How to Take a Futon Apart: The Best, Proven Steps

To take a futon apart, first remove the mattress and lay the frame flat. Use an Allen wrench or screwdriver to unscrew the bolts connecting the seat and back decks. Next, detach the arms from the decks and remove any stretcher rails. Label all parts and bag the hardware for easy reassembly.

Moving day is coming. Or maybe you just need to free up some space. You look at your futon, and it suddenly seems like a giant, complicated puzzle. It’s bulky, awkward, and you’re not sure where to even start. Don’t worry. Taking a futon apart is much easier than it looks, and you absolutely have the skills to do it.

Just like changing your own oil, this is a job you can handle with a few basic tools and a clear plan. We’ll walk through it together, step by step. I’ll show you exactly what to do, how to keep everything organized, and how to avoid any frustrating mistakes. Let’s get that futon broken down and ready to move.

First Things First: Getting Ready for the Job

Before you touch a single bolt, a little preparation goes a long way. Think of this as checking your tire pressure before a long drive—it prevents headaches down the road. Spending five minutes getting organized will save you thirty minutes of searching for a screw later.

Gather Your Tools

You won’t need a huge toolbox for this. Most futons are built with simple hardware. Here’s a short list of what you’ll likely need:

• Allen Wrench Set (Hex Keys): This is the most common tool for futon hardware. Many futons even come with one, but a good set with a T-handle will give you better leverage and be much easier on your hands.
• Screwdriver Set: You’ll want both a Phillips head and a flat-head screwdriver. Some futon models use screws in addition to bolts.
• Adjustable Wrench or Socket Set: For the nuts that hold the bolts in place, a small adjustable wrench or a socket set will be perfect. This helps you hold the nut steady while you turn the bolt.
• Small Plastic Bags: Get a few sandwich bags for holding screws, bolts, and nuts. Trust me, this is the secret to a stress-free reassembly.
• Permanent Marker or Painter’s Tape: You’ll use this to label your parts and hardware bags. “Top left arm bolts” is a lot more helpful than a mystery bag of screws.
• A Friend (Optional but Recommended): A futon frame can be clumsy. Having an extra set of hands to hold pieces steady makes the whole process safer and faster.

Prepare Your Workspace

You need a little room to work. Clear a space around the futon so you can move freely without tripping over coffee tables or rugs. If you have hardwood or laminate floors, lay down a blanket or a flattened cardboard box. This protects your floor from scratches and prevents you from losing a runaway screw under the sofa.

Good lighting is also your best friend. Open the blinds or bring in an extra lamp. Being able to clearly see the hardware you’re working on makes a huge difference, especially when you’re looking for small bolt heads in dark corners of the frame.

Take “Before” Photos

This is my number one tip for any disassembly project, whether it’s a carburetor or a couch. Pull out your phone and take pictures of the futon from multiple angles. Pay close attention to where the arms connect to the main body and how the seat and back decks are hinged together. These photos will be your treasure map when it’s time to put it all back together. You can’t take too many photos!

Know Your Futon: Identifying the Frame Type

Not all futons are built the same, but most fall into a few common categories. Knowing which type you have helps you understand how it will come apart. It’s like knowing if your car is front-wheel or rear-wheel drive—it changes your approach.

For this guide, we’ll focus on the standard bifold futon, as the steps are very similar for most other models. Once you understand the basic principles, you can confidently tackle any type.

How to Take a Futon Apart: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, your space is clear and your tools are ready. Let’s get this done. We’ll go through this methodically, piece by piece. Don’t rush—the goal is a clean, organized disassembly.

Step 1: Remove the Futon Mattress

First, get the mattress out of the way. Fold it up and move it to another room. It’s bulky and will only interfere with your work. This also gives you a clear view of the entire frame and all its connection points. Simple, but essential.

Step 2: Position the Frame for Easy Access

Now, look at the bare frame. The easiest way to work on it is in the flat, “bed” position. If it’s currently in the couch position, carefully lower the back deck until the whole frame is lying flat. This relieves tension on the hinges and makes all the bolts much easier to access and remove.

Step 3: Detach the Seat and Back Decks

The core of the futon is the two main “decks”—the part you sit on (seat deck) and the part you lean against (back deck). They are connected by hinges in the middle. This is often the first major connection to take apart.

1. Look for the bolts that run through the hinges connecting the two decks. There are usually two or three on each side.
2. Place your wrench or socket on the nut to hold it still.
3. Use your Allen wrench or screwdriver to turn the bolt counter-clockwise (remember: righty-tighty, lefty-loosey).
4. Once you’ve loosened a bolt, remove it completely along with its nut and any washers. Immediately place them in a plastic bag labeled “Center Hinge Hardware.”
5. Repeat for all the center hinge bolts. Once they’re all out, the seat and back decks should be two separate pieces, lying next to each other.

Step 4: Unscrew the Stretcher Rails

Many wooden futons have “stretcher rails.” These are long pieces of wood that run along the front and back of the futon at the bottom, connecting the two armrests. They provide stability to the frame.

• Locate the bolts or screws where the stretcher rails connect to the inside of the arm pieces.
• Unscrew these connections. The rails should come off easily.
• Bag and label the hardware: “Stretcher Rail Hardware.”

