If you need 1.5-inch-thick foam for craftwork, model building, or protective storage, the products below include several options. However, the listings provided do not identify a building-insulation board with an R-value or other construction specifications. Silverlake is best for rigid sculpting and models, while the polyurethane and polyethylene sheets are better suited to case inserts and packing. Confirm the material and intended use before buying for a wall, ceiling, or other thermal-insulation project.
| Product | Best For | Listed Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Silverlake EPS Foam Blocks | Models and detailed craft projects | 1.5 inches |
| Polyurethane Foam Sheets | Cut-to-fit case and toolbox inserts | 1.5 inches |
| Frienda Polyethylene Foam Sheets | Compact protective inserts | 1.5 inches |
| Pipe Insulation Tubing | Covering pipes, handles, or stands | 3/8-inch wall |
| Union Strong Foam Board | Displays and presentations | 3/16 inch |
Silverlake EPS Foam Blocks
Best for: Artists, model makers, and crafters who need rigid 1.5-inch foam blocks for shaping or display bases. This five-pack contains 12-by-12-by-1.5-inch pieces made from high-density expanded polystyrene (EPS).
The listing says the blocks can be sanded, shaped, and painted with water-based paint or sealant. It also notes that they can be cut with a hot-wire knife, making them suitable for detailed models, dioramas, props, sculptures, and educational displays. These qualities make this the clearest match for buyers specifically seeking rigid foam in a 1.5-inch thickness.
Limitation: The listed purpose is craft and model work, not building insulation. The supplied details do not state an R-value or provide construction-use specifications.
Polyurethane Foam Sheets
Best for: People making protective inserts for cases, toolboxes, cameras, or craft projects. The listing specifies six cuttable polyurethane sheets, each 16 by 12 by 1.5 inches.
Choose this if you want several same-size pieces that can be cut to fit a storage space or item. Its listed uses focus on packing, storage, and crafts, rather than construction. Compared with the smaller Frienda sheets, these pieces offer a larger listed footprint per sheet.
Limitation: The product details supplied do not specify an insulation rating or building application, so do not assume it is suitable as thermal insulation in a building assembly.
Frienda Polyethylene Foam Sheets
Best for: Buyers who need a pair of compact foam sheets for protective inserts or small projects. The listing identifies two polyethylene sheets measuring 8 by 16 by 1.5 inches.
This is a better fit than the larger polyurethane set when the required piece size is narrower or a two-sheet quantity is sufficient. The stated dimensions make it easier to compare against a case or storage compartment before ordering.
Limitation: The supplied listing information does not describe an R-value, density, or building-insulation use. Verify that the dimensions and intended protective use match your project.
Foam Pipe Insulation Tubing
Best for: Buyers who need tubular foam to cover a pipe, guitar stand, shelf, or equipment handle—not a flat insulation board. It is listed as 6 feet long, with a 1.5-inch inner diameter and a 3/8-inch foam wall.
The product details describe insulating material, a stated working-temperature range of -20°F to 176°F, and applications that include air-conditioning equipment and protective buffering. Its tubular shape makes it distinct from the sheet and block products in this guide.
Limitation: This is tubing, not 1.5-inch-thick board. The 1.5-inch measurement refers to the inner diameter, so choose it only when that opening and shape suit the application.
Union Strong Presentation Foam Board
Best for: Presentations, signs, framing, displays, and arts and crafts where a broad, thin panel is more important than thickness. The listing describes a 10-pack of white, matte-finish boards measuring 24 by 36 inches and 3/16 inch thick.
Choose this if you need a flat display surface and want multiple panels. It is substantially thinner than 1.5 inches, so it is not a substitute for thick foam blocks or construction insulation.
Limitation: The listed thickness is 3/16 inch, not 1.5 inches, and the product is described for display and craft uses.
Buying Guide: How to Choose 1.5-Inch Foam
Do you need building insulation or craft foam?
Start by identifying the job. For building insulation, look for a product explicitly intended for that application and check its stated R-value, board dimensions, facing, and installation requirements. None of the listings here provides those building specifications. The 1.5-inch craft blocks and packing sheets may match a thickness requirement, but thickness alone does not establish thermal performance or code suitability.
Should you choose a block, sheet, or tube?
Choose a rigid EPS block for shaping, carving, and model bases. Choose polyurethane or polyethylene sheets when you need cut-to-fit storage or protective inserts. Choose tubing for a pipe or handle that needs a sleeve. Presentation foam board is a thin panel for signs and displays, not thick insulation.
How should you compare dimensions?
Check every measurement, not just the 1.5-inch figure. Silverlake lists 12-by-12-inch blocks at 1.5 inches thick; the polyurethane sheets are 16 by 12 inches at 1.5 inches thick; Frienda lists 8-by-16-inch sheets at the same thickness. For the tubing, 1.5 inches is the inner diameter, while its wall is 3/8 inch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1.5-inch foam board enough for home insulation?
Thickness alone is not enough to determine whether insulation meets a home’s needs. Check the product’s stated R-value and building-use specifications; those details are not provided for the craft and packing products listed here.
Which listed product is actually 1.5 inches thick?
Silverlake EPS blocks, the polyurethane foam sheets, and Frienda polyethylene sheets are listed as 1.5 inches thick. The pipe tubing has a 1.5-inch inner diameter, and the Union Strong board is 3/16 inch thick.
Which option is best for a model-making project?
Silverlake is the clearest fit because its high-density EPS blocks are described for models, dioramas, props, and sculpting, and the listing says they can be shaped and sanded.
Can packing foam replace insulation board?
Do not assume it can. Packing foam is presented for inserts, storage, and crafts, and the supplied details do not include an insulation rating or building-use instructions.