DIY pads?

I'm hoping to make a pad for my home wall, and if it seems safe a pad for outdoors. 

Bouldering pads are mega expensive. Also for the untrained eye (me) they seem really simple. High density foam inside a durable nylon, right sack.

Has anyone made their own or know where to purchase high density foam? I know a DIY pad won't have the R+D companies have, but it seems like it wouldn't be hard to make with a sewing table and some planning.

Open to ideas, opinions, and experiences.

First, check out this article from the Foam Factory.

Also, lots of crash pad manufacturers at least hint at what's going on inside (example).

One idea for outer material sourcing:
material

Spend some time searching online you will find pieces that can be put together to make your own if you have the skills and equipment

No pads out there actually have any R&D put into the important part of it (the foam). Foam is a huge industry so they have little need to try and make something more specific for bouldering and even if they did put their minds to it they wouldn't have the talent or resources of big companies so it would be highly unlikely for it to result in a better product, they would be much better off looking at a novel solution.

Don't bother making your own pad unless you want to, you can't beat the purchasing power of big brands so what you will end up with would just end up being more expensive and possibly worse than what you could buy second hand for under $100.

that guy named seb wrote: No pads out there actually have any R&D put into the important part of it (the foam). Foam is a huge industry so they have little need to try and make something more specific for bouldering and even if they did put their minds to it they wouldn't have the talent or resources of big companies so it would be highly unlikely for it to result in a better product, they would be much better off looking at a novel solution.

Don't bother making your own pad unless you want to, you can't beat the purchasing power of big brands so what you will end up with would just end up being more expensive and possibly worse than what you could buy second hand for under $100.

Very fair. I like the idea of buying second hand over making one with the materials I have currently. 

Ben V wrote:

Very fair. I like the idea of buying second hand over making one with the materials I have currently. 

It always seems like it would be cheaper to make your own but sadly it rarely ends up that way, this is talking from experience be it a bouldering pad or a backpack it always ends pricing up as allot more expensive sadly. 

The main upside to diy for a home wall is being able to go 6” thick and custom-sized which would be impractical for outdoor use.

if there is a bouldering pad rental place near you, sometimes they sell them once they seams are blown out, but work fine for a home wall or something similar. This can be an economical way to get extra padding.

Buying some gym mats for your home wall can be cost efficient. You can occasionally find thicker used ones online

Something you may want to look at when making your own- BD pads have two layers of foam. One less pliable at the top surface and one squishier on the bottom. My bet is to prevent ankle roll. Post pics if you end up making one!