What Is The Best Wood To Use For Wood Foundations
Premium white pine thats finished on all four sides is the preferred wood for RTA wood foundations for a few reasons:
- No knots
- Doesnt split, snap or break like cheaper types of wood
- Its smooth, so you dont have to worry about splinters
- Naturally resistant to rot
- Major sustainability benefits
Important:
On the other hand, wood foundations made from premium white pine are more sustainable because free-to-grow white pine grows up to four feet per year. When fully mature, these trees climb to heights of 200 feet or more. Very strong! Think about how well this wood will support your mattress, which is not 200 feet in height
Can I Use An Old Box Spring With A New Mattress
If your new mattress is compatible with a box spring, such as an innerspring mattress, you might be able to reuse your box spring if its in good condition. The average box spring lasts about 10 years, which can be longer than a mattresss lifespan. However, the coils inside a box spring will sag eventually, just as the coils inside a spring or hybrid mattress do.
How do you know if your box spring has worn out? Check for damage or any signs of bending, sagging, or bowing across the base. Squeaky coils can also mean that the box spring is losing support.
Collapsible Bed Frame Users
Box springs used to be so popular because they were often paired with collapsible metal bed frames. These frames create an outline for your mattress, but are not reinforced with slats to provide support all along the surface of the mattress.
Thats why box springs were key. They added that extra support to help extend the lifespan of your mattress and keep you comfortably supported while you slept. If you still have a frame like this, you will need a box spring.
If you use a metal bed frame with slats, a platform bed frame, or an adjustable bed frame, you probably will not need a box spring.
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Why Should I Even Use A Box Spring
You could be saying, Hey, you just told you box spring is outdated. Why am I worrying about it?
Because the foundation or box spring also absorbs impact when its properly installed. Maybe you like to literally jump into bed. Maybe youre clumsy and have been known to literally fall into bed. In that case, the box spring sits between your mattress and its foundation. Without one, its you hitting the mattress and the mattress hitting the floor and nothing else.
What Is A Boxspring
A boxspring is a support for your mattress and is typically constructed from a wooden frame, covered in cloth with springs in the middle. It is usually built the same size as the mattress it will support and thats why you often are able to buy a mattress and box spring as a set when you buy a new mattress.
The boxspring fulfills three needs:
These days, the word boxspring is somewhat of a misnomer, because most dont use springs. The term foundation is a more apt description. This has changed in the past decade or two. Up until the early 2000s, most boxsprings used actual springs in them and acted as a shock absorber for the mattress. Now, most mattresses use foundations that are just sturdy, inflexible boxes that support the mattress. These can be made of wood or metal.
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A Modern Addition To Your Bedroom
Sleek. Modern. Clean-cut. These are all proper ways to describe platform mattress foundations and its likely a reason home design company Houzz has an entire section of their website dedicated to integrating platform beds into modern bedroom design.
At Sleeping Organic, we choose to carry the line manufactured by Urban Woods because of their quality craftsmanship and commitment to sustainable manufacturing. Urban Woods also has lots of styles to choose from, which means you can easily match one of their wood finishes with the design of your room. Heres a sample of the finishes you can select from when you buy an Urban Woods platform bed:
Do You Need A Boxspring The Last Word
Do you need a box spring? Well, that depends on your personal preferences. Youll need to consider the size of your room, the type of mattress you want, and your foundation choice.
For those who prefer a sleek design, a platform bed may be the best option. These simple foundations provide wooden slats for the mattress to sit on. The price is affordable and the set-up is easy. For those that want a little bit of pampering after a long day, the best solution may be the Tomorrow Adjustable Bed. It not only includes customizable sleep settings like Zero Gravity and Anti-Snore but it also has a built-in USB port for all your charging needs.
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Is There A Way To Use A Box Spring With A Memory Foam Mattress
While you shouldnt directly use a memory foam mattress with a box spring, you can still use it to make your bed taller by slipping a bunkie board between your mattress and box spring. Bunkie boards are pieces of plywood or particleboard that are two or three inches thick, which provides a flat surface with enough support to prevent your mattress from sagging.
If you choose to shop for a bunkie board, double-check that its moisture resistant. Since a bunkie board is a solid base, its difficult for air to flow through and remove the moisture that collects at the bottom of your mattress. This is how stinky mold and mildew can grow underneath your mattress.
Reasons To Use A Box Spring
During the era where most mattresses were made with coils, box springs were almost essential. They needed extra support and something to absorb the shock from sitting, lying, and bouncing on them.
