Upholstery Foam

Upholstery Foam to Suit Your Needs

Whether you’re a professional upholsterer or a part-time enthusiast, GB Foam Direct has a multitude of upholstery foam sheets to choose from. From High Density Soft Foam Sheets to our GB Foam Exclusive Reticulated Foam and everything in between; there’s certainly no lack of choice here.

Our upholstery foam is ideal for those looking to upholster or reupholster furniture of all varieties. That includes sofas, bar stools, armchairs, garden furniture and much, much more! At GB Foam Direct, you can choose from a variety of foam sheet sizes and thicknesses to ensure perfection in every undertaken task. If comfort is what you wish to create, then look no further than our collection of upholstery foam.

Upholstery Foam Cut to Shape and Size

Here you’ll find our entire range of upholstery foam sheets, available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. If you’re looking to something more bespoke however, we can cut foam to any shape or size. GB Foam have been supplying foam products for over 40 years and specialise in foam cut to shape and size. Visit our foam cut to size page to see our selection of templates and custom options.

The Fastest Upholstery Foam Sheet Delivery Service

Need your upholstery foam fast? We offer next day delivery on all orders placed Monday – Thursday, before 11:00 AM; making us the fastest foam delivery service in the UK! There’s no need to wait around when you shop with GB Foam Direct.

How Long Will My Upholstery Foam Last?

Here at GB Foam Direct, we only ever use the best materials to create our products. We’ve been suppliers of foam for more than 40 years and have sold to some of the world’s most influential furniture manufacturers. Our High-Density upholstery foam sheets come in three tiers. Average, Luxury and Superior. Our advertised prices reflect in the quality of each type of foam. This isn’t to say that our average upholstery foam sheets are of a poor quality however. No, it simply means that you’ll be receiving an even more premium product when purchasing our higher upholstery foam tiers.

We’ve included a short description underneath each upholstery foam sheet, which outlines its properties and our recommendations for use. Please note that these are simply suggestions, you are of course free to use all of our upholstery foam in whichever way you please.

Amazing Uses for Upholstery Foam (And What to do With Any Leftovers)

Upholstery foam is by far one of the most versatile materials for a wide range of home furnishings. However, there are a whole host of great uses for this lightweight product. Some you might not have thought of until now.

Read on to discover just four of the many uses of upholstery foam. We’ve also included a few ideas for what to do with any leftover scrap materials. These scraps can be perfect for future projects later on down the line.

Let’s get started with those big tasks first. Hopefully, they’ll provide you with a little inspiration for your next project!

Using Upholstery Foam for Outdoor Seating

Upholstery foam isn’t just for indoor furniture it’s also a great material to use if you fancy getting creative with your outdoor space!

By getting ahold of a little waterproof material and a zip, you could knock up some basic rattan cushions. These will withstand the elements and bring a welcome pop of colour to your garden or patio area.

For those of you that love the sun, you can also make comfortable mattresses for your sunloungers. Try using bright summery fabrics for your cushion covers. You could even make giant floor cushions. These always come in handy as stackable extra seating for big barbeques and family get-togethers.

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you could also create stylish circular floor cushions. These are great for the little ones to play on in the garden during the warmer months. Also, if you have an old picnic bench, you could also create some comfortable seating cushions.

Upholstery Foam for Acoustically Treating Rooms

If you’ve got a music-loving teen or a family member with musical talents, acoustic foam sheets are a good way of acoustically treating a room at a fraction of the price.

Thanks to its unique cell structure, this type of foam helps to deaden sound, stopping vibrations travelling from room to room. You can put your feet up and enjoy more peace and quiet in the living room. Meanwhile, other members of the house are free to make noise without disturbing others.

This type of upholstery foam comes in a dark grey colour as standard, giving it a sound studio look. You can create a studio look in your room of choice at a fraction of the price.

Upgrade Your Old Mattress with Upholstery Foam

Memory foam mattresses are all the rage at the moment. This is thanks to their ability to give extra support and comfort while you sleep.

If you’re looking to upgrade your current mattress, try purchasing a thick memory foam sheet. This will allow you to create a memory foam mattress topper at a discounted rate. You’ll get the benefits that memory foam brings without having to upgrade your current mattress.

Making a mattress topper is pretty easy once you’ve got the correct measurements and materials to hand. Try it out and bring new life to your old mattress.

