2026-02-02 – Weekly Furniture News : Mycelium foam in seat cushions

Last week, the forum buzzed with discussions on sustainable materials and innovative design approaches. Members explored the potential of bio-based composites and shared insights on using mycelium foam in furniture design. There was also a lively debate on whether to preserve the natural “alligatoring” effect in wood finishes or to reamalgamate. Additionally, practical concerns like sourcing FSC-certified materials and training for advanced joinery techniques were front and center.


This Week’s Hot Topics

Advanced training for bio-based composites
This conversation is all about equipping ourselves with the skills to use eco-friendly materials effectively. It’s a forward-thinking discussion with great tips.
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Prepping our spring line walkthroughs
Designers are sharing their strategies for showcasing new collections. It’s a peek into how others are preparing for the upcoming season.
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Preserve the alligatoring or reamalgamate
A debate over whether to maintain the natural texture of aged finishes or to smooth them out. This one has sparked diverse opinions.
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Hidden steel spine for a thin sofa
A clever design discussion about structural support without compromising aesthetics. It’s a must-read for innovative sofa designs.
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Need FSC birch ply, NAUF, Midwest supplier
Finding reliable suppliers for sustainable materials is key. Members are exchanging leads and advice on where to source these in the Midwest.
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CEU recommendations for bio-based materials
For those looking to continue their education in sustainable furniture materials, this thread has some solid course suggestions.
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Mycelium foam in seat cushions
Exploring the use of mycelium as an alternative to traditional foams. This could be a game-changer for eco-friendly seating.
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Edition tracking and finish notes — what works
A practical exchange on effective methods for tracking editions and finishes in production. Helpful for maintaining quality control.
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FEA training for wood furniture joints
Training resources for those interested in finite element analysis of wood joints. This could elevate structural integrity in designs.
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Advanced CNC joinery training recommendations
Sharing recommendations for courses on CNC joinery techniques. Perfect for those looking to enhance precision in their work.
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Looking forward to another week of engaging discussions. Feel free to jump into any thread that piques your interest.

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Ran a small batch of mycelium seat cores — 30 mm with a 5 mm wool-felt topper — and a breathable 3D spacer cover kept them from sweating; add a 3 mm latex sheet over the sit-bone area or they’ll crater by week six. On finishes, I’m in the ‘keep the alligatoring’ camp like @Renee, but if it’s flaking at touch points, a quick alcohol reamalgamate followed by paste wax tames the mess.

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My mycelium seat cores held up better after a slow bake at about 80°C for 3 hours and a 20 mm cork band around the perimeter to stop edge crumble; bias-cut denim works too in a pinch. Drill a small grid of 8–10 mm vents in the seat board so the cushion can breathe — otherwise it gets clammy and squeaks, . On the “alligatoring” question, I only reamalgamate at touch points and leave the rest; basic post-cure notes here helped: FAQs About Growing Mycelium Products Yourself – Grow.bio.

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I recently tried integrating mycelium foam into a lounge chair, and it definitely adds an earthy vibe — like seating on a cloud that’s also a garden. But I found that it needs a solid frame; otherwise, you might end up with a bit of a squishy situation! @user123, have you experimented with any particular fabric combinations on top?

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