Building a Futon?

Question

My friend and I are going to be living together in the dorms next year and wanted to loft the beds and put a futon under one of them. I've been looking at futons and they're REALLY expensive so we're thnking about building one. Does anyone know of any sites or have any instructions on how to build a futon?

Answer 1

Before you do anything, I suggest heading over to the school a couple of months before the end of the year/graduation and asking around if anyone was going to be leaving their futon. Fact is, college dumpsters are loaded with furniture students don't want to move with them.

Of course, if you want to really build something, try readymademag.com. The magazine is full of great ideas and their website is, too. As I recall, several issues ago they did some awesome stuff with pallets.

If you decide to spare yourself the splinters and frustration, check out overstock.com or ikea-usa.com. Both are very cheap. Perfect for college.

Answer 2

With all due respect, and no offense I had to answer this.

My opinion of Futons is likely the lowest opinion I could have of anything, but I do have a suggestion.

There are various styles of "Day Beds" that are not only far more attractive than any Futon, but too are more comfortable to sit and lay on, cost pretty much the same, take up similar space, and when actually used as a bed, offer a better nights sleep.

Beyond that to "BUILD" you're likely looking at a similar expense in material,,, then include what labor it takes, and assume, even with a Futon Building Party, that everyone or anyone has the skills and tools to do the job.

Just my opinion.

Steven Wolf