Comfortable Camping Using Upholstery Foam

Are you lucky enough to own a caravan? Upholstery foam offers a perfect solution if you want to upgrade your existing cushions and make them more comfortable. You could also create durable sleeping mats ideal for all types of outdoor adventures.

If you’ve got an eye for great quality materials, this will work well in your existing caravan. There’s no reason that you can’t completely transform your caravan or campervan with some new cushions. All you need is a little time and some sewing knowledge – or the willingness to learn.

Make sure that you buy enough material to create matching cushions and curtains to compliment your seating. Coordinating like this will work to provide you with a completely new look for your static or touring home.

For all you campers, foam is super light-weight. This makes it easy to transport even if you’re walking or hiking. In some cases, it can be rolled up for easy storage, meaning you can make comfortable mats to place beneath your sleeping bag. Foam mats can provide that extra level of comfort you need when camping away from home.

Using Scrap Upholstery Foam

So, now you have some inspiration for a few DIY projects, we also thought we’d provide you with a few ideas to make the most of any leftover scraps of foam you might have knocking about. Roll your sleeves up and get creative with these inspirational suggestions for any offcuts you’ve got!

Dog & Cat Beds

If you’ve got a little bit of material left over from your last project, try filling a pet bed. There’s no reason that your fur baby shouldn’t benefit from any offcuts and get a cosy new bed out of it.

Using an existing pet bed cover (or by making one yourself from any excess material you’ve got knocking about) you can easily create a comfortable pet mattress using upholstery foam. If you’re confident with a sewing machine, you should find making a cover relatively simple. You can even add a zipper, making it much easier to take off the cover and wash it.

Don’t worry if the edges are a little wonky – your pet won’t mind as they enjoy their new comfy foam bed!

Shred it!

If you’ve got the patience and some time on your hands, you can cut up your foam off cuts. This can be used as an alternative filling in pet beds or cushions. Shredding foam is an excellent way of making your money go further! Outdoor cushions and pet beds can be very expensive to buy or replace. However, they are relatively easy to make using foam scraps and other materials.

Keep the kids entertained

Even if you’ve only got a bit left, your upholstery foam can offer an excellent way to keep kids entertained on rainy days.

Why not try cutting your foam into shapes? You could even create a few painting sponges using the offcuts. Be sure to keep that paint away from any nice new cushions you may have recently made though!

You can turn your foam into any shape you or the kids choose. Make sure that you’ve got plenty of paper and paint sets to hand. The kids are sure to love making some homemade pieces of art using your leftover foam.

Upholstery Foam Sheets Questions & Answers

To help you quickly find answers to some of the more commonly asked questions about upholstery foam sheets, we’ve put together a quick FAQ. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, our friendly team of experts are always happy to assist. Head over to our contact page to get in touch.

What Are Foam Sheets Used For?

Foam sheets have a wide variety of uses and it all depends on the type of foam you’re using. For example, acoustic foam is used in sound treating applications. HLB packaging foam is used to protect items. Reticulated foam is suitable for outdoor cushions and our Luxury grades of foam are best suited to either back or seat applications, depending on the type.

What Sizes Do Your Foam Sheets Come in?

The majority of our upholstery foam sheets are available in 2 set sizes. This includes a Full Foam Sheet 230cm x 200cm and a Half Foam Sheet 230cm x 100cm. These sizes may vary slightly depending on foam block sizes.

You’ll also find some of our other types of foam come in different sizes. For example, our recon, reticulated and memory foam comes in one size only 150cm x 200cm.

How Thick Should Upholstery Foam Be?

The thickness of upholstery foam depends on the application where you wish to use it. Our foam sheets come in a variety of thicknesses ranging from half an inch to 4 inches.

The type of foam you’re using will also help to determine how thick the foam should be. For example, we recommend that our Luxury Firm Foam is used for seat pads ranging from 1 inch to 4 inches.

Over 4 inches, we recommend our Luxury Medium Foam. Remember, the majority of foam sheets we offer can also be bought in cut to size parts.

What Kind of Foam is Used For Upholstery?

Polyurethane foams are used for upholstery purposes to cushion furniture. There are a variety of different foam grades used in upholstery and the most suitable type depends on the application. For example, a high-quality seat cushion for a home may be made from a firm high density foam, whereas frequently used bar seating may use recon foam.

Is Memory Foam Good For Upholstery?

