Why do we sell U.S. & European made futons?

Over the past fifteen years we have designed, sold and serviced many thousand futons and futon frames. The primary lesson we've learned is that quality is paramount. "Buy it right and buy it once!"

Today the futon market is flooded with low quality imports, primarily from Indonesia and China. While we have the greatest respect for these vibrant and diverse peoples and their abilities, we have many reservations about furniture made in Asia.

First is the wood. Solid hardwoods from temperate U.S. and European forests that are sustainably harvested and kiln -dried (like our maple, ash, and beech) are far more dependable than the mixed tropical hardwoods used by most Asian manufacturers. These Asian woods have a much higher moisture content. When they get into your home they can split, crack, and fall apart.

Second is the glues, finishes, and hardware. Over the years, the service department at our retail store has repaired many futon frames that were not originally purchased from us. We notice a far higher incidence of glue joint failure and finish problems with the Asian frames. The dowel joints that hold the arms together have such a high failure rate that one might assume this is "planned obsolescence". We can't even count the hundreds of stripped and bent hex-bolts because the softer, Chinese made metal just couldn't withstand the test of time.

Next are the labor and environmental issues. Let's be very honest- the main reason why most futon frames are made in Asia is that desperate people can be induced to work long hours at a dangerous job for just a few dollars a day. These factory workers have no unions and no protections from wholesale exploitation. In addition there are no expensive environmental regulations for these factories. Wood fired boilers and spray booths without filters pollute the air and factory waste is discharged into streams.

Finally is the vision of what we want our country to be. Let's not just accept a two-tiered economy where minimum paid service workers cater to well-heeled white collar executives. Well-paying manufacturing jobs make our country stronger and fairer. A solid hardwood futon frame made here in the US is good for you and good for all of us.