Even though the coil mattress trend is dwindling, it can still be beneficial to know when a box spring is a valuable investment. Originally built to add height to your bed and support your mattress, box springs still provide this today, as well as a few other minor benefits.
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Good Bases For Your Foam Or Hybrid Mattress
Like we mentioned before, a box spring won’t give your foam or hybrid mattress enough support and over time, your bed will start to sag through the gaps in your box spring. Don’t stresswe’ve broken down the different types of bases and foundations that will work with your Leesa or Sapira mattress so you can rest on.
Who Should Buy An Innerspring Mattress
Nearly anyone can benefit from owning an innerspring bed. In fact, some argue coil beds are good for your health because the springs hold up your body to provide the right support and alignment, as well as help to prevent poor blood circulation.
Spring beds are an excellent option for larger-set people, according to Web MD, as the firm support makes them easier to get in and out of.
Depending on what position you sleep in, certain types of innerspring mattresses will perform better or worse for you. For stomach and back sleepers, it is recommended that you have a strong core support system to maintain optimal alignment of the spine. Therefore, pocket coils, which help spread your weight evenly on the bed, are a good choice if you fall into this category.
Side sleepers can do well with a hybrid innerspring mattress. You still need support from a coil core, but a top layer can provide more a comfortable, pressure-relieving surface.
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Under Memory Foam Latex And Hybrid Mattresses
Mattresses without coils, like memory foam, latex, and hybrids, dont need the same assistance absorbing shock. The materials used to make them are already inherently shock absorbent. Box springs only change the feel of the mattress rather than provide any noted benefit.
When purchasing any of the mentioned mattresses, be sure to look at the warranty. Unlike coil mattresses that often require box springs, sometimes foam mattress warranties will be void if you use a box spring.
Who Needs A Box Spring
There are a few cases in which you would need a box spring:
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How Much Do Pillow Top Mattresses Cost
One of the reasons pillow top mattresses are so popular is that they are affordable. Whereas other mattresses made of materials like latex and gel memory foam can cost thousands of dollars, most pillow top mattresses are much less.
The exact cost varies greatly depending on what the pillow top is made of, as well as the material in the rest of the mattress. Brand and size also have a high impact on cost. For example, a king pillow top mattress ranges between just under $1,000 to over $1,400 for higher-end brands.
Find The Best Pillow Top Mattress For You
Pillow top mattresses come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. How are you to know which one is best?
Mattress Warehouses diagnostic sleep system bedMATCH takes all the guesswork out of mattress shopping. Using advanced technology, bedMATCH assigns you the best bed to suit your sleeping position, body type, sleep preferences and needs.
Using 18 statistical measurements and thousands of scientific calculations, this quick and effective analysis will inform you of the mattress you never knew you needed. Take the online bedMATCH quiz today or visit us in store to have your testing conducted in-person with the help of our team members.
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Boxspring Vs Foundation: Whats The Difference
Sometimes, people use the term boxspring and other times its a foundation. So whats the difference? Basically, in todays market a boxspring and foundation are the same thing. Originally, boxsprings were constructed with actual springs contained inside of a wood frame .
Modern manufacturers have found more efficient ways to create lightweight, supportive boxsprings without the springs say hello to foundations.
The words boxspring and foundation can usually be used interchangeably, assuming no springs are actually used. In the case where you skip the boxspring, your bed frame actually becomes your foundation since it offers the same support.
Better Mattress Foundation: Platform Beds Vs Box Springs
Though they have a higher upfront cost, consumers who invest in a quality platform bed can save money in the long run for the same reasons we discussed with non-platform wood foundations. They wont break down over time like box springs do.
And depending on the exact model you choose, you may not have to worry about spending more money on a headboard and footboard. Most platform beds come as one unit, meaning the headboard, footboard, and bed frame are all attached as one unit. Keep this in mind as youre considering how much platform beds cost.
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Best Bed Foundations For Latex Mattresses
| Type of Mattress Foundation | |
|---|---|
| Low | Free |
Even though companies still manufacture box springs, dramatically improved mattress technology has almost nullified their value. The latest beds are designed with inclusive features that render the traditional box spring a need of the past.
Latex mattresses are a great example theyre thicker, more resilient to applied pressures, and anatomically superior to the innerspring mattresses of the past. If youre looking to buy a new bed, then its important you know these details! Box springs are no longer enough if you want reliable support!
