Foam Fundamentals: Designing Comfortable and Long-Lasting Seating
When it comes to designing furniture, foam is a critical component that often goes unnoticed but plays a pivotal role in both comfort and longevity. For designers creating commercial or residential seating, understanding foam density, thickness, and underpinning is essential to achieving furniture that stands the test of time. This guide will walk you through the key considerations for foam selection, helping you create seating that meets your design and durability goals.
Key Points for Choosing the Right Foam:
Understanding Foam Density
Standard vs. High-Density Foam:
18 (Standard Density): With a density of 1.8 lbs, this foam is widely used across the industry and found in about 90% of seating. While it’s cost-effective and comfortable, it may compress more quickly in high-traffic areas.
25 (High Density): At 2.5 lbs, high-density foam offers superior durability and holds its shape longer, making it an excellent choice for commercial settings or any furniture that will see consistent use.
Why Choose High-Density Foam?: High-density foam provides better performance over time, maintaining structure and comfort longer than standard-density foam. For designers, this means fewer replacements and more satisfied clients in high-traffic spaces like restaurants, lounges, and office seating.
2. The Role of Foam Thickness
Minimum Requirements for Commercial Seating: For durable commercial seating, we recommend a minimum of 2” foam to ensure proper support, especially when paired with springs.
Optimal Thickness for Substrates: Foam over a solid substrate (such as wood) requires at least 3” of thickness to provide adequate comfort for seating applications like bench seating along walls, lobby seating, or restaurant waiting areas.
Layering for Effect: Foam thickness can be built into your design for both comfort and aesthetic appeal. Combining different foam layers can achieve a tailored seating experience without compromising durability.
3. Don’t Forget the Underpinning
Springs vs. Substrates: The underpinning of your seating determines the type and thickness of foam required:
Springs: Foam layered over springs only needs 2” of foam to provide flexibility and comfort. This is ideal for booth seating or dining chairs where additional give enhances the user experience.
Substrates: When designing seating over a solid substrate, such as wood, at least 3” of foam is necessary for comfort, especially for applications like restaurant benches, waiting areas, or lounge seating.
Why It Matters: The combination of underpinning and foam thickness ensures the seating is both supportive and comfortable, even in high-traffic environments.
4. Design Considerations for Foam Selection
Traffic Levels: High-density foam (25) is the best choice for commercial spaces or high-traffic areas to maintain shape and comfort over time.
Aesthetic Goals: Foam thickness and density can be used creatively to achieve your design vision, from sleek minimalist looks to plush, luxurious seating.
Specific Applications: For bench seating in lobbies or along walls, prioritize high-density foam and consider the overall thickness to ensure durability and user satisfaction. For restaurant waiting areas, a balance of comfort and durability is key.
Why Fortner is Your Partner
Choosing the right foam is about more than just density; it’s about understanding how foam, thickness, and underpinning work together to create seating that performs beautifully. At Fortner, we’re committed to helping designers make informed decisions that result in long-lasting, comfortable furniture.
Whether you’re designing for a bustling restaurant or a serene lobby, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
If you still have questions about foam, lets chat and we can help you make sure your next project is perfect.
Contact us today to discuss how we help you bring your vision to life with commercial-grade furniture that truly stands out.