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The Best Kodiak Futons

Corey Majeau

Futons are pieces of furniture that almost everyone has heard about. They started out in Japan but they were first known as mattresses designed for the floor. When not in use, these mattresses would be rolled up and stored away throughout the day. However, futons today are quite different from what they used to be back in the day.

They are now frames made from metal or wood which can support the mattress when you want to sleep. You can consider them as flexible couches which are used alternatively for sleeping or sitting throughout the day. There are plenty of people who use futons as sofa beds in small apartments or tiny living rooms because it helps them save space.

RankProductHighlights
#1

Best Futon Lounger

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  • Available colors/patterns: 13
  • Mattress included: yes – 80% blended cotton + 20% polyurethane foam
  • Cover material: 100% polyester blend
#2

Phoenix Futon

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  • Available colors/patterns: 10
  • Mattress included: yes – cotton + foam + Bonnell springs
  • Cover material: upholstery grade fabric (polyester)
#3

Reclaim Mocha F

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  • Available colors/patterns: 1
  • Mattress included: no
  • Cover material: N/A
#4

Aspen Set

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  • Available colors/patterns: 1
  • Mattress included: yes – cotton + foam + Bonnell springs
  • Cover material: upholstery grade fabric (polyester)
#5

Lodge Futon

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  • Available colors/patterns: 8
  • Mattress included: yes – cotton + Bonnell springs
  • Cover material: 55% polyester + 45% cotton

Choosing the Right Futon

Before you go out searching for products, it’s important to determine how exactly you plan to use your futon. There are plenty of questions that you need to ask yourself in order to determine its primary function. Are you going to use it primarily for sleeping? Or will it rather be used as a sofa for sitting and watching TV? Do you plan on switching from sofa to bed on a daily basis?

You need to have the answers to all these questions because, for instance, if you will be using the futon as a sofa and as a bed every day, you’re going to have to make sure the frame is made of high-quality materials and that the mattress can withstand the rolling and expanding every day. There’re also other considerations that you should know about, like the fact that choosing the futon which has a wooden frame might provide you with the foundation that is too firm for sleeping.

— Frequently Used?

If you want a futon you can sleep on every night, you might want to look for one that has a high-quality pad or choose to purchase a mattress pad to put it on top. Also, if your plan is to use the futon as a couch and as a bed every day, you want to choose a product that’s easy to maneuver.

— Space

The second most important thing is carefully determining how much of available space you have so that you can buy a futon in the right size. This becomes even more important if your living room space is limited. For the most part, you should be able to find futons in Twin, Full, and Queen sizes. There’re also some brands the manufacture and sell King-size futons but they are not that common as the other aforementioned sizes.

— Options

You always have the option of choosing a futon chair instead of a futon sleeper sofa. This one can also expand up to the size of a regular Twin bed and it’s a very efficient choice for people who have very limited space and simply have no room for a regular-sized futon. You will also have to consider the need for storage space for the futon mattress that you’re using.

— Mattress

If you plan to use your futon for sleeping on a regular basis, you will also need to pay attention to the mattress chosen for it. When you opt for a traditional futon mattress it will most likely be filled with textile batting. Newer mattress options can also be made from spring, cotton, foam, or a combination of several of these materials.

— Other Factors

Naturally, you will also have to consider the other aspects that are part of the normal mattress shopping process, such as the firmness of the mattress, its ability to relieve pressure points, or other aspects of interest that you would normally pay attention to if you were buying a regular bed. If your futon will be used for the occasional sleepover, then you won’t have to invest too much money in a proper mattress.

However, if you plan on sleeping on your futon every night, then it’s very important that you invest money in a good mattress that supports you the right way. A lot of people are inclined to choose cotton mattresses for their futons because they’re easy to maneuver. Even so, most people like to purchase foam mattresses because they are the most comfortable, as foam is very well-known for its capacity to minimize pressure points.

Types of Futons

When you’re on the market looking to buy a futon, you will come across several different types which might make your shopping decision confusing. We are going to go over main types of futons, so when you come across one that you might like you’ll know more about its category, benefits, and features.

One way in which futons are set apart from another is by the frame.

