A metal frame futon bed is a good choice for a child's room or bunk room for the same reasons a standard bunk bed frame would be: It creates floor space and adds a degree of fun---especially for an elementary age child. The biggest difference between a futon and a bunk bed is the mattress support. Whereas a standard frame will use rails to hold up the rigid mattress, a futon frame uses a panel, often a grid of metal tubes or wire, to support the mattress.
Materials
Hex wrench
Screwdriver
Pliers or vise grips
Screwdriver
Pliers or vise grips
Instructions
Clear the floor in the room where you want to install the metal futon bed frame.
Clear the floor in the room where you want to install the metal futon bed frame.
- Move all pieces of the bed frame into the room.
- Set one end panel of the frame against the wall, leaning upright.
3. Attach the bottom mattress support frame to the end panel. Different models will use different methods for this, but in most cases you will bolt it in place through pre-drilled holes. Slide in the bolts so the head of the bolt is on the outside, and tighten the nuts two-thirds to three-quarters of the way.
4. Attach the remaining end panel to the free end of the bottom mattress support using the same method as with the first end panel. This step will be much easier with an assistant to hold the panel upright.
5. Slide the top mattress support into position between the end panels. Bolt it in place at both ends, as you did with the bottom mattress support. As with step five, this step is easier if you have an assistant to hold it in place.
6. Tighten all nuts completely to stabilize the bunk bed.
Expert Tip
Bunk beds will wobble, but this doesn't usually mean they're unsafe. If you are uncomfortable with how much your metal frame wobbles, attach it to a wall stud using a C-clamp.
