The Best Wooden Bed Frames

Is it time to buy a new bed frame and you’re still exploring your options? Metal and wood are the two most common materials used to make bed frames but there is a lot of debate on which of these is better. Wooden frames have a lot of advantages over metal frames, so let’s try and find the best wooden bed frame for your sleeping quarters.

Best Wooden Bed Frames

What to Look for in a Wooden Bed Frame

Choosing a new wooden bed frame is something that people don’t usually put a lot of thought into. However, there are quite a few things to consider before buying a new bed frame, so let’s go over the basics. 

• Mattress Size

If you have a mattress that you want to use, you need to buy a bed frame that’s compatible with it. Use your existing mattress as a sizing guide if you intend to keep it but are just interested in purchasing a new bed frame. For a correct fit, your bed frame must be the same size as your mattress.

A Twin XL mattress is about 5 inches longer than ordinary twin mattresses. The Olympic queen mattress is 6 inches wider than a standard queen mattress, making it ideal for people who prefer a more spacious sleeping environment. Compared to a conventional king, a California king is 4 inches longer and another 4 narrower. 

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• Support Type

There must always be a foundation or base below a mattress. Your mattress will slump and wear out faster if it does not have proper support. Platform beds and box springs are the two most common types of bed frames that provide support.

If you go with a platform bed, you may rest assured that your mattress will have adequate support. It is not necessary to use a box spring with it in any way. In comparison to conventional bed frames that have box springs, platform beds are often positioned at a lower height off the ground.

• Wood Quality

While a wooden frame can be made from all sorts of wood, these varieties are not identical in quality. Even while solid hardwood is an extremely robust material, a wooden frame that has been constructed poorly can not be as durable as solid hardwood. Always check out the hardware and joinery system that is employed in a bed before purchasing one.

• Style

When making up your bed, the appearance of the bed frame should be taken into consideration, especially if it will be visible. This is the situation when the bed frame has side rails that are exposed to the room.

When choosing the design for your bedroom, keep the room’s overall aesthetic in mind. A minimalist and unfussy aesthetic is ideal for the design of a contemporary bedroom.

You might like an elegant wooden frame with a detailed design if your bedroom is decorated in a classic style. You may go with a wood frame that has a weathered finish if you’re going for a more rustic appearance.

• Floor Protection

Remember the condition of your floors when selecting the foundation of the bed frame. Take a look at the portion of the frame that is in contact with the ground. 

Is there any sort of protection provided, such as covers or gliders? If this is not the case, the legs have the potential to catch on your carpet or harm your hardwood flooring.

There are bed frames available that have wheels attached to the bottom of the legs. Because of this, you will have the ability to reposition the bed whenever you see fit. When you’ve found the perfect spot for the bed, you’ll want to make sure it has locking legs so it won’t move.

• Slats 101

Slats, which are a series of connecting bars that run across the frame of the bed, serve as the base for the mattress in wooden beds. These slats ought to have a maximum gap between them of about 2.8 inches, as recommended. If you space the slats any wider apart, you might damage the mattress. 

In terms of price, slats are typically more cost-effective than box springs, and they also help prolong the life of your mattress since they permit air to circulate more freely. 

There is the option for the bed’s slats to be spring-loaded. Because of their upward curvature, they can function as springs. Because of this, the slats are better suited for mattresses, which in turn makes the bed more pleasant.

Another option is opting for a bed frame with solid slats. They are good at evenly distributing the weight of the sleeper across the entire surface of the bed. They work well with firm mattresses. Firm mattresses are usually made with high-density materials and can take it.

• Height

Another factor that should not be overlooked is the height of the bed. Your bed must be neither too low nor too high. If you always get out of bed by jumping, you run the risk of causing long-term damage to your knees. 

Always pick a bed frame that allows you to sit on the edge of the bed with the entire sole of your feet on the floor. The back of your knees should form a 90-degree angle when doing so. 

Best Wood for Bed Frames

Not every type of wood is suitable for making bed frames because they can’t all support the combined weight of the sleepers and the mattress itself. As you scout the market for bed frames, there are a few types of wood that you’re going to encounter more often.

• Walnut

Wood like walnut is a dark brown and long-lasting, resistant to degradation and has a rich appearance. This hardwood has a grain that is typically straight but can occasionally be slightly uneven. 

This wood variety is known for its warp resistance and only undergoes a very slight amount of shrinkage over its lifetime. Because of these “stiff” features, it is more expensive.  

• Oak

Oakwood bed frames are also popular. Oak comes in white and red variations. White oak’s hardiness is a major selling point. Because it’s moisture-resistant, it’s a good material for outdoor furniture.

It’s resistant to fungi and insects, too. Red oak has a reddish tone and white-wood-like texture. However, it may shrink. Commonly used in floors, cabinets, desks, and chairs.

Oak is a tough hardwood. It outlasts most hardwoods and costs less. Its unique grain contributes to its excellent finish. Oak’s stain can darken over time, giving it an unsightly two-tone look.

• Mahogany

Real mahogany is a reddish-brown wood with minimal knots. Mahogany is used to make high-end furniture because it’s resilient, fine-grained, and doesn’t shrink, swell, or warp. It’s light at first, but it ages beautifully. Buying a mahogany bed from a sanctioned source is important because not all trade-in mahogany is approved.

• Pine

Standard pine is a great bed frame timber. It’s softwood with low pricing. Pine variants include yellow and white. White pine is easy to finish, adheres well, and resists stains and paints. It’s also crack-resistant. Yellow pine has a straight grain and is utilized in construction and structural work.

Pros and Cons of Wooden Bed Frames

It comes down to analyzing the benefits and drawbacks of certain product categories to determine if it’s the right buying choice for you. So, what are the advantages and drawbacks of going with wooden bed frames?

They Are Sturdy

I hope this won’t make you think metal bed frames are sturdy, but wood wins in this chapter. Because they are made from thicker material, they have a better stability system.

They Are Highly Customisable

One of the most appealing qualities of bed frames made of wood is their adaptability to a variety of personalization options. You can even cut the components to your specifications if you have a saw in your home workshop. 

Do you like your wooden bed frame to be finished with a particular stain or paint job? That shouldn’t provide any difficulties at all. Visit your neighborhood home improvement store, pick up some paintbrushes, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a bed frame that is unique and individualized to your tastes.

They Are Easy to Install

Some people believe that putting together a bed frame made of metal is simpler than putting together a bed frame made of wood. But this really isn’t true. Dowels are one example of a screw-like object that may be fashioned from wood, which possesses the distinct advantage of being malleable.

They May Pose a Fire Hazard

It’s necessary to keep flammable items away from a wooden bed frame to prevent it from catching fire. There are probably already many flammable goods in your home, so this shouldn’t be a big deal. Despite this, your residence surely has several flammable items.

They Are Difficult to Move

Wood is heavy, making it more difficult to transport (particularly if you move often). If you respect your floors and wish to avoid scuff marks, a hardwood bed frame isn’t the best solution. To find a happy middle, use felt or a rug.

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In the End

This is just the premium selection of plenty of potential wooden bed frames on the market. Remember that the best wooden bed frame is the one that supports the weight you need it to, that’s easy to assemble, and comes with a solid construction that can sustain years of wear and tear.

Photo credit: Toxa2x2/Shutterstock

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