Couch cushion replacement for your sofa is a simple process. It doesn’t consume much time and energy. The couch cushions are made from polyurethane foam. Over a period of time the foam loses its stiffness. Hence, you get a sinking feeling when you sit on the couch.
Couch Cushion Replacement Steps
Couch cushion replacement can be carried out in four simple and easy steps.
Step 1: Getting the Measurement
The process of reupholstering couch cushions starts with measuring the foam for the cushions. This is an important step to get the right look for the couch.
To get the accurate measurement, it is always good to remove the foam from the cushion and then measure it. Removing the foam from the cushion is not a difficult task. The cushions usually have a zip on one side and the foam can be removed through it. Whenever you measure the foam, always measure the longest edge for the length and breadth. Make a written note of the measurements on a piece of paper and not just a mental one, as you might forget the exact measurements.
Start with measuring the length of each cushion and sum up the length of all of them. Then measure the depth of the cushions. The usual depth of the cushion is either 24 or 27 inches. While choosing the depth of the couch cushion replacement foam, either choose a foam with depth equal to the existing depth or more than the existing one. But choosing a foam with a depth lesser than the current depth, is a strict No-No. Then comes the thickness of the foam. An important thing to remember while noting the measurement is to always round off the measurement to the nearest inch. For example, round off 3.5 to 4 inch but if the measurement is 3.2 then it should be rounded off to 3 inch and not 4.
Step 2: Ordering the Foam
Now that the measurements are ready, order the couch cushion replacement foam. When you order, remember that you can choose the firmness of the foam that you order. Always select a foam that exceeds your expectation and/or requirement or at a minimal level, meets the existing size.
When you order the size, it is advisable to order a little more than the actual requirement. It normally comes in huge blocks of size 6 feet. From the huge blocks, small pieces as per the specifications can be made. The replacement foam can be ‘cut-to-order’. However, only square and rectangle can be found in this category as they are the standard shapes. Other shapes, if any, will have to be cut at home itself.
Very often, the staff at the upholstery store can guide you with the right size, thickness and firmness of the foam.
Step 3: Cutting the Foam
Once you have got the foam home, it is time to cut it into the required size and shape. The best option now is to remove the foam from one of the old cushions, place it on the new piece and trace out the borders with a marker.
An electric carving knife will be of immense help for cutting the foam into the right size and shape as it is easy to handle. In case the electric carving knife is not at hand, use a long sharp knife. While cutting the foam, ensure that the knife is at an angle of 90º. Be sure that the foam is cut evenly throughout the length. There should be no room for error while you cut the foam. A single small error will mean more expenditure.
The foam can give you a warmer feeling in summer. If you want, you can stick a layer of cotton on the foam. The cotton layer also helps in increasing the life of the foam. You can also stitch a netting cloth on all sides of the foam. This will help in keeping the cotton and the foam together, so the reupholster couch cushions last longer.
Step 4: Replacing the Foam
Now is the time to stuff the newly made foam back into the cushion cover. The new foam will not slip into the cushion covers as easily as the old ones. You may have to press them a little. After you have inserted the replacement foam, make sure that all the edges are square and have not taken any other shape. If they are not square, the cushion will not have an even finish.
Yeah! Project couch cushion replacement is over.