Memory foam generally doesn’t offer enough support if used in soft furnishings on its own. It’s usually used as a topper to add additional levels of comfort to a cushion. This even applies to memory foam mattresses, where a high density foam base layer is topped with a layer of memory foam. We also use a similar combination to make our wheelchair seat cushions.

Is High Density Foam Comfortable?

High density foams are generally considered comfortable to use, however, density levels should not be confused with the firmness rating of a foam. A high density foam can feel soft or it can feel firm depending on the type. Take a look at our Luxury grades of sheets. These are available with a soft, medium or firm feel.

Can You Sleep on High Density Foam?

Most people do sleep on high density foam, it’s usually what makes up the lower portion of a memory foam mattress. The high density foam offers support, whilst the memory foam improves comfort.

How Do You Stick Foam Sheets?

In order to stick foam sheets to your desired surface, you’ll need a suitable adhesive solution. Spray adhesives are a popular choice for upholstery. Just remember to wear a suitable face covering and spray in a well-ventilated area.

How Do You Cut Foam Sheets?

With the right equipment, you should be able to cut your upholstery foam sheets down to a good standard. A sharp serrated knife should be sufficient to cut through your foam. You can also use an electric carving knife if you prefer. Remember though, if you’re looking for precision, let GB Foam Direct create any cut to size foam parts you need.

What Foam Sheets Are the Best Quality?

The sign of a good quality foam is usually one that has a higher density and conforms to proper fire safety regulations. Foams with a lower density tend to have shorter lifespans. Also, foams that are imported from overseas may not conform to the high standards upheld by UK fire safety regulations.

Foam Sheet Specifications

GB35H – Universal High Density Foam Specifications

GB 35H

This grade of foam is supplied as a universal mid-density grade. It is white in colour and suitable for use in a variety of projects including conventional furniture, as well as, various types of seating and bedding. Foam block sizes are available in measurements of 200cm x 220cm.

Download GB35H Specification PDF

CHARACTERISTIC	SPECIFICATION	TEST METHOD
AVERAGE PIECE DENSITY	33 – 36 Kg/m3³	DIN EN ISO: 845
NOMINAL HARDNESS	140 – 180 Newtons	DIN EN ISO: 3386-1
TENSILE STRENGTH	50 kPa (Min)	DIN EN ISO: 1798
ELONGATION @ BREAK	90 % (Min)	DIN EN ISO: 1798
COMPRESSION SET (DRY)	8 % (Max)	DIN EN ISO: 1856

 

GB 39H – Luxury (High Density) Hard Foam Specifications

GB 39H (V38 – RX39/200)

This foam is a Premium High Density seating grade foam. This is suitable for many applications including quality sofa and upholstery seat cushions, boats, caravan bunks/seats, dining chairs, seat pads and camper vans.

Download GB39H Specification PDF

CHARACTERISTIC	SPECIFICATION	TEST METHOD
APPARENT PIECE DENSITY	37 – 41 Kg/m3	BS EN ISO 845 : 2009 (ISO 845 : 2006)
NOMINAL HARDNESS	180-220 Newtons	BS EN ISO 2439:METHOD B 2008
TENSILE STRENGTH	50 kPa (Min)	BS EN ISO 1798: 2008
ELONGATION @ BREAK	90 % (Min)	BS EN ISO 1798: 2008
COMPRESSION SET (DRY)	8 % (Max)	BS EN ISO 1856: 2001
*CLASSIFICATION	V	BS3379: 2005

 

GB 41M – Luxury (High Density) Medium Foam Specifications

GB 41M (Reflex 400 H – RX41/150)

This foam is a Premium medium density foam offering even greater longevity over the Average Medium foam. This is suitable for domestic seating cushions of 4” (10cm) or more in thickness. An ideal replacement for fibre filled cushions.

Download GB41M Specification PDF

CHARACTERISTIC	SPECIFICATION	TEST METHOD
APPARENT PIECE DENSITY	39 – 43 Kg/m3	BS EN ISO 845 : 2009 (ISO 845 : 2006)
NOMINAL HARDNESS	130-175 Newtons	BS EN ISO 2439:METHOD B 2008
TENSILE STRENGTH	50 kPa (Min)	BS EN ISO 1798: 2008
ELONGATION @ BREAK	90 % (Min)	BS EN ISO 1798: 2008
COMPRESSION SET (DRY)	8 % (Max)	BS EN ISO 1856: 2001
*CLASSIFICATION	V	BS3379: 2005

 

GB 39S – Luxury (High Density) Soft Foam Specifications

GB 39S (V39 120 – RX39/120)

This foam is a Premium soft density foam offering even greater longevity over the Average soft foam. This foam is suitable for sofa back cushions and general use. We do not recommend this grade for any seating application.

