Foam information FAQs

Every job is different and the foam you decide to use will need to take into account your client’s specific requirements. It is always good to consider:
-Is it a domestic/residential or commercial application? (This will tell you if it is best to offer the customer fire retardant foam)
-How often will the foam be used? (If it is a high traffic area, you may wish to opt for a higher density foam)
-Is it going to be outdoor or exposed to water? (You may need to consider reticulated outdoor foam)
-Does the customer have any preferences regarding the ‘feel’ of the foam (you can choose a grade that has a high density but softer feel if the customer prefers)

You can refer to our Digital Foam Board or Foam Grades Technical Brochure for a full list of the foam grades we offer, with notes to remind you of the ‘features’ and ‘recommended applications’ of each grade.

When using our Cut Foam Calculator for custom cut foam, you can also make use of the ‘Application’ dropdown, which allows you to select where the foam will be used. Based on your selection and the thickness you require, we will recommend the grades we suggest you use.

Density: A foam’s density refers to how much it weighs per cubic metre. Higher density foam grades have more foam per cubic metre, where as lower density foams have less foam and more air bubbles. When you buy a higher density foam grade, it will be more expensive because you are literally getting more foam for your money. Having a higher density also means the foam will keep its shape, structure and firm feel for longer. Hardness: The hardness of the foam is a measure of the feel of the foam. This is measured in Newtons. This is often a matter of preference rather than quality. The harder the foam is the firmer it will feel. However just because a foam feels firm, doesn’t mean it is high density or that it will continue feeling firm after prolonged usage.

Every foam grade has a code eg. N31-190. We list these numbers next to the description of the foam grade. The first number ‘31’ refers to the density, the higher this number the denser the foam. The second number represents the firmness, the higher this number the firmer the foam.

Some companies will sell foam that is a low density even though it feels firm eg. 20-320. Even though it may feel sturdy and perhaps be cheaper, this foam will lose its support much faster than a higher density grade. If you are pricing foam, don’t be afraid to ask for the foam grade’s code, to make sure you are comparing 'apples with apples'.

If your customer’s cushions will come into contact with any water, (rain, spray from the garden hose or exposure to wet swimmers) the correct foam to use is specialty outdoor reticulated foam. Regular indoor foam is like a sponge, it will soak up any water, which will become trapped inside. This can lead to a growth of mould and mildew and cause the foam to deteriorate very quickly. Reticulated outdoor foam -has an open-cell construction, which means it allows water to run through it freely.

Fire retardant foam is required in a number of commercial applications which demand strict fire safety compliance, including restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools, trains, buses, planes. These grades of foam are often high density, as they are exposed to high traffic. In addition flame-retardants are incorporated into the formulation of these foams to reduce likelihood of ignition and control and the spread of fire. In these instances it is always better to offer your customer both options, to ensure you have provided them with all the information to make an educated decision.

Due to the large number of cut foam orders we receive, we can’t offer ‘on-the-spot’ foam cutting. Many customers still like to come into store to feel foam samples and purchase other items. Most cut foam orders are completed within 24-48 hours from order, however profile foam cutting that requires the CNC machine takes approximately 5 business days (please confirm approximate lead time when you place order).

• All effort has been made to provide an accurate description of the different foam grades and the best recommendations regarding the application. Premier does not offer returns for change of mind on special order items such as custom-cut foam.
• If you are unhappy with the feel of your foam, you can contact us to discuss an alternative or solution at an additional cost.
• Premier shall not be liable for any claim, defect or damage which may be caused or party caused by or arise as a result of:

(a) the Customer failing to properly maintain or store any goods;

(b) the Customer using the goods for any purpose other than that for which they were designed;

(c) the Customer continuing the use of the goods after any defect became apparent or should have become apparent to a reasonable prudent operator or user;

(d) the Customer failing to follow instructions or guidelines provided by Premier;

(e) fair wear and tear, any accident, or act of God.

• Premier may in its absolute discretion accept non-defective goods for return. Returns will only be accepted with prior approval, quoting invoice/s numbers and subject to acceptance at our warehouse/s in re-saleable condition. At the time of approval Premier will advise the mode of transport should they be (through prior agreement) responsible for the freight costs.
• For non-defective returns, Premier may require the Customer to pay handling fees of up to thirty percent (30%) of the value of the goods plus any freight costs to cover costs of sorting, re-stocking and return transportation.