Wooden Futon vs Metal Futon: Which Is Best?
If you are trying to decide which would be better to buy, a metal or a wooden futon, here are some factors to consider. Click on the links to learn how metal and wooden futons compare in each category.
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If you are looking for high quality and best prices on Canadian-made futons, check out our selection.
Metal Vs Wood Futon: A Quick Comparison
| Metal Futon | Wooden Futon | |
|---|---|---|
| COST | Least Expensive | More Expensive |
| LIFESPAN | Shorter lifespan | Longest Lifespan |
| THE LOOK | Modern, Contemporary | Classic, Traditional, Beautiful Natural Grains |
| DURABILITY | Less Durable than Wood | More Durable Than Metal |
| SET-UP | Requires 1 Person | Requires 2 People |
Discover the difference between metal and wooden futons
1. Cost
The price that you pay for your futon will depend on the style, quality of workmanship, size, and material you choose. For example, a hardwood futon manufactured by a reputable company is going to cost you more than a metal one that you purchase in a box store. When you are looking at the price of futons, see if it includes the mattress or is you have to purchase the mattress separately.
If you love the look of wood but you can't afford a hardwood futon, then there are other wood options such as unfinished pine that are much less expensive and often cost the same or less than a metal futon.
Metal futons : Generally metal futons are one of your least expensive options.
Unfinished pine futons: Unfinished pine futons are another very inexpensive option as well. In fact a basic A-frame or L-frame can actually cost you less than a metal futon.
Finished pine futons: Finished pine futons will give you the lovely look of natural wood in a variety of different finishes and will cost you less than hardwood.
Hardwood futons: Hardwood futons are your most expensive option, however they are worth the higher price-tag if you are looking for an exquisite looking wood finish that will last you for years to come.
An A-Frame unfinished pine futon can cost less than a metal frame futon
2. Average Lifespan:
A hardwood futon, made from wood such as oak, birch, ash, and maple, will have a longer lifespan than a metal futon. If you are looking for a futon that will last, then spending the extra money for a hardwood frame is worth the investment.
3. The Look:
Metal and wooden futons have quite distinct looks. The style of your room and the overall look that you are going for can help you determine which one would be better for you. In the past futons had the reputation of being a cheap-looking piece of furniture. That is no longer the case.
Metal futons: Metal futons have come a long way in regards to style in recent years. They are very sleek and contemporary looking so they are a great choice if you want a modern design.
Wooden futons: Wooden futons, on the other hand have a very classic and traditional design. A hardwood futon will look amazing in any room. You can't beat the natural beauty of a hardwood frame that showcases the incredible looking grain of the wood.
Wooden futons also give you a wide selection of stains and varnishes so that you can select the perfect hue to go with your room.
Metal frames can look very contemporary
4. Durability:
Not all futons are made the same. Generally speaking a wooden futon is going to be more durable than a metal one. When choosing your futon, take a close look at the slats. They should be at least two and a half to three inches wide. This is a good rule of thumb for both metal and wooden futons.
If the slats are narrower, then they won't give you enough support and they could even damage your mattress. When purchasing a metal frame, also take a look at the welds. Make sure that they look solid. If the welds are bad then your futon is not going to last very long.
5. Set-up:
Metal futons are much lighter than wooden futons which makes them easier to set up. One person can usually move and do the set-up for a metal futon whereas you will usually need two people to handle and set up a wooden one. The good news is that a reputable futon company will usually offer to set up your futon for you for a reasonable fee.
Many futons today are much easier to operate than they were in the past. Companies like the Futon Shop have greatly improved the design to make them a breeze to operate. The following video will show you how easy it is to work this wooden futon.
Futons are much easier to operate now
Questions to answer to help you choose between a metal and wooden futon
How big of a space do you have for your futon?
Metal futons usually take up less space. If space is tight and you are looking for extra storage, you could choose a wooden futon that has storage drawers underneath.
What style of room do you want to put your futon in?
Choose a futon that will go with the other furniture in your room. For example, if you already have wooden furniture, then a wooden futon would probably be the better choice.
What is your budget?
If you are on a tight budget, then you are probably better going with a metal or unfinished pine futon. If you can afford it, then spending more on a hardwood frame will be a better investment as it will last longer.
How long do you need your futon to last?
If you just need a temporary sleeping and seating solution, then a metal futon might be your best option. For example, if you are purchasing one for a dorm room and it only needs to last 4 years, then go with a metal frame.
Where will you put your futon?
If you want your futon to go in your living room, and you will use it every day, then a hardwood futon would probably be the best choice. If you are placing it in your basement as an extra seating or sleeping area when you have overnight guests, then you might just want to purchase a metal futon.
Metal and wooden futons both have advantages
The Futon Shop: For the Best Quality and Best Price for Your Futon
If you are looking for the best quality futons at the best price, contact The Futon Shop. At the Futon Shop we know how amazing our futons are because we are both the manufacturer and the retailer! Since 1984 we have been manufacturing our own line of high-quality futons in a wide variety of styles and sizes. If you prefer, we can also make a custom size to meet your exact requirements.
All of our futons are crafted right here in Canada at our Burlington Ontario location, so you can be sure that you are getting a quality product that will last. We are the largest futon manufacture in Canada and we even build our own line of high quality futon mattresses. You can come see our incredible lineup at our Burlington location or you can shop for all of our products online. We ship all across Canada.
The Futon Shop Burlington Showroom Business Hours
Tuesday - Friday: 10:00am - 4:00pm | Saturday: 10:00am - 3:00pm Sunday - Monday: Closed
5205 Harvester Rd, Burlington, L7L, ON, Canada
Our Burlington Location
"I am very happy with my futon/frame purchase. I called the store and someone helped me find a frame that was in stock and was able to ship the futon to me in a couple of days. And received it 3 business days later, right before Christmas."
- Diego Borja
