What is a Futon?

The word "futon" essentially means bed in Japanese. Unlike ordinary spring mattresses, futons have a unique flexibility allowing them to fold neatly onto a specially designed wooden or metal frame. The frame can be adjusted and because the futon mattress is malleable, it can bend with the adjustment of the futon frame. The way in which these two components operate together provides the functionality of outdated sleeper sofas without the sleepless discomfort and potential back problems associated with them. When selecting a futon, it is vital that you recognize there are many poor quality futons on the market. For this reason, you are urged to shop at professional futon shops where you are most likely to find knowledgeable futon sales people. Having a knowledgeable futon sales person is probably the single most important thing in obtaining a quality futon that is right for you.

Traditional Japanese Futons

Futons were invented as a solution to the smaller size of single-family homes in Japan. Traditionally 4 inches thick and filled with cotton fiber, Japanese futons were designed to be laid directly on tatami flooring and would be considered more of a mat and less of a mattress by Westerners. The thin construction and loose fiber fill of a Japanese futon are required in order to make the mattress light and easy to fold.

Futon mattresses were once popular in smaller Japanese homes with few bedrooms. These houses often had one large room that served as living room, dining room, and bedroom. To make room for the day's activities, futon mattresses would be folded and placed in a special closet until needed. Because loose cotton fill inside of a traditional futon mattress, direct sunlight and regular beatings with a long stick or carpet beater became daily chores for Japanese children.

Home sizes in Japan increased, so Western style beds are the most popular primary bedding solution, though many houses still unroll futon mattresses each night. Accessories like futon heaters and futon vacuum bags (for daily storage) make futon ownership even more rewarding.

Futons in America

The Western futon began gaining ground in America in the 1960s and 70s. These futon mattresses used the same cotton fiber fill found in traditional Japanese futons, but clocked in at twice the thickness and easily triple the weight! American futon furniture innovators designed brilliant wood frames that cradled the futon mattress in a sofa-like position when not in use. This technical advancement, plus the use of button tufting to help control the cotton fiber fill, brought the futon some degree of success as a guest bed and cheap primary bedding solution.

Near the beginning of the 1980s, high-density foam became affordable and accessible for furniture manufacturers. The resulting futon mattresses were firmer, more dense, and more durable than the cotton futon mattresses from before. Eventually, the use of polyester and even innerspring coils would make the futon a major contender for primary and guest bedding. Today, memory foam, solid hardwood futon frames, and sustainable futon cover fabrics make futons a popular solution for dorm rooms, living rooms, and spare rooms across the country as homeowners will always have a need to comfortably accommodates guests and visiting family.

There are three basic items that make up a complete futon purchase:

1. Futon Frame — The futon frame is the base or foundation of the futon sofa bed and is made of either wood, metal or both. There are many different designs, formats, colors and sizes you can choose from making your futon sofabed a very customized piece of furniture.
2. Futon Mattress — The futon mattress is a unique type of cushion that can fold allowing you to convert your futon from sofa to bed. There are many types of futon mattresses. Some contain only cotton, while others include foam, polyester, and even springs like to make them feel more like a traditional mattress.
3. Futon Cover — The futon cover is a slip cover that fits around your futon mattress to decorate and protect it. The cover can be removed for machine washing or dry cleaning. When you want to create a new look, you can replace the futon cover creating a new look with a fresh pattern or color scheme.

You could just buy a futon mattress to put on a bed frame or on the floor. You do not have to have a futon cover either. Some people prefer the cream color of a futon mattress without a futon cover. However, when you combine the mattress, frame and cover, you have a futon sofa bed that is considered complete.

Traditional Futons

Most futons are a three piece purchase. Finding a decorative futon cover, stylish futon frame, and comfortable mattress are all important decisions. The futon types below all take advantage of a specialized frame construction and operation. These futons all closely resemble what you would expect to find in your local futon shop.

