How to Buy A Futon- 3 Simple Steps

Futons frames can be a very basic bed (metal) or a nice piece of furniture (wood). These sleep systems are used mainly for guest room, spare bedrooms and children/teen rooms. Wood frames are usually the most durable. They can blend into most room environments. Inexpensive metal frames with a spring hinge system become unstable and are not very durable. A good futon has a groove and slide system for putting the system upright or flat. Watch out for bulky springs and hinge systems.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Choose A Frame.
   As mentioned above, wood frames are the simplest, more durable and have the most choices for room decoration. They are easy to find in pine, oak, maple and ash wood.

2. Select A Mattress:
   
   Selecting a mattress will depend on how much the mattress is used.There are basically 3 comfort levels of futon mattress:
   
   1. Basic Spring Mattress: This type of mattress is good for occasional use as in a guestroom and is not slept on too often.
   
   2. Individual Coiled Spring Mattress: You'll want this type of mattress in a main room in which you would be sitting and using it more often. There is more coil density for comfort and longevity.
   
   3. High Density Foam Mattress: Reasons for buying a good foam mattress would be if it will be slept on a nightly. Although, they are a little more expensive, you will sleep a lot more comfortably and it will generally last the longest.
   
   Most good futon mattresses are about 6" to 8" thick.

3. Choose a Futon Cover. Don't buy a futon mattress based on it's color (as many people do). Buy a mattress on the above criteria. When you buy a cover, you will have a lot more option choosing colors and patterns to match your decor. A nice zip-on cover that can be removed and washed occasionally.

4. 
    
   Futon Mattress Gripper

   * Mattress Grippers - Train your mattress with a mattress gripper. A new mattress does not naturally fit into a frame. You have to "train" a mattress to fit properly and comfortably.
   * A mattress gripper is a thin rubberized sheet about 12"wide X 48"length..

Tips & Warnings

• How to Train Your Mattress: Spread and center the gripper on the seat of your assembled frame. Then place the mattress on the frame. Make sure you square the mattress and that it doesn't overhang the leading edge of the seat. When all is aliened and squared properly, sit on the mattress. The gripper secures mattress on the frame in a comfortable position. You will probably have to square a new mattress several time when you sit on it until it's fully "trained".
• Futon Sizes: Futon are usually built for a full size mattress (54"x75"). A full size fitted sheet should fit well. Queen futons are less common size and are more awkward feeling in the upright sitting position.
• Futon Maintenance: Be sure to keep your (allen wrench) handy after assembling your frame. Occasionally, you might want to cinch down the screws to keep the frame tight.

Resources

• BedroomHaven.com