DIY Futon Frame

The Bi-Fold Frame

• One of the common futon styles is the bi-fold frame with arms. This futon style has two arm rests, which are also the leg supports of the futon, two stretchers or long pieces of wood that connect to the two arm rest end pieces and that form the base of the futon, and a seat and a backrest that fold down to the bed position.

Futon Assembly

• Build the base of the futon by connecting the two stretchers--one in the front and one in the back--to the two arm pieces. Use the given hardware, usually screws and nuts, to loosely connect these pieces together. Leave the screws loose to insert the backrest and seat parts into the frame.

  Connect the backrest to the seat portion of the futon with the hardware provided, usually a clevis pin and a cotter pin on both sides, according to Futon Life. This type of pin will allow the unit to fold down flat and to be raised up to a seating position with the seat and backrest part remaining connected.

  This is also the point to connect the rollers to the sides of the seat and backrest, which will make it easy to move the futon into either of its two positions.

  Place the backrest and seat assembly onto the futon frame base. Align and insert the rollers on the sides of the seat and backrest into the grooves on both sides of the futon. Prior to tightening the loose screws, add wood glue between the armrests and the stretchers to give the unit extra strength. Do not over-tighten the screws.

  Check the mechanics of your futon. Does it roll up into a seating position easily and back down to a bed position easy as well? Although the assembly of a futon frame is fairly straightforward, you may need to make adjustments with the rollers or screws.

Purchasing Your Futon Mattress

• You can purchase a futon mattress in many colors or prints. Futon mattresses are available with natural cotton or wool filling or synthetic foam fillings. Some futon mattresses also have inner springs like conventional mattresses. It is all a matter of what your preference is for your new do-it-yourself futon.