Strata Signature & Wall Huggers

The Signature Collection from Strata Furniture has a fully finished wood panel back that conceals the operating mechanisms that allow the futon to become a bed. This allows you to float your futon in the center of a large room, opening up new design possibilities. These futons are beautiful from all angles, and are incredibly space efficient. Strata Furniture also offers a more affordable Carriage Collection that still uses the space saving wall hugger mechanism, but has a traditional open futon back.

Unfinished Poplar & Pine Futons

Unfinished Poplar & Pine futon frames have risen in popularity due to the high quality materials and relatively low cost associated with their construction. These frames are easy to customize, and carry the same warranty you'd expect to find on a finished wood futon frame. Futon Planet prefers solid poplar frames, as they are nearly splinter-proof and very smooth to the touch.

Metal Futons

Metal futons were made popular by big box stores like Wal-mart™ and Costco™. The creation of the $199.99 import metal futon frame had a huge impact on the futon market and public opinion about futons. These frames were largely uncomfortable and generally had a lifespan just outside their 1 year warranty. Many Internet retailers sell these frames in order to remain competitive, but wish they could persuade their customers into something slightly more expensive but much more comfortable. Virtually all metal futon frames are made in China or Indonesia.

Hardwood Futons

Hardwood futons are the most common futon purchases made today. These frames are generally sourced from Indonesia and packaged and distributed by American companies. These are available in a wide array of finishes and styles, and often have 10 year warranties. While shipping damages are typically well under 5%, hardwood futons are fragile in transit because of their detailed finish and dense weight. Fortunately, Futon Planet has a 100% customer satisfaction policy, and will rectify any issues you may have regarding shipping.

Special Futon Packages

Some futon packages are a far cry from what many people associate with a futon. These packages have unique features that make them incompatible with many standard futon components.

Simmons Futon Sets

Simmons futon sets include an innerspring futon mattress with a sewn-on futon cover that is almost indistinguishable from an upholstery cushion. Pair this with some of the most substantial futon frames on the market and two coordinating pillows, and you have a futon set that looks like it was brought together by a pricey interior decorator. While these futon sets are priced in the mid-to-high price range, it would take well over $1000 dollars to mimic this look with standard futon components, making Simmons futon sets a smart buy.

Click Clack Futons

Click clack futons use a specialized European hinge that allows them to be easily converted from the back. The hardware portion of the futon is completely concealed, giving click clack futons a sleek Scandinavian look. Click clack futons are actually upholstered furniture by definition, as the cushion is not removable. Because of this, you must take careful care of your click clack futon's fabric covering.

Convert-A-Couch

The Convert-A-Couch™ by Handy Living™ offers you a true futon package with a completely upholstered frame that makes it identical in appearance to a traditional sofa. This allows you all the convenience of a futon without having to change your decor theme to work with exposed wood. The super-easy assembly, vivid color selection and super soft spring mattress make this specialty futon a favorite.

Mali Flex

The Mali-Flex futon adds additional functionality and expense to the classic $199.99 import metal futon. Poor durability, incompatibility with mattress upgrades, and the energy inefficiency of importing these futon frames has caused us to drastically reduce our inventory of the Mali Flex.

Futon Frames 101

There has never been a larger selection of futon frames than you will find available today. Consumers can easily find makes and models to compliment their decor and lifestyles. When looking for a futon frame, ask yourself the following questions:

• What will be the primary use of my futon (ie. is it for infrequent guests and going in a spare bedroom or will it be your primary sofa or bed)?
• How often will it get used?
• What is the maximum space I have alloted for my futon?
• Is there anything I need to match?
• What is my budget?

Being able to answer as many of these questions as possible, will help you select a futon to fit your space. In some cases, you will want to contact Customer Care to help you find the most suitable futon for your needs. This can often cut out large amounts of time that you would otherwise spend researching. However, if you have your eye on a particular make or model, be sure to let us know right from the start.

Primary Uses: Which futon frame is right for me?

When thinking about the primary use of your futon, knowing that some futons have features like front load operations (sometimes also called automatic upright), means that everyday conversions

Futon Frame Formats: Sizes & Orientation

Be sure to check out our Futon Sizes help section tab to learn more about futon frame sizes as well. We provide a brief overview of futon frame sizes here.

