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Best Wooden Bed Frames: Proper Support for Your Mattress

Jessica Jones

A bed frame isn’t just half of what makes up your bed and holds your mattress off the ground. It’s a choice you make that matches your decor and style and is something you spend quite a bit of time in renewing yourself each night. With various types of mattresses requiring specific types of support for proper comfort and warranty issues, you may feel somewhat limited in your choices–but you don’t have to be. Although there are many different types of wood frames to choose from, the following are excellent examples of simple wood styles and quality manufacturing and workmanship. Some also provide the option to add your own DIY headboard styles to provide the personalization you want in your bedroom. 

RankProductHighlightsWarranty
#1Mellow Naturalista Classic

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  • Bed Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
  • Types of mattress support: All
  • Slat or solid base: slat
N/A
#2zinus-wen-bed-frameZinus Wen 12-Inch Wood Platform Bed

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  • Bed Sizes: twin, full, queen, king
  • Types of mattress support: all
  • Slat or solid: slat
5 year
#3Cardinal & Crest Wood Platform Bed Frame

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  • Bed Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Types of mattress support: all
  • Slat or solid base: slat
n/a
#4Zinus Alexia 12” Wood Frame

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  • Bed Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
  • Types of mattress support: All
  • Slat or solid base: Solid
5 year
#5KD Frames Charleston 2 Platform Bed

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  • Bed Sizes: twin, twin plus, full, full plus, queen
  • Types of mattress support: innerspring, hybrid, latex, foam w/plus option
  • Slat or solid base: slat
5 year
#6Plank & Beam Solid Wood

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  • Bed Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen
  • Types of mattress support: All
  • Slat or solid base: Solid
1 year

The Best Wooden Bed Frames

Mellow Naturalista Classic

Specs:

  • Bed Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
  • Types of mattress support: All
  • Slat or solid base: slat

Made from sturdy solid wood -no plywood insight- this high-end wooden bed frame boasts that reliable and sturdy frame design which is combined with an elegant mid-century style. The addition of wood slats further contributes to the support and makes this a perfect base for any type of mattress. You won’t need a box spring or a mattress foundation to go with this bed- which additionally cuts back on the costs.

One thing that puts this frame apart is the ease of assembly – it can be ready in a matter of minutes with minimal effort. This bed frame does lack raised sides into which a mattress can fit in, but this isn’t such a big deal when you consider that the slats feature non-slip tape that keeps that mattress sturdy and fixed in position! And, as an added bonus, this wooden bed frame comes in three finishes – pine, espresso, or cherry- so you’ll easily match the wood color with the rest of the bedroom’s decor.

Pros

  • Elegant mid-century design
  • A choice of three stylish colors
  • No visible screws
  • Single piece slats
  • Easy assembly
  • No box spring needed
  • Durable

Cons

  • Limited clearance
  • No raised sides

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Zinus Wen 12-Inch Wood Platform Bed

Specs:

  • Bed Sizes: twin, full, queen, king
  • Types of mattress support: all
  • Slat or solid: slat
  • Warranty: 5 year
zinus-wen-bed-frame

Zinus is a popular name in affordable bed frame styles, and its 12-inch Wood Platform Frame is no exception to quality. This simple frame has a warm cherry finish which blends in well in any decor and can lend a more modern or rustic look depending on what you want. The frame includes slatted support that sits within a slight groove to avoid slipping, plus foam padded tape keeps your mattress in place on top of them. 

Any type of mattress, including a box spring and mattress combination, can be used on this frame. Plus, a full 9 inches of clearance is provided underneath that fits a trundle or storage as needed. The center support rail allows for up to a 500 lb load-bearing limit for the larger frame sizes.

Pros:

  • Easy to assemble
  • Very sturdy, the mattress does not slip
  • Extra slats can be added to raise weight limit or increase overall firmness

Cons:

  • Slight spacing between mattress and sides of frame may exist
  • No ability to attach a head or footboard

Who should purchase this: 

If you need simple and affordable, this is an excellent choice. It blends well for all decors and allows for your own stand-alone headboard if you ever should want one (or make one!). 

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Cardinal & Crest Wood Platform Bed Frame

Specs:

  • Bed Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Types of mattress support: all
  • Slat or solid base: slat
  • Warranty: n/a

This Cardinal & Crest Wood platform is timeless in its design and comes in 2 different stains, and well as a variety of sizes spanning from twin to California king to fit many mattress support needs. Made from solid pine, the thick side panels surrounding your mattress with a slight lip to keep it from shifting while you sleep, or change linens. Plus, steel fittings ensure your sideboards fit together with ease and durability (it’s fast to put together too!). 

