So you’ve picked a new mattress and now you’re wondering what bed frame or mattress foundation you need. The answer may surprise you as there are many different types of supportive foundations beyond the traditional box spring.
Here is a quick list of questions to ask yourself before choosing a mattress foundation:
- What is a mattress foundation?
- Are there any special requirements from that mattress manufacturer?
- What is your budget?
- How high do you want the finished bed to be?
- Are adjustable foundations worth it?
- Do you need under-bed storage?
1. What is a mattress foundation?
A mattress foundation is the supportive base that rests under your mattress, providing a strong foundation for support.
Historically box springs were the most popular kinds of foundations on the market, but today there is a much wider range of options to choose from.
Is a mattress foundation and a bed frame the same thing?
Often yes, but not always. Many bed frames are built in with slats or platforms, which serve the same purpose as a mattress foundation. However, some frames merely have rails along the side of the frame.
If your frame has no lateral supports or only a few slat-type lateral supports (slats should be at least 3.0″ wide and no more than 4.0″ apart), you’ll need to purchase a standalone foundation that sits on top of the frame. That foundation can be a box spring, wood box style foundation, set of slats, plywood, bunkie board, platform, or other types of rigid, supportive foundations.
2. Are there any special requirements?
Special requirements for a mattress foundation may vary between different brands so a great first step is to start with the mattress you purchased. Do a quick scroll through the manufacturer’s FAQs and see if they mention anything special.
Generally, most manufacturers require that a mattress foundation be supportive, have no sagging, and provide consistent, even support.
The excerpts below are just a few requirements listed by select manufacturers.
“…mattresses should be placed on a base that is either completely flat and solid or has flat wooden slats that are no farther than 4.5 inches apart and at least 2 inches wide.”
– Leesa
“…designed to lay on any hard, flat surface. [Options] include a platform bed, adjustable base, or the floor. We don’t recommend using a traditional coil box spring, because it does not provide an evenly distributed surface area for foam-based mattresses.”
– Bear
“Slatted foundations and platform beds can support a Tempur-Pedic mattress, as long as the slats are at least 3″ thick and less than 4″ apart.”
3. What is your budget?
Mattress foundations can be anywhere from around $100 to well over $1,000. In my view, foundations and or foundation frame combos in the $300-$500 range is the sweet spot between value and performance.
| Mattress Foundation | Material | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood | Wood (solid) | Less than $50 |
| Bunkie Board | Wood + Fabric | $50 – 100 |
| Box Spring | Metal Coils + Wood | $50 – 150 |
| Slat Foundation | Wood (Slats) | $100 – 300 |
| Wood Foundation | Wood (Box Frame) | $100 – 350 |
| Metal Foundation | Metal (Box Frame) | $100 – 350 |
| Platform Foundation | Solid or Slats | $200 – $400 |
| All-In-One (Frame and slats) | Metal | $150 – 250 |
| All-In-One (Frame and slats) | Wood | $200 – 300 |
| All-In-One (Frame and slats) | Upholstered | $250 – $350 |
| Adjustable Foundation | Upholstered | $1000 – 2000 |
In addition, there needs to be a central support slat / beam, especially for Queen and King frames
4. How high do you want the finished bed to be?
When considering the optimal bed height for your needs, I recommend sitting in a favorite chair (or other bed) that you find really comfortable. Think less about the feel and more about how easy it is to get in or out of.
Measure the height from floor to seat.
In most cases, the best bed height is achieved when you sit on the edge of the mattress, your feet are on the ground, and your thighs are parallel to the floor.
Once you have this number work backward to determine how high the mattress should be.
Use the formula below to determine the ideal foundation height:
Mattress Height
+ Foundation Height
+ Frame Height
= Total Bed Height
What about low profile bed frame / foundations?
All that said, this formula isn’t the end all be all. Some frame / foundations + mattresses create an ultra low profile look, which many sleepers (myself included) greatly desire.
My wife and I use a frame that’s only a few inches off the ground. As a result, sitting on the mattress edge isn’t super comfortable. However, we love the aesthetic so much we don’t care about losing out on an easier time in and out of bed.
The important thing is to consider your functional requirements to get in / out of bed alongside of your aesthetic preferences and choose the best frame / foundation based on those collective factors.
5. Are adjustable foundations worth it?
An adjustable foundation may be a good choice for sleepers who struggle with snoring, acid reflux, sleep apnea, back pain, etc. Adjustable foundations can help elevate your airways for easier breathing, reduce pressure on the lower back, and make it easier to get in and out of bed.
But with the advantages comes a higher price tag. Among 12 popular options, the average price of an adjustable foundation is $1199, with prices that span between $749 and nearly $1500.
Compared to the simplicity of spending a couple hundred bucks on a basic foundation, this can be a big jump to make.
Check the link below for prices and details on these 12 popular adjustable foundations:
| Adjustable Foundations | Price (Queen) | Buy Here |
|---|---|---|
| Amerisleep Adjustable Bed Plus | $1400 | Learn More |
| Amerisleep Adjustable Bed Base | $1050 | Learn More |
| GhostBed Adjustable Base | $1098 | Learn More |
| Helix Adjustable Base | $999 | Learn More |
| iSense Elite Adjustable Base | $1454 | Learn More |
| iSense Essential Adjustable Base | $999 | Learn More |
| Leesa Adjustable Foundation | $1199 | Learn More |
| Nectar Adjustable Foundation | $749 | Learn More |
| Saatva Adjustable Plus | $1599 | Learn More |
| Saatva Adjustable (Standard) | $1245 | Learn More |
| Saatva Lineal Adjustable Base | $1599 | Learn More |
| Winkbed Adjustable Base | $999 | Learn More |
6. Do you need under-bed storage?
The space under a mattress can be a great opportunity to utilize some under-bed storage. This storage can come in a number of different styles and materials, based on your design needs as well as functional needs are.
Four of the most popular under-bed storage solutions include lift-up foundations, foundations with drawers, elevated foundations, or Divan foundations (more popular in Europe).
Lift-Up
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Drawers
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Elevated
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Divan
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Beyond the storage benefit, a raised foundation may also make it easier for some people to get in and out of bed. When the extra height is designed into the foundation itself, you eliminate the need for a boxspring or other box-framed addition under your mattress.