Bi-fold Futon Frames: Sofa Style Futon

Futon frames that make sofas generally come in two sizes: Full size and Queen size. These types of futon frames generally fold in the middle which is why they are sometimes referred to as Bi-fold futon frame. Other models make loveseats or oversized club chairs.

Some examples of bifold futon frames:

Extensions, Trifolds & A-Frames: Loveseat & Club Chairs

Like the full size version, the twin is available in all three variations as well. The important thing to keep in mind is that not all brands and models come in all the sizes and formats. One manufacturer might offer a particular model futon frame in the loveseat pullout format but not in twin, for example. Furthermore, the A-Frame formats as well as the trifold formats or usually only available in a couple of basic models.

To learn more about the three formats of loveseat and twin, watch the following flash videos:

• Loveseat pullout futon frames (aka loungers or extension/extendable)
• A-Frame style futon frame

Simple Futon Frames in the Various Formats

This bifold futon frame makes a full size bed and has several recline positions. One of the great things about an armless futon frame is that it takes up less space than one with armrests and allows taller people to really stretch out when sleeping.	This simple unfinished pullout futon frame comes in full or twin, includes armrests and can become a chaise, bed, or be used like a mini-sofa. The extension piece folds neatly underneath the futon frame when not in use. It can also be angled parallel to the floor if your prefer.	Trifold futon frames are some of the most space efficient futons available. Notice that the mattress cascades over the back. This is typical of a loveseat or twin futon that comes to you in any format. You may also choose a split mattress format if you prefer the mattress does not hang over the back.

To learn more about the more elaborate loveseat pullouts visit Understanding the Futon Loveseat Pullout Model now.

Futon Frames: Wood, Metal, Hybrids & Color Finishes

By far, the most common wood type used to make futon frames comes from Southeast Asia (typically Indonesia, sometimes Vietnam or Malaysia). The vast majority of futon frames you will come across in today's market are made of rubberwood and likely came from Indonesia (which is sometimes why dealers will refer to it as Indonesian hardwood). This type of wood is very durable and glues together well. Because of these factors this type of material resists stresses and torque applied when the futon frame is converted from bed back into the sofa position.

Another less popular wood is oak. Because of its price, oak tends to be less prevalent, but nonetheless, consumers who prefer oak will find medium oak and cherry oak finishes to be the most common finishes available for this wood type. Other manufacturers might use maple or other types of select hardwoods.

Unfinished Futon Frames: Pine & Poplar

Less common today than they were in the 80's to mid-90's, are futon frames that are made of unfinished wood. These type of futon frames have no lacquer or stain applied. The two wood types that are most often offered without stains are pine and poplar. Pine is a softer wood and lower quality strains of pine may be prone to splitting. Try to look for hardier Southern Yellow Pine whenever possible. Poplar is a hardwood and is an excellent material for use in futon frames.

Metal Futon Frames

In most cases, most manufacturers like to offer their futon frame models in several different finishes to give consumers some options. Common finishes include medium oak, cherry, java. Not every futon frame is available in every single finish and in some cases, a particular futon frame might only come in one specific color only. Metal futon frames are usually only available in one of three colors: black, white, silver.

Metal futon frame operate with the use of something called a transmission which is a specialized hinge mechanism that allows the futon frame to convert with relative ease. Better quality hinges make for smoother operations whereas cheap quality hinges can get torqued and bent easily and are sometimes hard to operate. Good quality metal futon frames are made of thicker metal as well. This means they will not bend or break the way cheap metal frames can. Like all of our futon frame products, Futon Planet looks to inventory higher grade products to ensure our customers get the most from their investment. Better quality transmissions, thicker, heavier duty metals, and good quality welds are all important aspects of ensuring you get the most for your money.

Hybrid Futon Frames

Hybrid futon frames are those made of metal and wood. Typically a hybrid futon frame will have wooden armrests and a metal center section often referred to as the "body" of the futon frame. Because buying a futon made entirely of hardwood costs more than the metal counterpart, the hybrid often offers consumers the best of both worlds: price coupled with the warmth of wood. Nonetheless, it is a good idea to consider the quality of woods and metal used in this type of futon. Often hybrids are made of the lowest quality materials to ensure the lowest possible price point.