A center brace runs the length of the larger beds to keep the slats from bowing downwards underweight. This design allows you to take advantage of the entire space under the bed, and with a 6.5-inch clearance provides plenty of room for various storage options and even a roll away trundle. Rated up to 900 lbs, this is a durable bed indeed.

Pros:

  • Easy to assemble
  • Sturdy with a high load-bearing capacity
  • Slats cannot shift

Cons:

  • Offgassing upon arrival

Who should purchase this:

If classic quality is what you are looking for, this may be a solution for you. The bed also has one of the highest load-bearings in its class, making it a great choice for those needing that extra support.

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Zinus Alexia 12” Wood Frame

Specs:

  • Bed Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
  • Types of mattress support: All
  • Slat or solid base: Solid
  • Warranty: 5 years

This wooden bed frame is a clear example that you can have both quality and style without breaking the bank. Made from solid wood in the color of pine, it is marked by sleek and stylish glass design, making it a defining feature in any bedroom, despite its minimalistic appeal. The 3.5” frame features four sturdy legs and additional four support legs in the middle of each side – adding to extra stability. Evenly spaced out wood slats give you a great base for the mattress and completely prevent it from moving, thanks to the non-slip tape on each slat. The weight limit for this platform bed frame is 500 lbs, so if you or your partner are heavier or you own a heavy mattress, this might not be as sturdy as you need it to be.

Another great feature of this bed frame is the decent clearance space of 8.75”, allowing you to store some extra items below the bed – if you lack storage space in your home, this could come in handy.

Pros

  • Elegant look
  • Smooth joints with no visible screws
  • Easy to put together
  • Good stability
  • Non-slip wood slats
  • Durable
  • Decent clearance

Cons

  • Central support beam could be better

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KD Frames Charleston 2 Platform Bed

Specs:

  • Bed Sizes: twin, twin plus, full, full plus, queen
  • Types of mattress support: innerspring, hybrid, latex, foam w/plus option
  • Slat or solid base: slat
  • Warranty: 5 year

Classic in style, this is a frame that makes itself at home anywhere and provides a simple headboard to allows for your own possibilities to take shape from if you so wish. Made from solid Tulip Poplar ( a softer hardwood tree), the entire frame is well reinforced and is offered in twin, full, and queen sizes, as well a PLUS option for even more closely placed slats. Your mattress is supported by slats placed 4.5 inches apart, but you do have the option with the PLUS to allow for 3-inch gaps if needed.

A center support beam is located on the larger frames to free up space underneath. Enough room is allowed for many options, including a trundle and rolling drawers, all offered optionally from the company. The bed does come unfinished to allow you the option to stain it the way you choose if desired, otherwise, it is a warm finish look.

Pros:

  • Simple and easy to put together
  • Can choose your own stain
  • Lots of space underneath (12 inches)

Cons:

  • Does come unfinished but smooth

Who should purchase this:

Excellent for basic frame needs, it is a quality item with a handmade touch to provide you the options you need to best fit your decor.

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Plank & Beam Solid Wood

Specs:

  • Bed Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen
  • Types of mattress support: All
  • Slat or solid base: Solid
  • Warranty: 1 year

When bed frame designs are in question, you really cannot go wrong with a classy, traditional foot and headboard style. Reminiscent of those old-timey and elegant bedrooms, wooden bed frames with a headboard will never fail to add a nostalgic and inspiring touch in any bedroom. Made from luxurious New Zealand pine this frame has superior stability and durability, which is further guaranteed with the non-toxic low Vac finish for added longevity. With a 1000 lbs weight capacity, you can rest assured that this bed is sturdy enough for your partner and you.

The design features a raised slatted headboard, and a low classic footboard, both of which are elements of a timeless design. Raised sides and durable wood slats will be the perfect base for mattresses of all types and will remove all movements and sliding. And best of all is the color choices – from the classic dreamy white to elegant natural wood colors, the choice is yours! Just pick the shade you prefer and get to work: luckily, assembly is super easy and it will take only 1 to 2 hours for two people to get this bed frame ready for use.

Pros

  • Classy traditional looks
  • Quality solid wood
  • Good clearance
  • Non-toxic low Vac finish
  • Included multi-slat mattress support
  • Superior durability

Cons

  • Moderately challenging assembly
  • Partially exposed screws on the sides

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What is a Bed Frame?

