Yikes! It’s true – Canadians spend almost 10 hours daily of their waking time being sedentary (not including sleep). That is a LOT of time on our backsides!
Your furniture says a lot about your style, but don’t overlook the support and comfort its seat cushions should provide especially given how much time you may spend lounging.
Your chair or sofa’s seat cushion construction is one of the most important factors determining its comfort level and lifespan.
Buying new furniture is an investment, and it can become evident quickly whether your new seat cushions will hold up or flatten out like gingerbread cookies.
To avoid this discomfort and bad investment, you’ll want to learn more about the seat cushion construction to ensure it is right for you.
La-Z-Boy has over 90 years of experience in furniture manufacturing. Our testing labs try to better understand how customers use our product to ensure it has the durability to last for the duration of its expected lifespan.
To achieve the ultimate seating experience, the right balance of high-density foams, cushion support and fabric or leather cover undergoes rigorous seating impact testing. The test simulates the physical use and real-life forces applied to sofas and chairs, including the seat cushion, to ensure long-lasting durability.
General Furniture Seat Cushion Construction
Furniture seat cushions are made from multiple types of material and shapes that provide comfort when sitting or lying down. The cushion filling usually consists of polyester, foam, feathers or a combination of these.
The quality of the construction and materials used in the seat cushion will determine its comfort level and how long before the cushions start to sag, rip or stain.
Foam is the most common filling material for sofa and chair seat cushions. A foam cushion’s expected lifespan primarily depends on the density and thickness of the foam used.
Foam Density
Most foam suppliers typically stock 4-5 commonly used densities for residential furniture seat cushions ranging from 1.5 to 2.5. The number designates how much weight (in pounds) polyurethane foam can handle per cubic foot. This density rating tells you the strength of the foam. The higher the number, the longer the foam will last.
Foam Firmness
Although most people think that density and firmness are synonymous, they are actually very different. Each foam density is available in a wide variety of different firmnesses ranging from very soft to very firm.
When discussing firmness, it is essential to know that choosing the right foam comes down to personal taste and is not an indicator of cushion quality. In foam, firmness is measured using ILD (Indentation Load Deflection).
It is calculated by measuring how many pounds of pressure it takes to indent a four-inch-thick piece of foam by 25%. The amount of pressure required is then converted into weight. The most important thing to know about ILD is that the higher the number is, the firmer or harder it will feel.
High-Resiliency Foam
Another critical factor is whether the foam is high-resiliency, a higher quality foam used in cushions. It provides high responsiveness for extra bounce and quick return action. That means that it will return to its original shape quickly after compression. Moreover, it delivers a very comfortable seat for your tushie and offers the highest longevity.
BEWARE – a seat cushion’s overall thickness may or may not indicate a cushion’s durability. Value-priced sofas will sometimes have cushions bulked up with several inches of polyester fibre around the foam core.
Ideally, you want a cushion that has a balance of comfort and support suited for both its use and your preference. Adding fiberfill wrap is an excellent way to increase softness and comfort without sacrificing supportive firmness.
The frequency of use (and how it is being used) plus the size of the people using the sofa or chair will also affect how long a seat cushion will last. Keep this in mind when choosing your sofa or chair and find out what you can about the seat cushion construction.
La-Z-Boy Stationary and duo® Furniture Seat Cushions
If your idea of beauty goes beyond good looks alone, then La-Z-Boy’s Premier stationary sofas, loveseats, sectionals and chairs should be a consideration for your home’s best seat in the house. Premier construction includes quality-crafted frames padded to enhance the style’s design lines to prove that beauty is more than skin deep.
The premier stationary furniture line dominates La-Z-Boy Ottawa and Kingston’s five best-selling sofas list, including styles from our Urban Attitudes Collection.
Your southern cheeks will also cozy up to ComfortCore® cushions in our duo® line of reclining furniture. Although duo® sofas and recliners may secretly resemble their stationary counterparts, at the touch of a button, you have the power to adjust the back and leg rest.
