Quality sofa cushions aren't just foam.

Cheap sofas use foam alone.
Better sofas use foam core within a down & feather blanket (wrap) The ratio of down to feathers is usually only a 10/90 ratio, but the greater the ration of down to feathers, the better
Even better sofas use a spring core encased in foam...
...and the best sofas use either a spring core that's encased in foam which is then encased in a down wrap - or an all-down and feather cushion.

Remember too that it's not just the cushion itself but the construction of the base that matters: Most mainstream furniture uses a Sinuous spring base, but the best and most resilient is an 8-Way-Han-Tied spring base.

Does anyone know where i could get new cushions made for a couch that is too soft?

Askyoufirst, any upholsterer should be able to restuff existing cushions with denser foam. Just be sure to specify how firm you would like it.

As I write this, I'm laying on my 6 year old Jasper sofa. The cushions have held up very well actually, although it will never look as perfect as it did in the showroom. Just be sure you flip and rotate the cushions and you'll be fine. I also have back problems, and whether I'm laying down or sitting on it, it's been very comfortable for me.

The only big issue has been a wobbly leg, which happened when a rather large friend plopped themselves down on it. It seems to me that it should have been able to handle it, but hopefully I can fix it myself.

comicgeek, thanks!

1.8 is the minimum, and its going to sag pretty quickly. 2.75 is more like what you should be looking for, and there should be more than just foam behind your fabric.

Don't forget to look at frame construction! Its just as important as the foam in your cushions. Looks for kiln-dried hardwood frame and eight-way handing on your springs. A good company will sometimes have a lifetime warranty on their frames... (I kid you not).

Do the cushion covers unzip for washing? If so, you can easily swap out the filler.

I just wanted to agree with Cashew that good companies have lifetime warranty.
We have a lazyboy couch and it has a lifetime warranty on the frame.

"We have a lazyboy couch and it has a lifetime warranty on the frame."

Remember that "lifetime" doesn't refer to YOUR lifetime...
...it refers to the number of years that the sofa is reasonably expected to last - probably something like 10-15 years - and it covers defects in workmanship and manufactuiring, not wear and tear.

...so if you find in a year or so while flipping cushions that a seam wasn't sewn properly when it was made - that's covered. However if a couple oversized friends hop on your brand-new sofa at a party and it collapses in a heap, that's not covered.

Density for seat cushions is a tricky thing to say what is better. Modern sofas with their straight lines typically have a thinner seat cushion, often 4" high. The thinner the cushion, the higher the density needed. A shabby chic style sofa often has a seat 6" thick, lower density foam and a down wrap. It is also a fluffier, softer look and feel.

Bepsf is right in a lot of ways, but it depends on the style. You won't find down seating on a very expensive Knoll case study sofa, ie.

Foam itself has many different qualities that are reflected in the price. I typically use a soy based, green foam in my designs which is a much better quality than many other foams of the same density. I also offer a very high resiliency foam that comes in different densities that will hold up to heavier weight and use.

Softer is preferred by some and bad for those with back problems. The more dense, the harder the seat. It's all subjective. If it feels good to you, it is the right thing.

Room and Board sofas are in general not the best quality. But they are a good value for the money and you should be happy with the sofa for quite a while.

If you find you need new cushions, go see Vinny at Economy Foam and Futon on 8th st/6av in the West Village. He'll show you the difference in densities and help you with what is good for your situation. They do great work and I hire them for all of my local cushion work.

- Tracy Steele Designs Custom Upholstery Design

I have an 8 year old Jasper sofa that gets a lot of use. It doesn't look so hot anymore. I have to do some fluffing and throw pillow arranging for it not to look too battered.

Thank you all for your comments! I put money down on the Jasper custom sectional (loveseat, corner & seat) - it comes to about $3300 with tax. I know this is probably a middle of the range price, but I think it is a lot of money if the cushions are not great. R&B told me they are not high resilient which concerns me and Tsteele says this is important.

I do like firm, but not hard as a rock, I like it to give a little, but don't like to sink. I guess what one describes as firm is not necessarily firm to another.

The first time I sat in the jasper, it felt just right. I went back and sat in it again after putting a deposit down and it seemed too soft.

It it definitely not as firm as C&B's petrie (that is 1.8 density also) - petrie is wrapped in down - jasper is single wrapped foam.

I love the petrie but I really need a sectional - my room is too long for its width (21 x 11) and a small sectional gives a cozy feel. I also read about how the buttons come off of the petrie.

I have been obsessing over this sofa - I feel like I am nuts to go out and buy new cushions for a sofa that costs almost $3500.

I'll see Vinny at Economy Foam to get an idea about pricing.

Thanks again and if you have any thoughts please let me know!!!! I get so overwhelmed with this decorating stuff...

I just got this sofa and the sit is firm. I like soft cushions normally and I would have gone for a down-wrap if R&B offered it.
You'll probably be happy with it since you like firm cushions.

Thanks studioc2c - for my sake I hope the cushions stay firm. Just so you know though, I read that the cushions soften up alot which is a good thing for you...

i have a few-months-old jasper, and when it first showed up, to describe it as "very firm" would have been an understatement.

it's loosened up a bit over the 4 months i've had it, but the back cushions especially have been slow to soften up despite lots and lots of cushion rotation.

my guess is that it's going to take jasper and i lots of quality time before he's showroom soft--which sounds like just the kind of wear you're looking for. enjoy!

Thanks Mregan!