Three Smart Questions to Ask Your Futon Dealer

Asking some basic questions of your online futon dealer means getting on the phone. This is one reason Futon Magazine advocates ensuring your futon dealer is accessible by phone. While the following recommended questions to ask your futon dealer form a general basis, you should ask as many questions as you can. The more things you ask the more likely you will be happy with your purchase.

Searching Reputations with Google

Before delving into the suggested questions, look for signs of reputability like Better Business Logo’s, Visa Logos, Privacy and Security Policies, Terms and Conditions, contact information. However, not every logo should readily be trusted. A great tip is to search for the dealer by name. For example, a Google search of the large advertiser Mercantila shows a link to a slew of dissatisfied customers. For example, Brad writes this about Mercantila saying:

I will start by saying this is the worst online shopping experience I have ever had. Now this is saying something. I have been shopping online extensively since 1998 when I first bought tickets off of Ticketmaster. I have bought from probably over 100 different online-only merchants these past ten years, many (if not most) being “gray market” or seemingly “fly by night” operations. I have never been burned.

Another customer writes about Mercantila, “Horrendous experience! I find it hard to believe they are a web-based merchant…” This customer writes “DO NOT buy from them at any COST. ” Reading through the list you will find dozens of negative customer experiences that make it seem like Mercantila is likely a company to avoid for futon purchasing.

• Mercantila - NEVER AGAIN will I shop with this vendor..
• … Mercantila was the WORST experience I have ever had..
• ..Be aware superstore spawns of Mercantila . Mercantila is only a shell…

Dig deeper by checking the Better Business Bureau at http://bbb.org to see what they have to say about a retailer your are considering to give your business. In some cases, it might be better to shy away from buying from bulk companies doing business from countries like Asia and India. Doing business with a domestically based futon company will often yield a better opportunity to get your money back or get helpful status reports.

Three Smart Questions

1. How long have you been in business selling futons?
2. When can I expect delivery AND how can I track my order?
3. What is your return policy if I am unhappy or dissatisfied?

Most companies will have honest answers to these questions. Further probing will give you a better sense of the futon dealer’s mastery of their products and will give you an idea of how safe you think it is to do business with them. Keep in mind that most companies who offer free shipping, will expect some type of reimbursement should you decide to return your futon.

Futon Wood Origins

In general, most futon frames on the market come from Southeast Asia. Most commonly, the wood comes from rubber trees located in that region and are assembled in Indonesia. Vietnam is another country where futon frames have recently been imported into the United States as well. Other futons that come directly from China may be made of from the same raw materials, but to date, the quality that comes from China has not matched the same quality from Indonesia with the exception of some Siberian Oak futon frames.

There are one or two futon companies left that still manufacture their futons in the United States. Kd Frames is an American based futon company that makes futons from Appalachian Tulip Poplar. These frames are basic in design, unfinished, but are still extremely solid. Tulip Poplar, like rubber wood is a hardwood. This makes it an affordable alternative and makes Kd Frames an excellent choice for kids.

Another company offering American made futon frames is a company called Collegiate Furnishings. Their futons are made of Pine wood, which is considered a soft wood. Like KD Frames, Collegiate’s futons are unfinished and basic in design.

Other than a few other mom-and-pop shops scattered across the U.S., most futon frames are now imported from Asia. Lower labor costs have brought higher end futon frames down by as much as $300 in some cases.

Now with the rise of China and its immense appetite for raw materials, raw lumber is becoming rarer to find at competitive price points. This has caused many manufacturers to move to alternative methods of assembly. One common practice is to purchase smaller scraps of wood and then join them and glue them under high pressures. When done correctly, a good “finger joint” can be equally as strong as a solid piece of wood. In some cases, however, when cheap methods of construction are used, these finger joints can fail.

Consumers are advised to purchase their futons from reputable dealers who carry established futon name brands. Still with the ever-changing economy, it is hard to say whether consumers will continue to enjoy the same price points the futon market has offered the US market, or whether they will see general increases as time moves forward. For now the latter seems more likely.

Futon Assembly Tips

Building your futon is easy when you take the proper steps to prepare your work area. Here are some of the best tips that come directly from people who have built hundreds of futon frames.