Features of the Premier construction include:
• Quality-crafted frame consisting of kiln-dried hardwood and furniture-grade laminates
• Fully padded outside back, outside arms and front post
• La-Z-Boy non-skid logo decking-sag sinuous wire seat and back springs to keep seat cushions in place
• Accent pillows lined with accordion fabric for added loft
• Self-healing zippers fixed effortlessly by zipping and unzipping past the point where it has popped open with usage
• Limited Lifetime Warranty on parts, mechanism and frame
And last but not least
• Patented ComfortCore® zoned technology seat cushions
Standard ComfortCore® Seat Cushions
Premier furniture comes standard with patented ComfortCore® cushions for added comfort and optimal firmness. They support your derriere’s every curve with the perfect balance of firmness and luxurious softness.
The 7-layer zoned cushion technology offers added support for the spine, hips and behind the knees. This proprietary design features four different foam densities distributed to provide the best comfort and support level for various areas of the seat.
ZONE 1
The pressure relief core at the front is a softer cushion (3” thick, 27lb ILD, 1.8 density high-resiliency foam) to ease pressure behind the knees.
ZONE 2
The rear core or posterior region has the heaviest and firmest foam (3” thick, 36lb ILD, 2.5 density high-resiliency foam), which supports the bulk of your body weight and provides firmer support at the back for softness without sagging.
ZONE 3
A top and bottom high resilience casing of 1” thick, 24lb ILD, 1.8 density high comfort polyfoam is added to the inner core for lasting comfort and durable longevity.
ZONE 4
For an exceptionally soft and supple initial sit for your rear end, there is a top and bottom layer of 1” thick, 12lb ILD, 1.5 density conventional foam.
The cushion assembly is finished with a lofty ¾ oz batting wrap to protect the foam from direct contact with your chosen upholstery cover.
THE ZONES OF THE COMFORCORE® SEAT CUSHION
Optional Cushion Upgrade
Firmer seat options are available at an additional cost of $150 for a single chair or single sectional module and $400 for a 3-seater sofa.
Additionally, you can upgrade both the seat and back cushions priced at an extra $300 per single-seat and $900 for a 3-seater sofa.
For more information, please see our stationary furniture collection catalogue.
Please note that furniture purchased before January 2021 had the option to upgrade to ComfortCore® GEL cushions.
In addition to the standard ComfortCore® zone 1 and zone 2, it included a casing made of 1.5”, 3.7 density airformTM responsive foam and a gel-infused 1" casing, 2.4 density memory foam to distribute pressure and give the body extra support.
Please note that La-Z-Boy prices listed in this article are subject to change without notice. Information is current as of May 15, 2023. Contact your local Ottawa or Kingston location by phone or in person for up-to-date pricing.
La-Z-Boy Reclining Furniture Cushion
Raise the bar on your keister’s comfort by lounging with your feet elevated! La-Z-Boy’s extensive line of recliners and motion sofas feature contoured-cut polyurethane high-resiliency foam seats.
These cushions provide superior support by reducing pressure points in all upright and reclined positions.
At La-Z-Boy, seat cushion foam is cut on a machine with a fine wire guided by lasers (pictured below).
It is worthwhile noting that while most manufacturers fill their furniture arms with blown-in fibre, La-Z-Boy uses contour-cut foam padding. The same machine cuts the exact shape of a particular arm style from a large polyurethane foam block.
The benefits of contour-cut foam include:
• It doesn’t compress or shifts away from pressure
• Cut to the exact shape of the frame, so it keeps its shape and stays in place
• Looks better, a more sharp and fuller appearance
• Provides a greater level of comfort
• Extends the lifespan of the sofa or chair
• Tailoring is consistent in a particular style (so if you wanted to get two matching chairs, they would look similar)
Standard motion sofa and recliner cushion seat construction consist of original chaise seating, pillow tops, box borders and bullnose featuring 27 lb ILD, 1.8 density polyurethane foam standard seat cores and spring ups.
Specialty Reclining Furniture Cushions
We’re all about giving you choices so that your new furniture doesn’t just suit your home; it fits your body and way of living.
