Are you looking for the perfect cushion filling for your garden furniture? Then you've probably already heard of Quick Dry Foam. This innovative material promises fast-drying cushions, ideal for the unpredictable Dutch weather. But is it really such a wonder material? In this blog we dive into the pros and cons of Quick Dry Foam, so you know whether this is the right choice for your garden!
Contents
What is Quick Dry Foam cushion filling?
Quick-drying foam filling is a popular choice for garden cushions, especially for garden furniture. What makes this material unique is that it drains moisture well and therefore dries quickly. Due to its special composition, it is resistant to mould formation and rot. Moreover, the open structure ensures that air circulates well, which speeds up the drying process. This filling is often combined with weather-resistant fabrics such as Textilene, Sunbrella or Silvertex, which work perfectly with the moisture-repellent properties of the foam.
Features of Quick Dry Foam cushion filling
The name says it all: quick-drying foam ensures that cushions dry quickly again. This is due to the open structure of the foam, which prevents moisture from getting trapped and prevents mould or rot. Because of this property, it is also often used on boats and in water sports. The foam maintains its shape, so it always returns to its original state after use.
When choosing quick-drying foam, it is important to pay attention to quality. This is determined by the density of the material, which affects the durability and firmness of the filling. Low-density foam can cause you to sink quickly and provides insufficient support. Density is indicated by specific gravity (SG). Choose an SG value of 30 or higher to ensure good quality. At values below 30, there is a greater chance that the material will lose its resilience and shape, which is often the case with cheaper variants.
Advantages and disadvantages of Quick Dry Foam cushion filling.
Advantages:
- Quick-drying: Quick Dry Foam lives up to its name; it dries quickly after rain showers, so you don't have to deal with wet cushions for long.
- Mould-resistant: Thanks to the open cell structure, moisture can easily escape, preventing mould formation and rot.
- Shape-retaining: The material maintains its shape well, even after prolonged use, thus providing consistent support.
- Durable: Due to the high quality and density, this cushion filling lasts longer than many other options, especially with an SG of 30 or higher.
Disadvantages:
- Price: The higher quality and durability often come with a higher price tag, especially for variants with higher density.
- Comfort: Although it is firm, it may be less comfortable for some than softer cushion fillings, especially if the density is too low.
- Availability: Quick Dry Foam is less widely available than standard foam fillings and is often only offered in specialist shops.
Alternatives to Quick Dry foam
If Quick Dry Foam isn't quite your thing, there are fortunately plenty of other cushion filling options that are also suitable for outdoor use. Here are some popular alternatives:
- Polyether foam: A more affordable choice, but less weather-resistant. Polyether is softer, but can retain moisture and is therefore less ideal for outdoors.
- Cold foam: Known for its comfort and long lifespan. Cold foam has good ventilation properties, but dries more slowly than Quick Dry Foam.
- Dacron wadding: Light and soft, perfect as a top layer for extra comfort. Dacron is often used in combination with other fillings to provide a more luxurious feel.
- Water-repellent cushions: Some cushions are fitted with special coatings or fabrics that repel water, such as Sunbrella or Silvertex, so moisture is slower to get in.
Depending on your budget and comfort requirements, there is always a filling that fits your garden furniture!
Final conclusion
Quick Dry Foam is an excellent choice for outdoor cushions, especially if you are looking for durability and convenience in all weather conditions. The quick-drying and mould-resistant properties make it ideal for use in the garden or on the water. Although it may be a bit more expensive than other options, it offers the assurance that your cushions will last longer and maintain their shape. Should you consider an alternative, there are other options available, but Quick Dry Foam remains one of the best choices for optimal comfort and weather resistance.
Curious how you can make your garden cushions waterproof? Check out our blog here: Making garden cushions waterproof, here's how!
Also read: Tips for replacing lounge set cushions and Cleaning garden cushions - Here's how