Best Futon Building Practices

1. Clear your work area — Give yourself extra room can really help in terms of safety. Since you need a lot of space to maneuver consider building your futon frame in an open area and then move it to the confines of its intended resting place.
2. Identify and match-up your hardware in advance — Organizing all the parts can make futon building so much quicker. Especially if you are building a futon frame for the first time, this can really make the process easier.
3. Watch out for oily parts — Futon nuts and bolts are often dipped in an oil based chemical to keep them from rusting. Be sure to put the parts down on paper or cardboard.
4. Opt to use the allen wrench over a power drill — Of course the choice is entirely yours, but drills can easily skip out of the fitting in the bolts and mar your finish. Using an allen wrench not only gives you better control, but it prevents you from over-tightening or under-tightening your futon bolts
5. Do not over-tighten your futon bolts — Possibly one of the most common mistakes is that people over-tighten their hardware. In general, when you really ratchet down on your hardware, you will put undue strain on the wood possibly causing it to split. In general in a wood versus metal scenario, wood will always lose.
6. Get someone to help you — While assembly futons alone is possible and sometimes easy, when it comes to putting the back or seat sections in, it can be helpful to have someone help you hold and align those parts
7. Read those directions — How often to you embark on reading directions, scan the pictures and then throw the paper down thinking you get it already? Reading the details of the directions and ensuring you understand them, will save you the hassle of having to take the entire futon frame apart to install one forgotten or upside down part.
8. Test the Futon Frame’s Operation Before Adding Mattress — Learn how to operate the futon before you install the futon mattress. This will allow you to inspect the frame and ensure it operates properly before you add the weight of the cushion. Once you add the futon mattress, the entire futon sofa will be harder to operate until the futon mattress breaks in. Remember that metal futon frame hinges often need time to wear in as well.
9. Install the futon cover with the mattress upright — Again, having a helping hand can make this process much easier. If alone, however, allow your futon mattress to stand upright on its longer edge and lean slightly against a wall. Place the futon cover over the top and pull down to the floor zipping where you can. Next let the futon mattress fall to the floor or have the person help you flip it over so you can enclose the zipper. While zipping, be sure not to force the zipper too much. If the mattress is tight, zip more slowly and work to adjust and better stuff the futon inside the cover.
10. Rotate your futon mattress — Rotating your futon mattress more in the beginning can adds years of long life to your futon cushion. If you are using your futon frequently, rotating your futon every week for the first several weeks is a common strategy to longevity. Then go down to rotating it once a month. The less you use your futon, the less you will need to rotate it. Futon rotation means that you spin it 180 degrees the first time and then flip it the next. Repeat and remember the order to ensure maximum even wear.
11. Take a nap — You did it!

Owning a futon can be a rewarding thing. Proper assembly will help you ensure you get the most out of your futon sofa. Following these tips will make your futon assembly both easier and help you preserve your investment over the long run.

One final tip is that you should remember to periodically check your futon frame for looseness. A loose futon frame is one that can easily collapse. If your futon arms wobble, remove any bolt covers and tighten with an allen wrench. The rule of thumb is that you should tighten a futon bolt until it is snug and then apply one quarter turn. Good luck and happy futon ownership!

August Lotz: Quality and Diverse Selection

August Lotz has been in the futon business for a long time and has a reputation of building some of the sturdiest futon frames on the market. Using solid hardwoods like maple and oak separates August Lotz from other futon frame manufacturers who use cheaper rubber woods and other materials. Further, August Lotz was recognized as America’s Best Buy by Consumer Digest which has helped to push consumers towards seriously considering August Lotz over other brands when measuring differences. Here you will review three very different models that help to outline their diversity in futon frame designs.

The Manhattan futon frame is a bold departure from the skinny mission arm style that most futon manufacturer’s have sought to create subtle variations on. Its center support is really a shelf that is ideal for storing books and other objects. With August Lotz patented front operation, the Manhattan is equally desirable in terms of function as it is appeal in terms of style.

For those who love modern and artistic furniture pieces the Manhattan is well worth their consideration. If you the same way, and appreciate the Manhattan’s large scale look, then you will be glad to know that this futon frame is one of the most solid on the market.

Ok, so the Lodge Pole is made of pine wood, but it is one of the only futon frames that is and further, the Lodge Pole design is capturing the best in a pine wood futon frame. This rustic design is ideal for cabins and other types of outdoorsy rooms and natural homes. With its oversized armrests, front loading operation, and Consumer Digest’s recognition, the Lodge Pole is really a great model.