Learn More About Futon Frames

To learn more about these topics click on one of the links below:

• What is the Difference between wood and metal frames?
• What is a Hybrid Metal Frame?
• What are the Different Sizes of Futon Frames Available?

Futon Mattress Quality

A good quality futon need not be made up of many layers or necessarily be of a particular thickness. Use caution when a sales person resorts strictly to tactics involving layers or thickness as a means of suggesting higher quality. While layers and thickness are important to explore with your futon sales person, you should also insist your futon sales person explain what is important about each specific layer and illustrate how they interact to establish the overall quality of the futon mattress. What do all these layers do? How should they influence my purchasing decision?

Futon Mattress Differences

Before we venture further, it is essential that we address the matter of subjectivity when talking about comfort. At Futon Planet, one of our favorite, possible over-used terms is that "comfort is subjective," meaning that a futon mattress that one person adores could be highly undesirable to the next. Like shoes, cars, colors, fragrances and friendships, we all have personal preferences. Some people will prefer a firm futon while the next will want their futon mattress to be exceptionally soft.

Another important factor is to consider our futon's application. For example, will it be used as a primary guest for you and your spouse? Will if go in the back room for the kids or pets to lounge on? Are we intending this futon to be for guests? Are our guests older, on the heavier side, particular, easy to please? Do we want them to make extended visits or hit the road the next day? Ok, we don't need to answer that last question.

The truth is that we really do want our guests to think well of us as hosts. We would prefer for them to be comfortable, though we do not always want them extend their stay because we offer them luxury. Some people might make the mistake of ordering a firm futon because that is what they prefer, themselves. This is a mistake. Contrary to what most people say, when they visit one of our retail stores, most people actually prefer the soft mattress followed by the medium.

While most of us think firm is better, it is imperative that we keep in mind that "firm" on a futon is not the same as "firm" on a bed. Futons, by nature tend to be very firm. Most cotton and foam futons do not compress and respond the way people are used to. This has something to do with people complaining about futons being hard. This is because, cotton compresses and if a futon mattress is not rotated with some frequency, continues to get harder as people sit and sleep in the same place. As a general rule, futons do not get softer with use. In fact they get harder as the cotton compresses.

Cotton and Foam Futons

Generally, it is considered desirable to have a cotton batting that is treated for flame resistance and to help prevent dust mites from infesting the mattress. The cotton batting should be pre-compressed, preferably under 300 lbs. of pressure or more.

Modern futons generally come with foam cores. We recommend a minimum of two core layers of foam that have a density between 1.6 and 1.8. We prefer to see futons with 2 inch foam sections, but there are also reasons to have 1 inch. Just remember that higher density foams compress less which make them more resilient and therefore firmer. The thicker the foam, however, the more volume or loft the futon mattress will have and the this will also make the foam a more active ingredient in the futon mattress. A very think layer of foam is of little use. Thicker foam will be responsive and aid in creating both cushion and spring to the mattress.

Casing, Tufting & Zippers

The futon should also be tufted and the casing (outer shell) a futon with seems that are 5 surged stitching are best in that they should never unravel. If zippered futon mattress are used, it is a good idea to buy a futon cover that will help prohibit pets or children from getting access to the cotton in the futon mattress. Also, one should never try to remove the casing of the futon mattress. As a general rule, if you remove the casing of your futon, you will find it nearly impossible to return your futon to its original consistency.

Futon Mattress Thickness

Although, futon mattresses can be thin, those that are thin are not might be very uncomfortable when placed on a futon frame. With thin futon mattress, you can feel through to the wooden slats or metal bars of your futon frame. A general rule of thumb is to avoid any mattress that is less than six inches. This does not mean that because you have just purchased a futon that is six inches or greater, in thickness, that you have purchased a futon that you will not eventually feel through to the slats or bars of you futon. Again, initial thickness does not ensure eternal thickness as implied above.