A bed frame is a wooden or metal frame that holds your mattress above the floor to provide airflow, comfort support, as well as storage in some cases. There are many different types and styles and range in cost to fit just about any budget. Various materials may also be included in their construction for style purposes, such as fabric and leather, as well as ornate head and footboards, or even shelving and drawers.

Is a Wooden Bed Frame Sturdy?

Everyone can appreciate a sturdy bed frame that can support both there and their partner’s weights and provide some crucial stability for the mattress. If you already plan on investing in a good quality mattress that suits your needs, the quality of a bed frame shouldn’t be overlooked. Wooden bed frames are great if it’s durability and quality you’re after as they can be impressively sturdy. The defining feature of wood frames is their medium to low height and great width – which makes them exceptionally stable. Also, this contributes to the weight capacity – most designs boast the ability to support from 500 to 1500 lbs, making them suitable for couples of all shapes and sizes.

Of course, the quality of manufacture and the type of wood will be a decisive factor in the sturdiness of a bed frame. Always go for solid wood when possible and not an alternative– this is a sure sign of the quality. Similarly, another design feature that makes a wood frame sturdy is the use of solid joints and long wood screws that keep it all together. When this is combined with added supports and horizontal wood slats, the whole combination is a guarantee of top-notch durability and stability.

Advantages of Wood Bed Frames

If you previously had no experience with wooden frames, you will be pleasantly surprised to discover that there are a whole host of advantages over some other types of bed frame materials. We already mentioned that style and elegance are synonymous with a wooden bed frame – nothing beats the warmth of natural wood and its timeless look- but that’s not all that wooden bed frames have going for them. Stability is another clear advantage and one that can make or break a bed frame design (pun intended). In this case, it is expertly done: the design of most wooden bed frames combine low height and good width to create superior stability.

When it comes to the practicality of the design, these bed frames have one significant advantage: generous storage space. Some designs come with sleek drawers, while others simply have ample clearance: both designs allow you to store your seldom used things underneath the bed. This way you can save on space, free up that chock full wardrobe, or simply find an efficient storage solution for your small home.

Another advantage that is often overlooked is the use of wood slats in wooden bed frames. Using this traditional mattress support is a great way to preserve your mattress and prolong its service life. Also, slats are a classic ergonomic design: they won’t flex or move and will provide crucial support, no matter what mattress is used. If you understand the importance of a quality ergonomic mattress, whether it is memory foam, a hybrid, or a traditional coil spring design, you will also understand the clear benefits of a wood bed frame, and how together with your new mattress it can contribute to the top-notch quality of sleep.

How to Choose a Wooden Bed Frame For Your Needs

Wood is one of the earliest materials used in what we know as a bed frame. They are not only traditional in nature but provide an addition to your interior decoration that is wholly unique to your own decor. Wooden frames can look more contemporary in nature, or rustic depending on where you add it and how you use it. There are also many styles available that allow you to provide head and footboards when wanted, or maybe a simple base.

Do you need a slatted or solid platform?

As explained above, this is an option you may need to have for certain types of mattresses. What is nice about them is that you can use any type of mattress on them, and they also support a box spring as well if you desire the additional height for an innerspring. Even if you need this type of support, but cannot find a frame you really like, you can always add the bunky board. 

Where do you plan on placing your bed?

Where you place your bed can be highly influential to which frame you decide upon. Some styles are only slightly larger than the mattress and can be placed just about anywhere- including in the middle of a room. Others may be much larger, and require a wall to be placed against. Be sure to take measurements before committing to a frame to ensure it fits where you want it to. 

Do you need storage solutions?

As mentioned, bed frames can offer great storage opportunities. This can be especially helpful if you have limited storage and/or space in your home, room, or apartment. Sometimes some simple frames are sold with the ability to add storage at a later date, or as an optional choice. 

Are you on a budget?

Budgets do not have to dictate your comfort decor choices as there are many, many options available from which to choose from. Be sure to shop around and look for sales, or even companies that cater to simple, basic designs.

Conclusion

Obviously, your own wooden frame choices should be based on your mattress needs, and just as important- your own personal preferences. Whether you want a simple design or one that provides more options for color or headboard additions, the above allows a good overview of a basic quality, wooden frame. Each has its own features worth considering, but our favorite happens to be the Midwest Farmhouse Rustic Platform Bed & Headboard as it is a homemade item that is not only beautiful to look upon but durable and long-lasting. It is a great choice for a more rustic look but may blend well in a contemporary setting as well. 

If you have any questions or comments about the above choices, please let us know below. And please share our top picks!