If your futon has a metal frame, you may not have these rails. Instead, the arm sections might be connected by a metal bar, which you can remove in the same way.

Step 5: Disconnect the Arms from the Decks

Now you’re left with the two arms and the two decks. Each arm is typically connected to both the seat and back decks. In many designs, the decks sit on rollers or sliders that move within a track on the arm piece. This mechanism is what allows the futon to convert from a couch to a bed.

1. Start with one arm. Find the bolts that connect it to the seat deck and the back deck.
2. Carefully remove these bolts, making sure to support the arm so it doesn’t fall and damage your floor (or your foot!). This is where a helper is very useful.
3. Once all the bolts are removed, the arm should lift away from the decks.
4. Place the hardware in a bag labeled “Left Arm Hardware.” Using “left” and “right” is a great way to stay organized.
5. Repeat the entire process for the other arm, placing its hardware in a “Right Arm Hardware” bag.

Step 6: Final Check and Organization

Congratulations! Your futon is now in several manageable pieces: two arms, a seat deck, a back deck, and maybe a couple of stretcher rails. Before you start moving anything, do a quick final check.

• Are all hardware pieces safely in labeled bags?
• Are the larger frame pieces stacked neatly and safely?
• Did you tape the hardware bags to their corresponding wooden parts? This is a pro move that makes reassembly a breeze.

Common Problems and Quick Fixes

Sometimes, you run into a snag. It happens. Just like a stubborn bolt on a car, a little patience and the right technique will solve the problem. Here are a few common issues and how to handle them.

The Stripped Screw or Bolt Head

This happens when your screwdriver or Allen wrench slips and rounds out the head of the fastener. Don’t panic.

• Try a Rubber Band: Place a wide rubber band over the stripped head and press your screwdriver firmly into it. The rubber can help grip the stripped surfaces enough to turn the screw.
• Use Pliers: If the head of the bolt is raised enough, you may be able to grip it tightly with a pair of locking pliers and turn it manually.
• Screw Extractor Kit: For a truly stubborn stripped screw, a screw extractor kit is the ultimate solution. You can find these at any hardware store.

The Stuck or Rusted Bolt

If a bolt won’t budge, don’t force it so hard that you break your tool or the frame. It’s likely just stuck due to tension or a bit of corrosion.

• Use Penetrating Oil: A quick spray of a product like WD-40 or PB B’laster on the nut and bolt can work wonders. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to penetrate the threads, then try again. You can learn more about how to use these products safely from their manufacturers or even safety resources from educational institutions like this guide on tool and product safety.
• Tap Gently: Sometimes, a few light taps on the head of the bolt with a hammer can help break the bond of rust or friction. Just be careful not to damage the wood or metal frame.

Lost Hardware

It happens to the best of us. If you lose a critical bolt or nut during the move, don’t worry. Take an identical bolt from your hardware bag to a local hardware store like The Home Depot or Ace Hardware. The staff can help you find an exact match. It’s always a good idea to match the size, thread pitch, and length to ensure a secure fit when you reassemble.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I take a futon apart by myself?

Yes, you can absolutely do it alone. However, the frame pieces can be long and awkward to handle. Having a second person to help hold and stabilize parts makes the job much safer and easier, especially when removing the arms.

What are the absolute essential tools I need?

At a minimum, you will almost certainly need an Allen wrench set and a Phillips head screwdriver. Most futons are assembled with these two tools. An adjustable wrench is also highly recommended to hold nuts in place while you turn the bolts.

How do I keep track of all the screws and bolts?

The best method is to use small, sealable plastic bags. As you remove the hardware for each section (e.g., the left arm), put all of it into one bag and label it immediately with a permanent marker (“Left Arm Bolts”). You can even tape the bag directly to the corresponding frame piece.

What if my futon frame is metal instead of wood?

The process is nearly identical for metal frames. The main difference is that the hardware might be slightly different, and you won’t have to worry about scratching wood. The basic components (arms, decks, stretchers) and the order of disassembly remain the same.

How long does it take to disassemble a futon?

For a first-timer, set aside about 30 to 45 minutes. Once you know what you’re doing, it can easily be done in 15-20 minutes. The key is to work slowly and stay organized, not to rush.

Is it difficult to put a futon back together?

Not at all, especially if you followed the tips in this guide! If you took “before” photos and carefully labeled all your hardware bags, reassembly is as simple as following your steps in reverse. Your future self will thank you.

Can I move a futon without taking it apart?

You can, but it’s often not worth the trouble. Futons are heavy, bulky, and don’t fit easily through doorways or up staircases. Taking 20 minutes to disassemble it will save you a lot of strained muscles and chipped paint on your walls.

You’ve Got This: Finishing the Job

See? That wasn’t so bad. Your futon is now broken down into a neat, manageable pile of parts, ready for moving or storage. By taking a few minutes to prepare and following a clear, step-by-step process, you’ve turned a potentially frustrating task into a simple, straightforward job. You saved yourself the headache of wrestling a bulky piece of furniture through your home, and you did it all yourself.

Remembering how everything goes back together is the final piece of the puzzle, and thanks to your labeled bags and photos, you’ve already set yourself up for success. Whether you’re moving into a new place or just making room for something new, you can be confident that you handled this project like a pro. Great work!