White futon frames as peaked and slumped in popularity. It seems as soon as they are available to the market, there is no demand. When manufacturers discontinue their white futon frame models and supply drops, there seems to be a sudden surge in demand and then the cycle starts over again as manufacturers scurry to get a white model futon frame back to market.

While it is still difficult to say how this trend might affect August Lotz’s Southgate futon frame in the long run, it is fair to say they get bonus points for original design. The Southgate breaks with the traditional cottage style white futon frame and moves in the direction of merging a white picket fence-look with a modern sloping rear leg support. The result is breathtaking and definitely upscale.

The Southgate will easily satisfy any number of design requirements. From Florida rooms, to Cape Cod beach-front mansions, to grande Southern estates, the Southgate is truly a white futon frame that will softly compliment spaces calling for white furniture pieces.

Whatever your style requirements, it is likely that August Lotz has a futon frame style to suite. Well worth your consideration, Futon Magazine gladly endorses August Lotz as one of America’s better brands.

August Is Futon Season - Order Ahead!

August is the busiest season of the year for futon sales. Be sure to order your futon well in advance to ensure you get your futon in your required timeframe. When ordering online, you might need to order as much as 3 weeks in advance to be safe. Even futon companies that claim they can deliver within several days are likely to be delayed as the season ramps up.

Here are some tips to help you make sure you get your futon in the timespan you need:

• Order your futon as far in advance as possible — Some dealers can stage your product to ship to arrive within a narrow window in the future
• Always stay well informed — Sometimes you will have to call the dealer to make things are moving along
• Make sure you online futon company has posted phone number
• Call the online dealer before you buy — Make sure the futon dealer knows you need your futon within a certain timespan
• Be cautious about expecting a deliver of your futon on a specific guaranteed date — Even guaranteed delivery can be off one day - Delays happen!

A word to the wise is that if anything can go wrong, it will. Be smart and order your futon with plenty of time to spare to minimize mistakes. Finally, remember that many futon companies offer free delivery. However, most free delivery is curbside delivery which means you will have to bring it in yourself. Furthermore, if you are all thumbs, ask a friend to join you over pizza and a futon assembly.

Futon Match-Up: Futons vs. Click Clacks

Click Clacks have become a rather popular alternative to traditional, Americanized versions of futons. This type of futon normally allows for a easy operation and simple purchasing process.

Before deciding on a click clack futon, I suggest you take a look at some pros and cons listed below.

Click Clacks

Click Clacks have become a rather hot item for decorating in the 21st century due to their sleek look, simple operation, and easy assembly. Read more

Night & Day Furniture

As the fastest growing futon seller in America, Night & Day Furniture has a lot to be excited about. They set out with a goal to reinvent the reputation of the futon from a cheap, quick fix and mass produced item to a carefully constructed, stylish and functional piece of furniture. Night & Day Furniture is also recognized as a manufacturer of more traditional bedroom furniture, offering products ranging from bunk beds to case goods to platform beds.

Night & Day futon frames are constructed from premium hardwood, feature solid mortise and tenon joinery and all of their most popular products offer ten or five year warranties. For these reasons, Night & Day Furniture products are recognized as some of the most solid and durable in the industry. Night & Day Furniture was one of the first futon manufacturers to take the functionality and utility of the futon frame to the next level. Built in storage compartments, magazine racks and flip-open side trays are just a few of the innovative features displayed by select Night & Day futon frames. Finally, Night & Day futon frames are notable for their wide range of style options and inspired designs.

The Eureka futon frame by Night & Day furniture offers a unique armless design style that is ideal for small spaces. Simple yet sophisticated, the Eureka adds a touch of subtle charm to any room. In terms of functionality, the Eureka is well-suited for taller individuals who may find bumping their head and feet on the armrests of other futon styles to be an unpleasant experience.

The Portofino futon frame epitomizes modern utility and convenience through its innovative features while still offering classic appeal and functionality. Side magazine racks allow you to keep you reading material close at hand while hidden armrest compartments provide the ideal place to store your various electronic remote controls. There is also a handy cup holder cut out within the armrest storage area sized for glasses or mugs.

Night & Day’s Venice futon frame demonstrates their understanding of classic appeal and traditional design. Recessed mission style side panels coupled with graceful sleigh style armrests give the Venice futon frame the appearance of refined furniture. The Venice futon frame contributes an element of inviting warmth to any interior setting through its overall elegance and handsome design.

The Eureka, Portofino and Venice futon frames represent just a few of the many stunning styles created by Night & Day furniture. Visit an authorized Night & Day retailer for a more comprehensive overview of Night & Day’s many exquisite products and learn how to acquire one of these fabulous futon frames for your home!

