dacron vs foam

Weighing Dacron vs foam for your next cushion project? The truth is that these two materials do different jobs, and the best cushions often use both. Knowing what each one brings will help you get the comfort, shape and finish you want.

What Each Material Does

Upholstery Foam

Foam is the core of most seat and back cushions. It provides support and structure, holding its shape under repeated sitting. Look at firmness and density for your use. Firmer foam suits seats, and softer foam works well for backs and pillows.

Dacron Wrap

Dacron is a polyester batting that is soft, lofty and lightweight. On its own, it is a stuffing or padding layer, not a support. Wrapped around foam, it rounds out hard edges and fills the cover.

Why Pair Them Together

• Gives foam cushions a fuller, crowned look
• Adds a soft surface feel on top of firm support
• Helps fabric covers slide on smoothly and fit snugly
• Reduces wear where fabric rubs against foam edges

For most furniture, cushion and bench projects, foam supplies the support and Dacron supplies the polish. Browse the foam and polyester batting options below to build your perfect cushion.