As in the premier line, our reclining furniture has a wide variety of sofa and chair styles. Consequently, some reclining furniture styles have specialty cushion seat construction, which is detailed below.
Ultra Plush Seat Cushion – a softer seat is achieved by adding an extra layer of 12 lb polyurethane foam on top of the foam core
This plush seat belongs to our Joshua recliner style, one of our top 5 selling recliners.
Original Bucket Seat Cushion – thin wedge-shaped polyurethane foam side fillers create a soft bucket shape
Sculpted Bucket Seat Cushion – top and bottom polyurethane foam fillers create a deep, sculpted sea (the top fillers do not extend to the front of the seat)
The James recliner style comprises the original bucket seat cushion.
Reclining Sofa Sculpted Bucket Seat Cushion – features a 36 lb ILD/2.5 density top foam wedge fillers for increased support
The sculpted bucket seat cushion for reclining sofas is found in the James sofa style, one of our top selling loveseats.
Hybrid Bucket Seat Cushion – includes 27 lb ILD top polyurethane foam fillers that extend to the front of the seat and 36 lb ILD bottom foam fillers
You’ll find this hybrid buck seat in the Greyson recliner.
Reclining Sofa Hybrid Bucket Seat Cushion – supportive 36 lb ILD/2.5 density foam wedge fillers sit on top of a contoured-cut polyurethane foam core
The Greyson reclining sofa has hybrid bucket seat cushion.
Faux Box Border Seat Cushion – features a complete square, 27 lb/1.8 density polyurethane foam core giving the cushion a look resembling stationary seat seating
The Aspen style carries this faux box border seat cushion.
Summit Seat Cushion – five-seat springs and a 36 lb/2.5 density foam core give this cushion ultimate support
You’ll be setting your behind on a summit seat cushion in the Redwood recliner style.
Standard Lift Seat Cushion – 36 lb ILD/2.5 density foam core allows for a lower profile chair seat; soft batting topper gives extra comfort; spring support and a deck pad reinforce the seat
One of our top selling lift chairs, the Astor Power Lift Recliner, features the standard lift seat cushion.
➊ Nonwoven Spring Cover
➋ Insulator/Stabilizer Spring Support System
➌ Deck Pad
➍ Polyurethane Foam Core 27lb ILD/1.8 Density
➎ Polyurethane Foam Core 36lb ILD/2.5 Density
➏ Polyurethane Foam Topper 12 lb ILD/1.1 Density
➐ Polyurethane Foam Fillers 36 lb ILD/2.5 Density
➑ Seat Side Polyurethane Foam Fillers 27 lb ILD/1.8 Density
➒ Seat Side Polyurethane Foam Fillers 36 lb ILD/2.5 Density
Optional Reclining Furniture Cushion Upgrade
Similar to upgraded seating on our stationary furniture, it will cost an additional $150 for a firmer seat on a recliner or single sectional module and $450 for a 3-seater reclining sofa. There is no option to upgrade the back cushion on reclining furniture.
For more information, view our Motion Furniture Collection catalogue.
Choice of Seat Cushion Upholstery
At La-Z-Boy, all upholstery furniture is customizable, so you have the ability to make your new sofa or chair uniquely yours with a variety of options and upgrades.
First and foremost, your fabric or leather upholstery choice greatly impacts its overall look and feel and is a pivotal decision when selecting furniture for your home. Also, your choice of cover affects your furniture seat cushion’s comfort, durability and the level of maintenance required.
La-Z-Boy has over 800 fabric and leather cover options to custom-create a look that reflects your style and unique preferences.
With its distinctive grain and texture, leather is durable and requires low maintenance. If properly cared for, leather will maintain its beauty and usefulness for many years.
Leather has incredible tear strength and can last four times longer than fabric. Natural oils prevent cracking, flaking, peeling and tearing along the seam line.
But if your fanny prefers fabric upholstery, some are specifically designed to withstand wear and tear, so your cushion’s outer shell has a superior level of protection.