Futon Mattress Slippage

Your futon has finally arrived! You’ve assembled the frame, unpacked your futon mattress and added your custom futon cover. For the first time you place your futon in to the sofa position.

As you take a seat with iced tea in one hand and the remote control in the other, you begin to notice that you and your futon mattress are in a free-fall, slipping off your futon frame. Next thing you know you’re on your floor with iced tea all over your new shirt and and upset at your futon frame.

Futon slippage affects millions of new American futon owners each year. Futon slippage occurs when the seat and back decks of futon frames are so smooth that they don’t have enough traction to hold your mattress in place when moving your futon from the sofa to bed position. But don’t be discouraged, futon slippage can be solved with an innovative product available at your favorite futon boutique:

For this problem, Otis designed Gripper Strips. This high-friction material comes in a pair. You simply place one roll on to the front of the seat deck, and another roll on the top of the back deck. Your futon is ready to go. Otis futon mattresses are one of the most luxurious premium futon mattresses in America. Because Otis futon mattresses are so plump and thick, they tend to enjoy staying more flat than wanting to fold in the sofa position. This product was created to solve this very dilemma.

---

Rug Stopper

Another solution is to purchase rug stopper, a specialty material used to keep area rugs in place on tile and hardwood floors. This is just simple rug stopper material that you can get at any department store or furniture store. While not as effective as gripper strips, rug stopper is an immediate solution that you can buy from a local brick-and-mortar store.

---

No matter which solution that you choose, your futon frame and futon mattress will behave like it should regardless of thickness.

Lounger Futons: Innovation, Style and Functionality

As the world’s most versatile and functional furniture, futons come in endless shapes, sizes and forms allowing you to find futon that is ideal for your living space. The most common and well known member of the futon family is the traditional full size futon. Many people don’t realize that the world of futons expands far beyond the renowned full size futon. Not only are there queen size futons rounding out the

classic bed size category, but there are loveseat size futons, chair size futons and twin and loveseat lounger futons. Of the atypical futon sizes, the loveseat and twin lounger sizes are perhaps the most sensible in that they offer the many options of the more common sizes in addition to a compact, space

saving design. The frame essentially operates as a traditional sofa or chair, but features a hidden pullout extension piece beneath the seat of the frame. This pullout ottoman is attached to the actual seat, and allows you to create a comfy chaise lounge, reclining steamer or a true bed at a full 75 inches long. A twin lounger would be 39 inches wide plus the width of the futon frame arms while a loveseat lounger size would be 54 inches wide plus the width of the futon frame arms.

The loveseat lounger size is able to accommodate a full size mattress while the twin lounger size is able to accommodate a twin size mattress. At 75 inches in length, these mattress would only “fit” on the frame while the pullout extension piece is in use. If your futon is in the seating position, the additional length of mattress would either cascade, or fold, over the back of the futon frame or else double up beneath the seat. Visit this link for a video demonstration of a cascading mattress. The cascading mattress format is only possible with mattress 6 inches thick or less.

If the look of the cascading mattress is unappealing to you, or if you would simply prefer a thicker mattress, you can opt for a split mattress model. A split mattress offers all of the comfort of a regular mattress, simply split into two pieces. One piece fits the seating area of your futon frame perfectly, while the additional piece is the size of the pullout extension. Whenever you wish to lounge or sleep, simply grab the ottoman size section of your split mattress out of the closet. For a demonstration of the split mattress format, check out this informative futon video.

Just like a traditional full size futon, loveseat and twin lounger futons are able to function as comfortable sofas and accommodating beds. Because their length is not constant, lounger futons allow you to optimize your space. Loveseat and twin lounger futons are ideal for living rooms, dens and guest rooms where space is limited or you simply want a less imposing piece of furniture. Also, because these are atypical sizes, it is nearly impossible to tell that these innovative futon furniture pieces are biological members of the futon family.

The Best in Luxury Futon Covers

When decorating your interior with fine futon furniture, a designer cover and coordinating pillows make the largest difference. While it’s tempting to buy the $20 futon covers that are commonly found in retail bargain bins and Internet futon stores, a little extra investment really goes a long way when selecting a futon cover. When looking for futon covers, there are 2 names in the industry that really stand out above the rest: SIS Covers and Cotton Belle. Read more

« Previous Page — Next Page »