Download GB39S Specification PDF

CHARACTERISTIC	SPECIFICATION	TEST METHOD
APPARENT PIECE DENSITY	37 – 41 Kg/m3	BS EN ISO 845 : 2009 (ISO 845 : 2006)
NOMINAL HARDNESS	100-140 Newtons	BS EN ISO 2439:METHOD B 2008
TENSILE STRENGTH	50 kPa (Min)	BS EN ISO 1798: 2008
ELONGATION @ BREAK	90 % (Min)	BS EN ISO 1798: 2008
COMPRESSION SET (DRY)	8 % (Max)	BS EN ISO 1856: 2001
*CLASSIFICATION	V	BS3379: 2005

 

GB 33H – Average (High Density) Hard Foam Specifications

GB 33H (V33H – RX33/190)

This is a hard density foam suitable for many applications including quality sofa and upholstery seat cushions, boats, caravan bunks/seats, dining chairs and camper vans. For that extra luxury and comfort, upgrade to our GB 39H or GB 42H foam grades.

Download GB33H Specification PDF

CHARACTERISTIC	SPECIFICATION	TEST METHOD
APPARENT PIECE DENSITY	31.4 – 34.7 Kg/m3	BS EN ISO 845 : 2009 (ISO 845 : 2006)
NOMINAL HARDNESS	160-220 Newtons	BS EN ISO 2439:METHOD B 2008
TENSILE STRENGTH	50 kPa (Min)	BS EN ISO 1798: 2008
ELONGATION @ BREAK	90 % (Min)	BS EN ISO 1798: 2008
COMPRESSION SET (DRY)	12 % (Max)	BS EN ISO 1856: 2001
*CLASSIFICATION	S	BS3379: 2005

 

GB 42H – Superior Hard Foam Specifications

GB 42H (HR40 250 – RX42/250)

This foam is a Premium super high density seating grade foam offering even greater longevity over the premium hard foam. This is suitable for many applications including quality sofa and upholstery seat cushions, boats, caravan bunks/seats, dining chairs and camper vans.

Download GB42H Specification PDF

CHARACTERISTIC	SPECIFICATION	TEST METHOD
APPARENT PIECE DENSITY	38 – 42 Kg/m3	BS EN ISO 845 : 2009 (ISO 845 : 2006)
NOMINAL HARDNESS	220-300 Newtons	BS EN ISO 2439:METHOD B 2008
TENSILE STRENGTH	50 kPa (Min)	BS EN ISO 1798: 2008
ELONGATION @ BREAK	90 % (Min)	BS EN ISO 1798: 2008
COMPRESSION SET (DRY)	8 % (Max)	BS EN ISO 1856: 2001
*CLASSIFICATION	V	BS3379: 2005

 

GB 25A – Acoustic Foam Specifications

GB 25A (VE25 130 – RX25/140)

This foam is of a medium density and hardness, which makes it perfect for application in music studios or areas where there is a need for sound deadening.

Download GB25A Specification PDF

CHARACTERISTIC	SPECIFICATION	TEST METHOD
APPARENT PIECE DENSITY	23.8 – 26.3 Kg/m3	BS EN ISO 845 : 2009 (ISO 845 : 2006)
NOMINAL HARDNESS	120-160 Newtons	BS EN ISO 2439:METHOD B 2008
TENSILE STRENGTH	50 kPa (Min)	BS EN ISO 1798: 2008
ELONGATION @ BREAK	90 % (Min)	BS EN ISO 1798: 2008
COMPRESSION SET (DRY)	15 % (Max)	BS EN ISO 1856: 2001
*CLASSIFICATION	A	BS3379: 2005

 

GB HLB – Packaging Foam Specifications

GB HLB (HL22 06 – RP21/250)

High impact light weight packaging grade foam. Charcoal grey in colour. Suitable for all kinds of protective packaging applications, for example flight cases, briefcases, cardboard boxes, etc. Please note this foam is not flame retardant and as such is not suitable for upholstery.

