Can polystyrene foam be used in furniture?

Question

Can polystyrene foam be used in furniture?

2 Answers

Answer Question

Answer 1

Polystyrene foam CAN NOT be used in furniture as it is highly flammable.

The main way in which polystyrene foam is used globally is as insulation material. Here are some facts about this substance and its other uses (hopefully also highlighting why it would make a poor choice of material for furniture)

• Polystyrene foam is 98% air so it's very lightweight and will float on water.

• That lightness made the perfect choice for United State Coastguard life rafts in 1942.

• In the building trade, polystyrene foam is used to insulate pipes.

• Florists and other crafty people use the foam and it can be bought in green or white.

• Polystyrene foam can also be used under roads to keep things steady when the weather is extreme.

• Perhaps the most commonly spotted use of the substance is polystyrene cups, which are seen as something of a blight on the environment.

Answer 2

No. There are very strict laws regarding the fire safety of materials made to create soft furnishings. Components need to meet these regulations to be deemed suitable for use. Aside from being uncomfortable, polystyrene is very flammable and toxic. Upholstery foam (such as these) is made to meet these standards and also offers the comfortable characteristics you'd expect from a cushion.