How to measure and replace garden furniture foam

29May 2025 /

Articles

You’ve had your lovely garden furniture for some time and it’s needing a makeover, but it’s still in good condition. A quick and simple way to bring new life to your tired-looking garden furniture is to renovate the cushions. Depending upon the condition of the covers, you can either clean and repair them or create a brand-new look by making or buying new ones. For advice on fabric care, sewing guides, and upcycling ideas, you can visit Love Your Clothes, a UK resource dedicated to helping you extend the life of your textiles.

You can replace garden furniture foam in no time at all using F.C. Hancox’s foam-cut-to-size service. But how do you ensure the best foam and a great fit? Read on to discover how to measure and replace garden furniture foam.

How to measure and replace garden furniture foam using the existing foam

If your existing covers remain in good condition, then the best way to make your cushions look as good as new is to replace the foam. The key to buying the correct sized foam for your replacement cushions is to use the existing piece of foam as a template. Carefully measure the old piece as accurately as possible to find out the dimensions for your new foam, it’s as simple as that. Once you have the dimensions, you are ready to begin ordering your replacement foam.

Here are the simple steps for a standard seat or back cushion.

1. Measure as accurately as you can

2. Decide whether you are going to measure the foam using inches or centimetres. Centimetres can provide a more accurate measurement. So long as you use one or the other.

3. Have a pen and paper close to hand.

4. On your old piece of foam:

Measure the width (side to side)

Measure the depth (front to back)

Measure the height (top to bottom)

5. You now have the dimensions for your new foam.

How to measure and replace garden furniture foam using the existing covers

Here are the simple steps for a standard seat or back cushion.

Have a pen and paper close to hand.
Decide whether you are going to take the measurements using inches or centimetres. Centimetres can provide a more accurate measurement. So long as you use one or the other.
Measure as accurately as you can
Measure from line to line of the stitching or between any piping

Measure the width (side to side)

Measure the depth (front to back)

Measure the height (Top to bottom)

You now have the dimensions for your new foam.

How to measure and replace garden furniture foam where the foam is damaged

It may be that the foam from your garden furniture is missing, or too flattened. Over time, especially with seating, foam can sag. We have an article about this, find out more here: Signs your outdoor foam needs replacing. Replacing the foam will reinstate the bulk and fit snugly into the covers, making them comfortable once more. If this is the case, then simply measure the cover as described above in How to measure and replace garden furniture foam when buying new covers.

How to measure and replace garden furniture foam when it’s an odd shape

Not all seating cushions are rectangularly shaped. There may be a T-shaped section or triangular pad. F.C. Hancox can cut foam to any size or shape. Visit the home page, or any page where you can see the blue shapes. Select the shape nearest to the pad or cushion you are replacing. The next figure will show you where to take measurements.

Follow steps 1-4 in the section above entitled How to measure and replace garden furniture foam for existing covers.

Be careful to insert the measurement into the correct field, it’s easy, D1 is Dimension 1; D2 is dimension 2, etc…

These are your measurements for your new odd-shaped foam piece. If you are still not sure what to do, we don’t mind if people contact us about their foam needs. We do get people sending us or bringing in the old foam or a cover. If in doubt, give us a shout!

Buying new covers? Simply measure the covers as described above.

Choosing the best foam for garden furniture

For all kinds of outdoor garden furniture and situations where foam cushions are open to the elements, then outdoor foam will give you great service. As top suppliers of foam cut to size F.C. Hancox recommends our specialist quality outdoor foam, Calipore.

Of course, any foam can be used for garden furniture, but outdoor foam is specially formulated for outdoor use and where the cushions can get wet. Calipore outdoor foam is made up of larger than usual cells. Having larger cells has two benefits, firstly moisture can pass through more easily and secondly air can also infiltrate, drying the foam quicker than it can a denser foam. Outdoor foam can be left outside whereas any other foam will need to be brought indoors or into storage after use in case of rain.

Do I need polyester wrap or stockinette on garden furniture foam?

If you are buying a specialist outdoor foam, such as Calipore, polyester wrap isn’t necessary. As well as being porous and quick-drying, outdoor foams have antibacterial properties and polyester wrap does note. However, polyester wrap adds an extra layer of comfort and if this is what you’re seeking for your garden furniture foam, then do ask for polyester wrap. We have three sizes, 4oz, 9oz, and 12oz. If you aren’t sure which to choose, give us a call. If you order this, the foam will arrive already covered. Additionally, stockinette can be added which will make inserting your new foam into the cushion covers much easier, especially if it’s a snug fit. Some people add a very small amount to the dimensions when measuring for their new foam to ensure a snug fit and a plump cushion. In these cases, stockinette is an ideal addition. Only do this if you are confident your new foam will fit into its cover.

Ordering foam for your garden furniture is quick and easy

Now that you know how to measure and replace garden furniture foam, you can go ahead and order it. To make things easy for our customers we have our online foam cut to size service. When you are ready to order, use the home page, or any page where you see the blue shapes. Have your measurements ready!

Select the shape closest to the shape of your cushion. A simple cushion pad is usually rectangular, but this applies to all shapes.
Check the box of the units (inches or centimetres) that you have used to find the size of foam block that you need.
Insert your dimensions
Select the foam you would like for your new cushions, we recommend Calipore outdoor foam for garden furniture. You can use other foams, but these are not waterproof, so will need to be brought indoors or stored.
You will now see an instant quote for your new foam. All foam ordered through F.C. Hancox’s foam-cut-to-size service is charged at trade prices
Add polyester wrap and / or stockinette here if required
You may also add adhesives and instructions to your order

Once you’ve added your order to your basket, you can repeat the process for further pieces of foam, so whatever the sizes and shapes, your order will be processed at the same time and all your foam despatched together.

Speedy delivery, exceptional customer service

F.C. Hancox is the South’s leading specialist in outdoor foam. Ordering through our foam-cut-to-size service couldn’t be simpler, and we offer trade prices for foam ordered this way. If you are unsure of any part of ordering your foam, or have any questions, you can check out our FAQs page, send an email, or call us, our friendly staff are only too happy to help.

Once we receive your order our experienced technicians set to work cutting your new foam. We aim to deliver it to your door as soon as we can and aim for within five working days.

Now you know how to measure and replace garden furniture foam you are a step closer to that new look for your outdoor spaces. What are you waiting for?

Please note: Outdoor foam doesn’t comply with the indoor foam regulations and therefore should not be used or taken inside.