Stain Resistant
Innovative iClean Technology surrounds each fabric fibre, creating a barrier that repels spills before turning into stains.
Pet Friendly
Tested and formulated to withstand the scratches and wear that a pet can cause to ensure a durable and easily washable fabric.
Antimicrobial Fabric
Antimicrobial properties surround each fibre to protect against mould, mildew and odour-causing bacteria.
Performance
Superior stain and fade resistance properties make fabrics easy to clean and incredibly durable.
Eco-Friendly
Conserve Sustainable Fabrics are soft, durable and made from recycled water bottles.
Energy Restoration
Restore by Nanobionic® features a mineral-based fabric coating that transforms natural body heat into energy using infrared technology.
Over time, your furniture will have to endure some wear and tear. Given that furniture can be a costly investment, you’ll want to do what you can to increase its lifespan, which includes caring for the seat cushions.
Cushions may stretch and wrinkle with use. You can easily restore their appearance by smoothing the surface and tucking excess upholstery into the sides of the seat or back.
Humans are creatures of habit, so we tend to sit in the same spots time and time again. To make sure it isn’t apparent which side of the sofa is your favourite spot, regularly flip, rotate, fluff and regulate removable cushions to ensure even wear and increase longevity.
Because dust and dirt cause fabric to wear faster, we recommend using an upholstery attachment to vacuum your seat cushions.
Check out the Furniture Care Tips article to help you keep your furniture in tip-top shape!
Warranties and Additional Furniture Protection Plan
Once you purchase your furniture, you’ll want to protect your investment and make it last. Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, accidents are bound to happen, and furniture nor their seat cushions last forever.
Most manufacturers offer one year of coverage, and below you will find the La-Z-Boy warranty for each cushion type.
| DESCRIPTION | PARTS COVERAGE | LABOUR COVERAGE |
| airform™ | Three Years | One Year (no coverage on loose seat styles) |
| ComfortCore™ | Three Years | One Year (no coverage on loose seat styles) |
| ComfortCore™ GEL (this does not include the material, just the foam) | Five Years | No Coverage |
| Standard Polyurethane Foam Cushioning | One Year | One Year |
| Standard Poly Foam Cushioning (loose seats) | One Year | No Coverage |
Sometimes called an extended furniture warranty, at La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston, we offer a five-year furniture protection plan.
This plan covers accidental rips, punctures, and tears; household food and beverage stains; and seam separation (almost no other retailer offers seam separation after one year). Note that foam resiliency is not included under this extended protection package.
The cushion seat foam is easy to replace on our stationary furniture line as it comes with a removable cushion that is stuffed and zipped. But, any repairs or replacements needed for our recliner seat cushions need an upholsterer to install, whose fees are substantial if your seat cushion is no longer covered under warranty.
We also maintain our own in-house service department, which allows us to deliver quick, friendly, and customer-focused service. A technician will visit your home and repair the item when there's a problem.
Many of our furniture warranty plans cover various service calls. Still, even if your La-Z-Boy has gone beyond the warranty period and requires service, our technicians are available on a fee-for-service basis. And with one of the strongest brands in the market, the service department is your one-stop shop for any La-Z-Boy parts you may require.
Before contacting the service department, locate your La-Z-Boy product ID tag on your piece of furniture so that you can reference the Ack#. This will facilitate retrieving the correct product information to match the tight cushion and determine whether a cushion replacement or repair is covered under warranty.
Next Steps
Well, that’s a wrap! Now that you know what comprises furniture seat cushion construction, you can find the perfect balance of comfort, support and firmness for your perfect seat!
The key to finding the furniture you’ll love and enjoy for a lifetime is making sure your new chair or sofa is the right fit.
Your seat cushion should support your hips and thighs, with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle and your feet touching the floor. Of course, the best way to find the perfect fit is to visit one of our Ottawa and Kingston La-Z-Boy locations and test one in person!
As experts in furniture fitting and design, our design consultants are happy to help you navigate our wide selection of styles and options to tailor a seat where your buns will enjoy style and comfort for many years to come.
