A futon mattress is usually included when you buy the futon itself. Sometimes you’ll get an option for the mattress depending on the store and brand you choose. The most important part is the thickness of the mattress. Most mattresses are between 6 inches, 8 inches or 10 inches. The thicker ones will cost you more and generally provide more comfort. If it’s not something you’ve tried before, it’s best to give it a feel to see which thickness you would like the best. If you happen to have a back that requires a tougher mattress, you would want a futon mattress that’s not only thick, but supportive too.

Some brands that carry futon frames and mattresses include American Furniture Alliance, Dorel, ACME, Coaster, and many others. Large retailers will tend to have their own re-branded version of some of these futons too. They are manufactured for them by some of the big makers, but the name remains hidden.

You get to choose from different futon frames, mostly metal and wood. Wood frames provide a warmer look and feel to a room, and can be quite bold depending on the type of wood. For more modern or clean looking beds, you can opt for a metal, usually steel frame. The sides of the futon frame are what we are referring to here, because the center is always comprised of steel. The center is the part that allows the futon to transform into a bed and have the mattress lay flat.

Coverings for futons include cotton, cotton and nylon blends, micro fiber and suede. Different ones provide their own advantages and have their own price points too. Cotton is one of the most common and comes in many varieties. It’s easy to maintain and clean when the time arises so it won’t add too much costs in terms of replacement. Futons covered in micro fiber give a suede like feel and can be very comfortable. These will cost a little bit more. You can even get faux leather ones if it fits your budget too.

So if you’re on a budget for furniture or want a combination piece of furniture, a futon can be a good choice. They are pretty affordable on their own, but you also can cut the amount of furniture needed in half. Contrary to what it may seem like, these futons are relatively easy to put together. You may need some help if it’s too heavy for you, but the mechanics of it are simple.