  • One such example is the bifold futon frame. In this particular model, the mattress of the futon is folded halfway and this particular type just as fine when used as a sofa and when used as a bed. They are typically available in Full and Queen sizes.
  • Loveseat futon frames are also a popular category. They have a two-piece futon mattress and work well in really small spaces, especially offices. They are available in Twin and Full-sized models.
  • The last category is represented by the trifold futon frame. The frame of this type of futon is constructed to divide the mattress into three parts, but it is only compatible with really thin mattresses.

Another way to label the futons is by the construction of the frame.

  • Wooden frames are very common in futons, and they offer a rather special versatility in terms of how you can set up your room because they match a lot of different decors.
  • Futons can also have metal frames, which make them lighter compared to wood futons. Metal frame futons are easier to mold and bend, which can’t be said for wooden frames as well. However, metal will never be as beautiful as wood, so if aesthetics are something you might be interested in when it comes to such a product, you might want to go with a wood model.

Futons are also labeled depending on their style.

  • Traditional futons are very similar to what a traditional sofa would look like. They have normal arms and a mattress and frame combination to match them.
  • Armless futons are also a thing because when they are used for sleeping, they are more comfortable, especially for taller people who might find futons too small to stretch properly.
  • Lounge futons are exactly what they sound: sofas for lounging. They are considered to be more relaxing because of the tilted backrest.
  • Bunk bed futons are more innovative, and they feature a bunk bed on top and an actual futon on the bottom side. They are real space-savers.

About Kodiak

Based in Minnesota, Kodiak is a company that sells some of the most amazing-looking futons you’ve ever seen, but they also have other products in their line-up. Aside from futons, you can also buy daybeds, frames, drawer sets, and mattresses.

The products they sell can be bought in brick-and-mortar stores, but they are also available at third party retailers, such as Amazon. If you want to buy products directly from the company’s website, you need to create an account and log in order to see the prices and order what you want.

However, the website is a really good resource when it comes to assembling the products, as their instructional videos will guide you through the process for the different pieces of furniture that require installation.

Best Kodiak Futon Reviews

Now that we’ve put together a little information about futons, it’s time to see what Kodiak futons have to offer, so we’re going to go over their top five models and see if we can find one that suits your needs.

1. Best Futon Lounger

SPECS:

  • Available colors/patterns: 13
  • Mattress included: yes – 80% blended cotton + 20% polyurethane foam
  • Cover material: 100% polyester blend

Customer’s choice 

Known as one of Kodiak’s best-selling models, this three-way futon is the perfect choice for people who want all the benefits of a Twin-sized futon. It comes with two pillows that are made from a polyester blend, as well as a five – six-inch mattress that’s made from 80 percent cotton blend and 20 percent polyurethane foam. 

The total height of the frame without the mattress is 10 inches, while the expanded futon measures 72 x 33 x 31 inches. The construction of the futon isn’t waterproof, which means that you will have to spot clean it. The cover of the mattress can’t be removed either. Available in a wide range of 13 different colors and patterns, there is surely plenty of versatility that will allow you to buy a futon to match your current room decor. 

The frame of this futon is made from metal and features a black coating finish, and the mattress is supported by wooden slats. 

ProsCons
  • 13 colors and patterns available.
  • Two pillows included.
  • Mattress included.
  • Nice black coat finish frame.
  • Required spot cleaning.

Who Should Buy This? 

This futon is perfect for people who have limited room space and could benefit from a Twin-sized bed that allows for the occasional sleepover.

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2. Phoenix Futon

SPECS:

  • Available colors/patterns: 10
  • Mattress included: yes – cotton + foam + Bonnell springs
  • Cover material: upholstery grade fabric (polyester)

Best with storage space 

This time we have a more special futon with characteristics that you will surely appreciate a lot if you’re searching for a better-looking model that also provides a little bit of storage space (something that everybody could use more of, I’m sure). The frame is made from hardwood and has a beautiful finish that fits in a lot of different setups. 

But what we really want to go over is the construction of the mattress. The cover is made from upholstery grade fabric and has a velvety-like finish that feels really nice to the touch. Underneath the cover, you will find a layer of cotton that makes the mattress a little bit softer. After that, you find some foam that adds more support and comfort to the mattress. 

