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Futon Frames - Lumber, construction and types available
Finding the right frame for your home decor. - Article by Futons.org

When shopping for futon frames there are several different things you'll want to consider before making your purchase. In this article we'll take a look at the types of lumber used, how certain brands are constructed compared to others and the various models available in the marketplace.

When it comes to futons you are typically going to see three types of frames available. Metal frames, wood arms/metal decks and wood frames. Metal frames are most often sold in the big box stores and come in a small variety of various arm designs most often offered in a black color. These frames feature a spring hinge mechanism that allows for front operation. Round metal bars make up the seat and back sections of the futon frame where the mattress will rest. The advantages to owning a metal futon frame is that the investment is very often quite low as these frames are made to hit a price point when being sold in mass merchant stores. They are also offered in quite a few modern designs which can help certain styles of home decor. The disadvantages are that the round metal bars can be felt through thinner mattresses which can then make this type of futon very uncomfortable for all who use it. If you are able to avoid these futons it's best to do so. A variation of this frame is to add wood arms to the metal rails and seat and back sections. Unfortunately you'll have the same issues as regular metal futons with this variety as well so again, if you're looking for something that will offer more comfort it is probably best to avoid these frames.

One of the most widely used frames in the industry is the wood futon frame. These futons are available in softwoods or hardwoods. The softwood frames are typically made out of pine or aspen and these wood exhibit features such as knots in the wood or variations in grain in the lumber which makes each piece unique. Many manufacturers like to leave these woods unfinished so that the consumer can stain or paint the frame in the color of their choosing. By also skipping the staining process the manufacturer can keep the cost down on making these frames which in effect is passed along to consumers who will save. The only real disadvantages of softwood futon frames is that softwoods are prone to dings and dents due to the nature of the wood so that would be the only concern about having this type of wood in your home.

The other wood commonly used throughout the futon industry are hardwoods. Hardwood futons are made from a variety of woods including oak, maple, ash just to name a few. Hardwood futon frames most often are made with the most ornate and decorative arm styles. Since hardwood is less likely to ding and dent like softwood frames and price of lumber is more costly, you'll see prices for hardwood frames be moderate to high compared to softwood and metal frame pricing. These frames however are well worth the investment as the service side of the industry tends to focus on the metal frames primarily which have a very high failure rate compared to hardwood futon frames which have virtually minimal to no service issues in their lifetime. Many manufacturers of hardwood frames will put a limited lifetime warranty on their hardwood frames as a testiment to the quality and construction that is put into their product and these frames would be a great choice for your home if you're looking for something that will last.

Wood futon frames consist of 6 main components. You have two arms on each end, two stretcher rails and a seat and back section. The arms and rails of most futon manufacturers are typically made the same. You will use barrel nuts and steel screws through the arms to connect them together. The arms have 2 series of routed out grooves on the insides of the arms that allow the rollers on the back section to move up and down in the grooves for the futon frames operation. This is when the similarites end. Construction of the seat and back section and slats that make up these sections vary across the industry. Some manufacturers will use a staple gun to attach the wood slats to the outer sections. You'll typically see this on softwood designs. Another method for attaching slats is to dowel and glue them up into a track built into the seat and back sections. This is found in many if your import hardwood designs. The best method though is used by only a small number of futon manufacturers and that is to actually dovetail joint slat sections into the seat and back portions of the frame. This is making the futon frame like a regular piece of furniture and can take the most stress from day to day use. Construction will also affect the price when you're shopping and more labor intensive frames will typically cost more than frames made with easier methods.

Futon frames are offered in two different types. Bi-fold and Tri-fold designs. Bi-fold design futon frames are the majority of frames offered in the marketplace and you'll see these in full, queen, loveseat & chair sizes. They look just like conventional furniture and are in almost the same dimensions. The reason they are called bi-fold is that the mattress is resting on a seat and back section or 2 sections that fold up into a sofa. The other type of futon is called a tri-fold. Tri-fold futon frames use three sections that support the mattress and fold up into a sofa hence the name tri-fold. Tri-fold designs will be offered in queen, full and twin sizes. What makes these frames so useful is their ability to fit into tighter spaces since the frames are turned 45 degrees in how they operate from bi-fold frames. Less wall space but more space being used out into the room.

In this article we took a look at the three types of futon frames available. Metal, metal with wood arms and wood frames. We examined some of the advantages and disadvantages of these different styles as well as what is shown in the marketplace. We also took a brief look into the main construction techniques in the seat and back section construction for wood frames. We finished up looking at bi-fold and tri-fold frames and explored this futon terminology and defined what each is.

Hopefully after reading this article you'll have a basic idea of what is available for futon frames and what to expect to see when shopping around for your new frame. Your retailer can assist you in answering questions about construction and the type of woods used in the frame you're looking at to give you the knowledge you need before making your futon purchase. Futon frames are the foundation for your mattress, covering and accessories so make sure you get the best frame you can for the money you can put into your furniture investment and you're sure to enjoy many years of use with your futon frame.

About Futons.org
We have been involved in sales, distribution and shipping for futon products for close to 20 years. In that time we have had the opportunity to work with many unique and special suppliers offering quality futon products. We continue to believe that futons can be of great value to your home and work to provide information and resources to consumers to help them in making the best purchasing decision.