Download GB HLB Specification PDF

CHARACTERISTIC	SPECIFICATION	TEST METHOD
APPARENT PIECE DENSITY	20 – 22 Kg/m3	BS EN ISO 845 : 2009 (ISO 845 : 2006)
NOMINAL HARDNESS	215-290 Newtons	BS EN ISO 2439:METHOD B 2008

 

GB 55M – Memory Foam Specifications

GB 55M (VC50/55)

This high-quality Memory Foam is perfect for adding an extra level of comfort and support to any mattress.

Download GB55M Specification PDF

CHARACTERISTIC	SPECIFICATION	TEST METHOD
AVERAGE NET PIECE DENSITY	47.5-52.5 Kgm3	BS EN ISO 845 : 2009 (ISO 845: 2006)
NOMINAL HARDNESS	47-63N	BS EN ISO 2439: METHOD B 2008
TENSILE STRENGTH	50Kpa min	BS EN ISO 1798: 2008
ELONGATION @ BREAK	100% min	BS EN ISO 1798: 2008
RECOVERY TIME	<20	IN HOUSE TEST
FORCE AFTER 25% INITIAL HOLD	80N	IN HOUSE TEST
FORCE AFTER 65% HOLD	210N	IN HOUSE TEST
FORCE AFTER 25% HOLD RETURN	40N	IN HOUSE TEST
COMP MODULUS	3	IN HOUSE TEST
25% HYSTERESIS LOSS	17	IN HOUSE TEST

 

GB 40100 – Reticulated Foam Specifications

GB 40100

This foam is most popular for outdoor cushions and marine/boat cushions where the cushions will be exposed to the elements.

Download GB40100 Specification PDF

CHARACTERISTIC	SPECIFICATION	TEST METHOD
DENSITY	27 Kg/m3 (Min) 30 Kg/m3 (Nominal) 33 Kg/m3 (Max)	DIN EN ISO 845
COMPRESSION LOAD DEFLECTION 40%	4 kPa (Min) 30 kPa (Nominal) 33 kPa (Max)	DIN EN ISO 3386-1
TENSILE STRENGTH (DRY)	100.05 kPa (Min) 150 kPa (Nominal)	DIN EN ISO 1798
ELONGATION (DRY)	49.98 % (Minimum) 70% (Nominal)	BS EN ISO 1798

 

GB CHIP – Recon/Chip Foam Specifications

GB CHIP

Used in bar seating, bar stools, church kneelers and gym mats. It is also ideal for many different types of heavy weight packaging.

Download GB CHIP Specification PDF

CHARACTERISTIC	SPECIFICATION	TEST METHOD
NOMINAL BLOCK DENSITY	86 – 105 Kg/m3	BS EN ISO 845 : 2009 (ISO 845 : 2006)

 

Fireseal Class 0 Acoustic Foam Specifications

Fireseal Class O

Fireseal is a highly modified, flexible, open cell polyurethane acoustic foam. Engineered to offer the best possible level of fire resistance, it passes top-tier safety tests, whilst maintaining excellent sound absorption properties. Non-fibrous and impregnated with antibacterial/fungal additives, Fireseal provides high safety standards in any environment. Below you will find technical data for this specialist acoustic foam grade.

Download Fireseal Specification PDF

Type	Impregnated PU Foam
Colour	Dark Grey
Density	>90kg/m3
Thickness	6mm – 100mm
Operating Temperature	-30ºC to 100ºC
Fire Performance	EN 13501-1 Euro Class*	B-s1,d0
	BS 476 Part 6 Fire Propagation Index	<12 >6mm
	BS 476 Part 7 Surface Spread of flame	Class 1
	Building Regulations Paragraph A13 (b)	Class 0
	ASTM E84-09 Surface Burning Characteristic	Flame Spread index 10
	Smoke Developed Index 20
	ASTM C411-04 Hot Surface Performance @100ºC 96hr	Pass
	UL94 Classification	94-V-0
	ASTM C1071-05 12.7 Air Erosion Resistance 6 – 50mm	Pass
	ASTM D-2020-92 Mildew (Fungus) Resistance	Does not support growth
	ASTM G21-96 Fungus Resistance Test	Does not support growth
	ASTM C1104-06 Water Vapour Sorption	<9%
	ASTM C518-04 Thermal Conductivity	0.32 Btu-in/ft2-hrºF @6mm