Ideal for do-it-yourselfers with limited amounts of space, this futon sofabed serves as a casual, comfortable sofa by day and a firm bed by night, without the springs and lumps (or frumpy looks) of most sofabeds. Modeled after classic California Mission-style furniture, the project looks great with any decor.

The frame holds a full-size futon mattress and folds with an especially smooth motion, so one person can set it up alone. Designed to sit more upright than most commercial models, it’s also easier to get out of than many futon sofas.

Built from standard oak and pine lumber, the sofabed can be completed by any do-it-yourselfer willing to take a little time to cut and assemble with care. The frame is made up of four main sections: the two pieces with slats that support the mattress, and the two side pieces with arms. Most of the cuts are straight, and all of the curved cuts are traced from full-size patterns.

As a sofa, the unit measures 86 inches long by 33 inches tall by 36 inches deep. As a bed, it measures 86 inches long by 54 inches wide by 21 inches tall.

The Futon Sofabed plan, No. 850, is $9.95 and includes step-by-step directions with photos, full-size traceable patterns, exploded diagrams and a shopping list and cutting schedule.

A package of two futon sofa bed plans, No. C86, is $16.95 and includes this plan and one other. A catalog picturing hundreds of do-it-yourself projects is $2.00. Prices include postage and handling. Please allow about four weeks for delivery (for rush delivery, add $1 per item up to $3 maximum and allow about two weeks).

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o Lewiston Sun Journal, P.O. Box 2383, Van Nuys, CA 91409. To order by credit card, call 1-800-828-2453. Visit U-Bild on the Web at www.u-bild.com.

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