Why fillings matter
The cover is what you see. The core is what you sit on, what dries after rain, and what holds its height. A store-bought pad uses whatever foam was cheapest that week. Custom fill lets you match the job: firm indoor foam for a kitchen bench, draining outdoor fiber for a porch, or a plush poly-fill for a toss pillow. Comfort, cleaning, and how long the furniture looks “new” all start here.
Standard indoor — foam
Environmentally friendly foam is our standard indoor fill. Use it for bench seats, swing beds, indoor dining chairs, and indoor sofa seats that never sit in weather. We do not recommend it outdoors: it holds water, which shortens the life of the cushion and invites mildew. If a piece might live on a screened porch that still sees blown rain, choose an outdoor fill instead.
Standard outdoor/indoor — densified fiber
Densified fiber is the industry standard for outdoor cushions and a smart indoor choice when you want easy cleanup. It is a blend of poly fibers that melt at different temperatures, layered into a slab, compressed, and baked until the fibers fuse into a firm sheet we can cut to any size. The fibers repel water so rain drains through instead of soaking in — which limits mildew and bacteria. Homes with pets or children often pick this fill because messes sit on the cover, not inside a sponge-like foam.
Premium outdoor/indoor — reticulated
Reticulated foam is our premium option: a porous, low-density solid foam that water passes through quickly. We recommend it for open-air seating and pool decks. Every reticulated core is wrapped in batting so the sit feels finished, not like a raw foam block. Choose it when you want the fastest dry-out and a slightly more tailored, foam-like support than densified fiber.
Loose poly-fill for pillows and backs
Toss pillows, lumbar pillows, bolsters, and many chair or sofa backs use high-performance loose poly-fill — not a slab. It is the fill that makes a decorative pillow plump and a back cushion hug instead of sitting like a board. Seat slabs stay foam, densified fiber, or reticulated; the soft goods on top of them use poly-fill. You will see this option automatically on pillow types in the designer.
Density and firmness (IFD)
Our slab fills run a 1.75–1.85 density (mass per cubic foot — a durability and support signal, not “how heavy the box feels”). Firmness is 21–29 lb IFD depending on thickness: the higher the number, the firmer the sit. That range is supportive without being a park bench. If you have a firmness preference, note it on the order or call (866) 554-0804 before we cut.
Frequently asked questions
Which filling should I choose for outdoor cushions?
Densified fiber is our standard outdoor fill — water drains through it easily, which helps prevent mildew. Reticulated foam is the premium upgrade with even faster drainage, wrapped in batting for comfort.
Can I use standard foam outside?
We do not recommend it. Standard indoor foam retains water, which leads to mildew and shortens the life of an outdoor cushion. Choose densified fiber or reticulated foam instead.
What fill do throw pillows and lumbars use?
Loose poly-fill. It is what we use for custom toss pillows, lumbar pillows, bolsters, and many chair or sofa backs. Seat cushions use a cut slab (foam, densified fiber, or reticulated).
How firm will my cushion be?
Slab fills run a 1.75–1.85 density with a 21–29 lb firmness (IFD) depending on thickness. If you have a preference, note it on your order or call (866) 554-0804.
Design your custom cushions
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