The core of the mattress lies in a layer of Bonnell springs that are meant to provide support and a little bit of bounce and make it easier for you to switch from one sleeping position to another. Underneath the futon, you will find two drawers, with each of them measuring 37 x 18.5 x 4.5 inches. 

ProsCons
  • Converts to a full-sized bed.
  • Two storage drawers.
  • Solid hardwood construction.
  • Upholstery material is easy to clean.
  • Expensive.

Who Should Buy This? 

If you want a fancier futon with a mattress that has a more complex construction, but also two spacious drawers underneath, the Phoenix futon is a really viable option for you.

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3. Reclaim Mocha F

SPECS:

  • Available colors/patterns: 1
  • Mattress included: no
  • Cover material: N/A

Most durable 

If you’re looking for a really durable futon, then this option will be perfect for you. Even if it doesn’t include a mattress and you might feel the price is a little bit spicy, it is absolutely worth. You can assemble this wooden futon without requiring any special tools to do so. The frame is made from high-quality hardwood, so you know that it was built to last. 

Being able to convert this futon as a full-sized bed is surely something that you will want to take advantage of, but makes sure that you buy a suitable mattress that can be folded right in the middle, so that you can fully use this futon as intended. 

ProsCons
  • Easy to assemble.
  • Hardwood frame.
  • Durable construction.
  • No tools required.
  • Converts into a full-sized bed.
  • Mattress not included.

Who Should Buy This? 

If you want a durable futon frame that’s made from hardwood and which is also easy to assemble, you are surely going to fancy this model over here.

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4. Aspen Set

SPECS:

  • Available colors/patterns: 1
  • Mattress included: yes – cotton + foam + Bonnell springs
  • Cover material: upholstery grade fabric (polyester)

Best value 

The Aspen Set shares a lot of characteristics with the Phoenix futon, particularly the mattress, which has an identical construction. Combining the power of Bonnell springs with some foam and cotton, the mattress can provide a level of support and comfort which is way above the average of similarly-priced futons. 

The frame is made from hardwood and has a beautiful brown finish with kind of a rustic vibe to it. Since there are no tools required, the assembly process is fairly easy and shouldn’t take you too long. The frame has three different positions: sit, lounge, and sleep. This grants more versatility, but also the freedom in positioning the futon in a way that will allow you to enjoy it. 

ProsCons
  • Easy to assemble.
  • Good value.
  • Comfortable mattress.
  • Three positions for the frame.
  • Converts to a full-size bed.
  • Might require a mattress topper.

Who Should Buy This? 

If you want to purchase a good set with a futon and mattress for a decent price, you can look into the Aspen set as it is surely an option worth considering.

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5. Lodge Futon

SPECS:

  • Available colors/patterns: 8
  • Mattress included: yes – cotton + Bonnell springs
  • Cover material: 55% polyester + 45% cotton

Best rustic model 

The Lodge futons by Kodiak are an absolute sight for sore eyes. Not only do they look amazing, but their wooden frame construction feels both durable and perfected by woodworking experts. And even if that’s not the case, all of these eight futons are perfect for a cabin or any home that’s decorated in a more rustic vibe. 

The mattress stays true to the same one we’ve seen in order Kodiak futon models, bringing forth the combination between cotton, foam, and Bonnell springs. While some claim that the mattress is too firm and should be used with a topper, we can tell you that the construction is above the industry average. 

ProsCons
  • Eight patterns and styles.
  • Solid hardwood construction.
  • Great for rustic decors.
  • Easy to assemble.
  • Mattress tends to slide off.

Who Should Buy This? 

If you have a more rustic decor, perhaps even a cabin in the woods that you’d like to enhance with a traditional-looking rustic futon, then this model is right up your alley.

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Bottom Line 

Futons are an amazing 2-in-1 piece of furniture. They can be used as sofas where you can sit around and watch a movie or read a good book and, if need be, they can convert into beds. While they are not usually intended to replace a regular bed, you can actually make them more comfortable if you buy the right mattress topper. Even without one, they provide you with that extra sleeping space for when your friends want to spend the night over. 

What may be first considered as a small futon manufacturer is actually a brand that’s capable of making quality futons, with solid wooden frames that will last you for years to come. The mattress used in most of their products follows a rigorous combination of cotton, springs, and foam, looking to make sure that you get more comfort than you normally would from other futons found at a similar price.