How do I get a spring back into a trundle bed?

I have an old twin-size futon and it folds up nicely and is small. The problem is that the mattress doesn't fold in half like most futons, but instead folds down to the floor. It also has a very uncomfortable coil type of mattress with no memory foam or anything. So how can I make this thing useable as a trundle bed when my husband travels for work? 

The first thing to check is that the mattress isn't simply too small. If you have an old-style trundle (one without separate mattresses) and it's not fitted, try putting some more sheets or blankets on top of the existing ones. This should help make the bed firmer and easier for lying in. Also, see if there are any loose springs - they will need replacing.

Does your trundle come with its own set of pillows? Make sure these aren't lost, as this can also affect how comfortable the bed becomes when used as a sofa sleeper. Alternatively, use cushions from another piece of furniture instead.

If you're looking at buying a new trundle bed, look out for sprung slats rather than solid slats. These give much greater support but may be harder work to move around in case you want to put them away against the wall.

What else might the problem be?

Trundles usually roll up very easily so sometimes you'll find that all you really need is to push down firmly on the footboard until the whole unit rolls up together. However, if you don't feel confident about doing this then you could always ask someone who knows what they're doing to deal with it. It would certainly save time!

It's worth checking whether the trundler has been made correctly. The legs mustn't overhang the floor by more than 1cm either way, and no part of the base should extend beyond the edge of the tiled surface underneath. You shouldn't need anything other than a screwdriver to open the trundle if it doesn't close properly. Otherwise, take the lid off and examine the bottom board inside the box. Any gaps between the boards mean you'll need screws to fill them, while a gap along one side means you'll need to fix something across it. A similar arrangement where the end pieces meet is called a 'corner' and requires fixing two crosspieces to hold everything firm. In both cases, it helps to have a square frame under each corner which prevents the trundle from being pushed up slightly during assembly.

You'll find lots of different types of trundle beds available nowadays. Some are designed to convert flat boxes into sleeping spaces, others fold up vertically like large bookcases. There are even models which feature drawers, shelves, and space beneath to store things such as cleaning products, etc.

A trundle bed that folds up fully horizontally takes up less room when stored and makes moving it to another place considerably quicker. But many people prefer their trundling daybeds to lie on anyway, especially if they've got a spare bedroom and want somewhere cozy to relax after a hard day.

Which type of trundle does best?

When choosing the style of the trundle bed, consider the kind of person you are going to buy it for. If you think it will mainly be used as a sofa bed, go for a model which is easy to lift and carry, perhaps using handles attached to metal straps. Most modern designs have strong wheels and casters on the corners, making it possible to roll the bed almost anywhere.

But if you want to be able to pull it behind you through doors, windows, and onto level ground, choose something that opens fully horizontally. Models with removable supports allow the whole contraption to be pulled outside, although it needs to be wide enough to fit through doorways and hallways.

For those wanting to keep the bed permanently fixed in place, most manufacturers offer various styles of folding daybeds. They tend to be lighter than the equivalent non-folding versions and often include storage compartments.

Daybeds provide extra seating space. When opened, they form larger beds suitable for couples. For smaller adults, daybeds can act as additional recliners. And for kids who still have a lot of growing to do, convertible daybeds offer plenty of playtime options.

Folding daybeds typically consist of two parts -- the upper section which sits on the floor when closed, and the lower platform which forms the actual bed when raised. Daybeds can vary greatly in size and price, depending on the materials and number of sections involved. Folding daybeds range from just £50 ($75/€70) to hundreds of pounds. Prices depend on features such as headboards, storage, drawers, and optional extras such as electric sockets.

Is there a difference between a trundle bed and a divan bed? 

Divans are quite different from standard single-sized beds. Instead of having a long central post supporting the weight of the mattress, a divan consists of several short posts known as struts. Where a regular bed uses four center posts, a divan uses six or eight shorter struts arranged lengthwise around the bed. Divans generally require specialist professional installation.

Do I need planning permission to install my trundle bed? 

Yes. Many local councils now insist on prior consent before installing or altering a garden structure such as a patio deck, fence, or shed. So contact your local authority for further information.