A sales person who recommends a thicker mattress, with quality layers that have been compacted or compressed under pressures of 300 lbs and above, should be well received by the savvy futon shopper. Also, futon mattresses that are roughly eight to nine inches, tend to make the best looking futons since they are most likely to fill a standard or custom made futon cover the best. 10 inch or thicker futons can force a customer to select an expensive custom loft futon cover.

Some companies will tell you they sell 10 inch mattresses and that any standard cover will fit their futon mattress. If they say this, you can rest assured that it is because their futon mattresses have either low compression, unsubstantial foam, or both. Now you are being educated in Futonology, wouldn't you say?

Futon Mattresses Break-in Period

Like a new pair of shoes, quality made futon mattresses often take time to break in. Sometimes they will fail to stay put when converted from bed back to sofa again. This is common in newer futons and simply means it is in need of use. Sitting on it, perhaps while doing some light reading for an hour or so seems to do the trick. Preferably, you should scoot down the length of the mattress every ten pages should do the trick to break it in evenly.

Spring Futons or Coil Futons

Futon mattresses with coiled springs deserve a lot of attention. A shopper should avoid cheap coil mattress altogether. Coil mattress made by American companies such as Futon America are always the best choice than futons shipped in from elsewhere, that may or may not have gone through customs. Be careful, about some bed mattress companies that use their labels on futons. While they might make quality traditional bedroom mattresses they may actually be out-sourcing their futon production and then just slap on their labels for royalties. You might not be getting the same quality you expect from their regular mattress line. 

Some basic information that will help you assemble your wooden futon frame. Metal futon frames vary widely, but in most cases, you can rely on your futon instructions to help you with your metal futon frame. Still, refer to some of the basic futon assembly tips provided here to help you in building any futon frame.

Futon Assembly Tips

Taking the time to ensure you area is clean and organized will help you save time and prevent accidents. Organizing your parts and reviewing the instructions will also make your futon assembly easier as well. Take a moment to review our futon assembly tips to get a better edge on building your futon.

Clear Your Space

Before you assemble your futon, it is wise to ensure you have enough free space to build it. Clear your space as much as possible and if possibly ask a relative or friend to help you build the futon, making sure there is enough open space for both of you. Generally, the futon frame will come in one, two or three boxes. In some cases you might have more boxes, especially if you have chosen to purchase futon drawers. Remember that the assembly instructions for your futon drawers will come in the same box as your drawers. Save assembling them for last.

Isolate Your Instruction Manual

When assembling a futon, it is most important you take the time to first refer to the assembly instructions. Often times, the futon assembly instructions will be included in the box that has your futon arms, but sometimes the instructions will be a different box. When you locate the assembly instructions for your futon, find the parts list section. Check to make sure that the parts you have match the number and type of parts shown on the futon parts list of your instruction manual. Often times, people will overlook some of the parts that came with their futons and mistakenly throw the parts out with the other packaging. Take the time to really inspect your futon box and packaging before determining that something is missing.

Organize Your Futon Parts

Organize your parts so that you have groupings of like types of hardware. This will save you time in the end and make assembling your futon easier and less confusing.

In some cases, a given futon will have arms that are broader in the front than they are in the back. When this is the case, be sure to acknowledge you will use longer bolts to go through the front portion of the futon arms than you will use in the back. In very rare cases, the back portion of your futon arms might be wider. In this situation, the longer bolts will be used for the back. In many cases, the front and back of the arms will be of the same width, which means you should use the same length bolts for the front and back.

Most futons require you to assemble the arms to the cross rails with 8 bolts. This can vary from one manufacturer to another, but the easiest way to determine how many bolts you will need to use for the arms it to count the number of holes that go all the way through the arm. Keep in mind that some futon manufacturers have included a middle hole on the inside of the arm of their futon frames.

Dowels

If you see a hole between the other holes, and the hole does not go all the way through the arm, then this is likely used for a dowel. Check the rails to see if your futon rails have three holes on each side as well. If so, isolate the dowel, and pound them into the rails as far as they will go. Be sure that the dowels are properly seated before attempting to attach the rail to the arm. If the dowel is not seated deeply enough, you raise the chance of the dowel puncturing through the arm itself.

