seat without changing the cover, choose a firmer foam at the same thickness, or add a Dacron wrap if the cover has a little room.

Making it last

Rotate and flip seat cushions every week or two so they wear evenly, and keep garden cushions dry and ventilated over winter.

Frequently asked questions

How long does cushion foam last?

It depends on use and density. Firm, high-density foam on everyday seats typically lasts several years before it softens noticeably.

Can I put new foam in my old covers?

Yes, as long as the covers have a zip and you order foam to the cover's size.

Can I test the foam first?

Yes. Order one piece to try before ordering the full set.