How to Make a Wood Futon

Pine lumber works well for futons.

Futons are an economical choice for people who desire versatile furniture. Futons built by individuals often require less wood than manufactured futons, and are often more transportable. Japanese futon mattresses are a convenient choice for homemade futons because of how inexpensive they tend to be, and how easily they can be rolled up and put into storage. A simple and economical design will require a twin mattress and some pine construction lumber.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• 2 Pine boards, 2-inch-by-4-inch-by-34-inch
• 2 Pine boards, 2-inch-by-4-inch-by-46-inch
• 12 Pine boards, 1-inch-by-4-inch-by-32-inch
• Drill/screw gun
• Drill bit, 3/8-inch
• 24 Wood screws
• 2 Bolts, 3/8-inch with nuts
• 4 Washers, 3/8-inch-by-5-inch
• Twin futon mattress

Instructions

1. Lay two 34-inch boards on their 2-inch edge so they are parallel and the outside edges are 28 inches apart. Screw five 32-inch boards starting from one end of the two parallel boards so they are perpendicular to the two boards. Space them 2 inches apart, and use two screws for each board. There should be 6 inches of uncovered 2-by-4 boards at the opposite end you started from. This is the seat portion of the futon.

2. Lay the last two 46-inch boards on their 2-inch edge so they are parallel, and the outside edges are 25 inches apart. Attach seven boards in the same manner as you did in the previous step, leaving 6 inches of uncovered 2-by-4 boards at the opposite end you started from. This is the back portion of the futon.

3. Drill a 3/8-inch hole through the four uncovered 2-by-4 ends measuring 2 ½ inches from the end, and 1 3/4 inches from each side.

4. Lay the two frames next to each other so the 2-by-4s with the outside edges measuring 28 inches apart can fit over the 2-by-4s with the outside edges measuring 25 inches apart. Line up the holes you drilled and place the bolts through the holes. Be sure there is a washer on each side of the wood. These bolts will function as a hinges for your futon.

5. Lean the back portion up against a wall for support, and set your futon mattress over the frame, folding 1/3 of the mattress underneath itself for extra seat padding and seat height.

References

• Versatile Furniture: Futon Sofa Bed
• Article Garden: A Brief History of Futons
• Woodcraft Plans: Simple Futon Plans