In some rare cases, a futon might actually have two dowels and one bolt per cross-rail / arm connection. Again, make sure the dowels are properly seated into the cross rail.

Snug, But Not Too Tight!

When you assemble your futon frame, you want to make sure the bolts are snug, but be careful that you do not over-tighten them. A general rule of thumb, is that you should tighten each bolt so it is snug, and then apply a quarter turn extra. Over-tightening your futon means you risk cracking the wood. Because the bolts and barrel nuts are made of metal, you can be sure that metal will always win over wood, and should you over-tighten, it is the wood of your futon frame that is most likely to suffer fatigue.

Most futon frames ship to your home at no additional charge. In some cases for special delivery situations, or for certain models, an additional delivery fee may be applied. Futons do not come assembled which means you will need to assemble your futon once it arrives. Also, most futons are delivered curbside and sometimes to your door so in order to have your futon delivered across your home's threshold or up any flight of stairs, please contact customer service.

White glove (one-site assembly) may be available for certain models and to certain regions, especially if delivered in the state of Florida. For rates, please contact Futon Planet customer care.

Futon Mattress Care

Rotate your futon mattress as often as possible and preferably at least once per month to ensure the most even wear and greatest longevity. You should rotate the mattress 180 degrees one month and then flip it over the next. This type of rotation, where you spin one month and flip the next, ensures the maximum life-span and most even wear. In some cases, during the dry months, you might wish to take your futon to the back yard and drape it over a table our lawn chair to freshen and fluff it. When your mattress becomes uneven, you might try beating it back into shape with your fists and then take it outside to fluff it under sunlight on a dry day.

Futon Frame Care

Make sure to keep your futon frame snug and tuned by making sure the bolts are tight. Never over-tighten your futon frame as this may damage it. However, if you notice an arm or joint seems loose or wobbly, tighten the bolts and give the bolt a 1/4 extra rotation.

Repairing a futon can be an easy process, but requires you to do a little investigative work. Refer to our futon parts list to help you determine what might need replacing. Call customer care for help if you are unable to determine what you need. Customer Care will ask you to provide digital pictures to help us understand what is wrong with your futon.

When moving your futon, take care to label the parts with a low-tack masking tape before you dismantle your futon. If possible, take digital pictures as you go. Once apart, you can easily move your futon to a new location. Be sure to keep your futon hardware in a zip-lock bag or keep the parts screwed to the frame if you can. Refer to the labels or your pictures to help you reassemble your futon.

Some of the best advice to selecting a quality futon begin with buying from a reputable futon dealer that employs knowledgeable and courteous staff. Do some research about the company you are considering buying from. While every company might have a few negative remarks from previous shoppers, the companies that have slews of bad remarks should be avoided.

Quality Futon Mattresses

Because there is such a wide range of futon mattresses and customers are scattered on budgets and comfort levels, it is hard to recommend any one futon mattress. In general, however, spend as much as your budget will allow on a quality futon mattress. So often consumers are preoccupied with the futon frame, that they forget all about the importance of a quality mattress. Customers who invest in a cheap mattress will generally dislike futons while those who make a slightly larger investment are more prone to love their futons and keep them for longer. Even if you think you will not be using your futon often, consider the futon mattress before all else if possible.

Quality Futon Frames

If you are buying a wooden futon frame, seek our hardwood and lean towards futons with solid contiguous wood, rather than segmented cross sections. This is especially important when dealing with load bearing sections. In some cases, some companies may offer excellent quality finger joints which makes the joint very strong and is more desirable than low quality joints found on cheaper models.

When buying a metal futon frame, check for heavier metal, and solid beads of welding. The hinges should be beefy as well.

Futonplanet.info Resource

To help you decide which futon is right for you, we also provide a companion to FutonPlanet.com called FutonPlanet.INFO which is totally independent of FutonPlanet.com and strives to include some of the best information about futons on the web. There, you will learn about frames carried by other dealers as well. You will also discover hot new styles, decorating tips, industry trade information, and lots of information about other furniture products from around the world