The bed foundation comparison table Ive included above will help you get a clearer picture about the differences between box springs and newer, more reliable foundation types. As you consider which foundation is right for you, remember this
Below, Im going to outline important facts about each of the bed foundations listed in the table. So if youre on the fence about which foundation to order with your new mattress, then keep reading. This information will help you choose which foundation best fits your needs.
Can You Put A Mattress Directly On Slats
Yes, you can. Before you do, though, make sure the slats are at least 0.5 inches thick and no more than 3 inches apart. These measurements will ensure that your base can support a memory foam mattress. Otherwise, the slats might break or bend under the mattress or leave room for parts of the bed to sink beneath the slats.
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Common Complaints About The Pillow Top Mattress
- Pillow tops arent durable. While its true that any mattress you sleep on will eventually wear out, some people complain that pillow tops compress and lose their effectiveness in a shorter amount of time.
- Pillow tops arent affective for heavier people. Heavier individuals looking for relief from aches and pains may want to investigate other types of mattresses, as many consumers report that heavier people dont find the relief they look for from pillow tops.
- Pillow top mattresses sag. In conjunction with the durability issue, some consumers report that their pillow top mattress sags due to the faster break-down of the plus pillow top.
What If I Already Have A Boxspring
If you already have a boxspring, it likely needs to be replaced. If you put a new mattress on an old boxspring, you run the risk of the boxspring wearing down or breaking, causing the mattress to start sagging. If this happens, it can void the mattress warranty. Additionally, if your boxspring is very old, it might be the old springy type and not the newer foundation type of boxspring. This will change how the mattress feels.
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You Have A Collapsible Bed Frame
Some bed frames require a box spring. If youve ever used a collapsible frame, youll understand why. If it doesnt provide enough support in the center, the mattress will sag and be uncomfortable. Any bed frame that isnt entirely solid or has a support system in the center will more often than not require a box spring.
Why Have A Box Spring
So there are a few reasons that people have historically bought box springs. Yes, they provide additional support , but they also bring up your bed to a desirable height. Its not always fun to have to creak out of the most comfortable mattress, and then prop yourself up to get up some people just want to swing out of bed and start the day.
For those people, a box mattress is a good idea. It will keep your bed at the height you desire, and it will create a level surface for your mattress to lie on. The added support and height isnt required, but sometimes people enjoy configuring their bedding in this manner. If you like some verticality when you snooze, maybe having a box spring is for you.
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Big Lots Mattresses & Mattress Sets
Big Lots is known for our deals on everyday items you need, at prices that fit your budget. In addition to our full line of bedding, blankets and more, we also carry the mattresses and box springs you are looking for. We carry every size and material type , all made by the trusted brand names of Sealy and Serta.
Benefits To Buying A Boxed Mattress
One of the first things that people think about when shopping is price, especially if they have a tighter budget. Before you consider taking a hand-me-down from your parents or worse, a used bed through the classifieds, you should check out whats available in the online bed-in-a-box space. These companies are able to deliver a high value because of their cost-saving online sales approach and a reduced amount of necessary inventory space.
Though not all online brands with innersprings come compressed in a box, some are able to achieve this compression and roll-up, which can be useful if youre moving it into your space by yourself. Have a 7-story walk-up? Its much easier to convince your roommate to help you carry a box than the full-size.
View Our Full Guide:Best Bed in a Box
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Box Spring Versus Foundations
Consumers purchasing a new mattress are going to find themselves wondering if they have the correct foundation. Because a traditional box spring is commonly known as the foundation, we need to take a minute to understand the differences in each.
As stated before, a box spring is the most known and used foundation. It does contain springs that help absorb movement. For innerspring mattresses not containing memory foam, this is an acceptable option.
A foundation is a solid or slatted piece used with memory foam and latex mattresses. They are made of particleboard or wood slats spaced strategically spaced apart. The best foundations for memory foam mattresses will be budget-friendly and designed to support you and your bed.
Construction Of A Memory Foam Mattress
A memory foam mattress is not made up of just memory foam. Typically, only the top layer is memory foam, while the bottom layer or layers are stiffer, more supportive foams.
Since memory foam mattresses are made entirely out of foam, they can be heavy. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses can feel lighter because of the empty space in their coil bases.
The foams in the mattress are flexible, designed to conform to your body, and able to move with an adjustable base. However, this flexibility means the mattress requires consistent, uniform support to maintain its shape.
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