upholstery foam ild

Choosing the right upholstery foam ILD decides whether a new cushion feels plush, supportive, or rock-hard. ILD stands for indentation load deflection, a measure of how many pounds it takes to compress a foam sample by 25 percent. The higher the number, the firmer the foam.

How to Read a Foam Firmness Rating

Firmness ratings vary by manufacturer, but these general ranges are a helpful starting point:

• Soft: back cushions, pillows, and padded headboards
• Medium: dining chairs, sofa seats, and everyday seating
• Firm: bench seats, window seats, and boat or patio cushions

Foam Density vs ILD

ILD tells you how firm foam feels, while density tells you how long it will last. A soft foam can still be high density, so check both numbers when you compare options for heavy-use seating.

Tips for Picking Seat Cushion Foam

Consider who will sit on the piece, how often it gets used, and how thick the cushion will be. Thinner cushions usually need firmer foam to avoid bottoming out, and wrapping foam in batting softens the edges under your fabric.

Ready to start your project? Browse the upholstery foam options below to find the firmness that fits your build.