How to make a folding sofa bed? (Steps Explained)

If you are looking to have a sofa bed as your next bed, getting a sofa bed can save us a lot of money because we can use one single piece of furniture for two separate purposes, for example, seating and sleeping.

Nowadays sofa beds have leveled up in many ways. They are easily convertible beds and most of them even provide storage space. But are you asking yourself is it possible to make your own sofa bed?

Yes, it is possible to make your own folding sofa bed, and the most probable way to make your own folding sofa bed is first to check and build the structure of the couch as it is totally doable with standard hand tools. You can also nail down the pallets in a square shape then combine those all and make it box-shaped. Then join two boxes together for the length required by you. Take the pieces of lumber and then take the measurements as required by your standards and then join them using adhesive and screws.

It is actually a low bed under the couch which can be rolled or slide under a higher bed or couch which you are using. They are very easy to use and also help in saving space because they can be folded whenever you require more space. A foldable sofa bed can be made in several different methods.

What is a folding sofa bed?

A folding sofa bed is a piece of furniture that is mainly used for sleeping or sitting. Buying or making a foldable sofa bed can save you a ton of money because we can use one single piece of furniture for two different uses, using a foldable sofa bed also save a lot of space because of its folding nature and they also provide us with storage space in them.

Although sofa beds are comfy it is not recommended to sleep on the foldable sofa bed regularly or every night. Because it may hurt your back as it is recommended to use a memory foam mattress for sleeping.

Steps to make a folding sofa bed:

Additional supplies that we might need

• Paint drops clothes. One needs to use decent ones as it is the main upholstery fabric of the sofa bed.
• Wood stain.
• Staple gun.
• Miter saw.
• Circular saw.
• Thick mattress.
• Few foam mattress toppers.

• Assembling sofa bed from scratch: It’s best to start with the back piece of the couch as it supports the leaning against and will also be attached to the base. The board stays about half the way up as this is where you lean back when sitting on the sofa bed.  Yes making their own couch for their home is definitely possible. This is a sofa bed which can be converted to a bed in case of a need. Once the frame was together then the plywood back piece is to be attached.
• Creating the wooden base frame: When the back of the couch is ready to be covered then start by creating the outsides. Then move on to the front and back pieces. after it is completed then check it for the square areas. Then take the measurements and make the adjustments accordingly. Then add the outer edge pieces and stain the base.
• Constructing the bottom couch seat: with the back and base of the sofa done the next step is to move on to the seat. One can use the plywood to attach and support the frame. Then attach the supports to the base. It is also recommended to use spray adhesive to secure the foam in place and also need to complete the slipcover too for the seat and the base.
• Sewing the couch slipcover: This is made in three different pieces. The first piece is for the back, the second piece is for the bottom seat and the final piece is for the top seat however they were made in a similar way. The pieces were carefully removed from the couch and sewn together where they are pinned. 
• Adding top seat: One needs to complete the top seat very much like the bottom seat then you need to secure the slipcover with your staple guns and move on to the pillows.
• Then add the pillows as per your liking. 

Why is a folding sofa bed used?

Folding sofa beds are used because they are a fantastic way of saving space either in a small flat or a guest room or a small children’s bedroom. Foldable sofa beds can be stored away and converted as a sofa when not in use which leaves the usable floor space for other work or uses during the day or when there are no guests.

Is a folding sofa bed as comfortable as a sofa bed?

A lot of people believe that sofa beds are a lot less comfortable due to the different mattress frame mechanisms but that might not be completely true. Sofa beds should be just as comfortable as a regular bed and a sofa. However, you may find it slightly firmer, which is due to the different cushions used above the frame opposite to the spring seat unit.

How to close a folding sofa bed?

• Lift the bed from below the middle portion to slightly raise the legs of the bed off the ground.
• Then push the bed at a 45-degree angle to the lower rear side of the sofa or couch until the bed is fully inserted into the bottom of the sofa.
• Then after everything is done place the sofa cushions on top of the sofa.

Are they a good investment?

When someone has a small furniture buying capacity or budget then buying a sofa bed can save us money because we can use one single piece of furniture for two separate purposes. And one does not need to spend a fortune on a good quality folding sofa bed.

How long does a folding sofa bed last?

Folding sofa beds are made to last and is mostly guaranteed to last you up to 15 years or more but also a low-quality sofa bed the mattress tends to sag after a few years. The mechanism that opens the sofa bed also weakens and begins to wear out which makes it more difficult to open it with time and also makes it less supportive.

Are folding sofa beds waterproof?

Yes, there are sofa beds which are waterproof and are best for personal and rent usage because it reduces the damage to the sofa beds and its couches and also its mattress which is generally caused by water leakage or any accident which leads to water on the sofa or bed in whichever for it is at the moment.

Different types of sofa beds:

• Folding sofa beds 
• Murphy beds
• Couch beds
• Trundle beds
• Sleeper sofa beds
• Daybeds
• Pull out couch beds
• Power open sofa beds

What is the difference between a normal sleeper sofa and a sofa bed?

Generally, sofa beds are similar to futons. This type of furniture lies flat and forms a bed, and it does not have a traditional mattress with it.  Rather sleeper sofas are sofas that include a buried mattress within their frame that you can easily unfold or fold whenever required. 

Last words

Therefore now we know that it Is possible to make a folding sofa bed in various alternative ways or one can also purchase a folding sofa bed as it does not cost one a fortune and is pretty affordable.

A folding sofa bed saves space as it can be folded whenever more floor space is required to perform other necessary tasks as it is always convenient to have more space. These are now even more comfortable and waterproof, increasing their lifespan and giving the owner or user peace of mind.