High-Density vs Reticulated Foam: Best Cushion Insert for Wellington’s Wet & Windy Days

Foam Choice Matters in New Zealand’s Climate

When you order custom cushions in New Zealand, the foam insert you choose is just as important as the fabric. In Wellington, where gusty winds and sudden rain showers are part of daily life, your cushions need more than good looks—they need to perform. The two most popular options for cushion inserts are high-density foam and reticulated foam. Let’s compare them to help you choose the right one for your Wellington home.

What is High-Density Foam?

High-density foam is designed to provide firm support and long-lasting comfort.

• Best use: Indoor seating, dining nooks, bench seats, and lounge cushions.

• Advantages: Retains its shape, supportive, ideal for heavy-use areas.

• Limitations: Not designed to dry quickly if exposed to water—better suited to covered or indoor spaces.

Example in Wellington Homes

For a Wellington villa with a sunroom or indoor window seat, high-density foam ensures comfort for everyday use without sagging.

What is Reticulated Foam?

Reticulated foam, also known as quick-dry foam, is engineered with large open cells that allow water and air to flow through easily.

• Best use: Outdoor cushions exposed to rain and sea breezes.

• Advantages: Quick-drying, mould-resistant, breathable, perfect for unpredictable weather.

• Limitations: Slightly less firm than high-density foam, but excellent for outdoor comfort.

Example in Wellington Homes

For a deck or balcony overlooking the harbour, reticulated foam is the clear winner—it dries fast after a downpour and prevents that soggy-cushion problem.

Wellington’s Weather Challenge: Wet, Windy & Changeable

• Rain: Outdoor cushions are often left exposed during sudden showers. Reticulated foam ensures they dry quickly and resist mildew.

• Wind: Cushions need to be light enough to move but sturdy enough not to blow away—foam choice affects weight and performance.

• Cold snaps: Foam that retains moisture can make outdoor seating feel damp; reticulated foam prevents this issue.

Quick Comparison

Which Should You Choose in Wellington?

• If you need indoor comfort—like a reading nook, dining bench, or lounge suite—high-density foam is the best investment.

• If your cushions will sit on balconies, decks, or patios exposed to rain and wind, reticulated foam is essential.

Many Wellington homeowners actually combine both: high-density foam indoors for structure and reticulated foam outdoors for weather resistance.

Conclusion

Choosing between high-density and reticulated foam depends on where your cushions will live. For Wellington’s unpredictable weather, reticulated foam is the clear choice for outdoor living, while high-density foam is perfect for durable indoor comfort.

At Cushion House, we supply both foam types—ensuring your custom cushions in Wellington are perfectly tailored to your space and climate.