Bed Slats vs Box Spring: Which Should You Use?

Regardless of the type of mattress and bed frame you go with, you’ll need to also invest in a high-quality foundation. You cannot place your new mattress on the floor, after all. Foundations provide firm support, stability, and height to your bed.

Two popular foundation options include bed slats and box springs.

Bed slats are a feature of a slatted foundation. Slatted foundations feature a wooden or metal box with horizontal slats that support your mattress.

A box spring contains a wooden box covered with fabric and link springs.

Comparison of Bed Slats and Box Spring:

The Higher The Better?

While bed height is partly a matter of personal preference, it can also directly impact your sleep quality. If your bed height makes you uncomfortable, it could make it harder for you to sleep well. Some people feel more at ease being higher off the ground, while others might prefer a lower bed.

However, there are additional factors to consider. For older individuals, a bed that’s too low or too high might pose challenges when getting in and out of bed. A lower bed could also put more strain on your back, as bending down further to change sheets might lead to spinal discomfort.

Bed Slats: What Are They?

Bed slats come in wooden and metallic varieties. These wooden or metal planks stretch horizontally across the inside of your bed frame. There should be no more than a 2- or 3-inch gap between your bed slats. Too large of a gap can lead to support issues and cause premature mattress sagging.

These slats provide your mattress with a more even body weight distribution and minimize the potential for mattress sinking. Bed slats can be attached to the side of the bed one by one or connected in one solid piece covered with a cloth.

You can buy slats in three different configurations.

Slats Only

In this setup, you can position the slats on top of the bed frame wherever you need them, allowing you to customize the spacing for optimal support. This option is also ideal if you want to add extra slats to an existing bed frame or slat system. The slats can be placed freely or secured by screwing them into place.

Slats with Rails

To keep the slats securely in place, they can also come pre-spaced and attached to two rails—one on each side—using Velcro or webbing. This configuration is convenient as it arrives rolled up for easy and affordable shipping. To set it up, simply unroll the slats and place them on your bed frame.

Slats with Frame

The final option is to purchase the slats and frame together, often referred to as a bunkie board. This all-in-one slat foundation is sturdy and supportive, providing a great solution if you’re looking for a complete package that offers both the frame and slats in one.

Are Bed Slats Harmful to Mattresses?

The impact of bed slats on your mattress depends largely on the type of mattress you have. For example, if your mattress is too heavy for wooden slats, it could cause the slats to break. Multi-layered hybrid and memory foam mattresses tend to be heavier, which often necessitates the use of metal slats for adequate support.

Additionally, the way you assemble your slats can influence the performance of your mattress. For instance, if you have a memory foam mattress, the slats should not be spaced more than 2.75 inches apart, as wider gaps could lead to sagging over time.

Comparing Metal and Wooden Slats: Which is the Better Choice?

When it comes to deciding between metal and wooden slats, there are several important factors to consider.

If you’re shopping on a budget, wooden slats might be the better option. They are often more affordable than their metal counterparts. However, it’s important to note that wooden slats are generally less durable.

For those seeking a bed frame that will stand the test of time, metal slats could be the better choice. They are typically less prone to bending or breaking. Of course, the durability will largely depend on the quality of the materials used.

Another advantage of metal slats is that they are less susceptible to damage from termites. Additionally, metal slats are better at absorbing weight, making them more suitable for supporting larger mattresses.

On the downside, metal slats tend to creak more frequently than wooden ones. If you’re a light sleeper who values a peaceful night’s sleep, you may prefer wooden slats.

Who Should Consider Bed Slats?

Bed slats are highly versatile and compatible with most mattress types, making them an excellent choice for a wide range of sleepers. Whether you sleep on your back, stomach, or side, bed slats can accommodate your needs.

That said, bed slats are especially beneficial for hot sleepers. If you often wake up in the middle of the night feeling too warm and find yourself reaching for the thermostat, bed slats might help you maintain a more comfortable temperature.

The design of bed slats promotes airflow, which can help you stay cool during the night. Additionally, their good ventilation helps prevent issues like mold and mildew buildup.

Pros of Bed Slats

There are many reasons why you may want to add bed slats to your existing bed frame. Beds slats are relatively cheap and long-lasting. Moreover, they are not difficult to assemble and require few tools for assembly.

Due to their minimal material usage, slats are generally more affordable than a traditional box spring. If you opt for a bed frame with a slatted foundation where the slats are spaced no more than 2.75 inches apart, you typically won’t need to purchase a separate box spring. Most mattress types can be placed directly on the slats without issue.

Wooden slats are lightweight and easy to take apart, making them far easier to move compared to heavy, bulky box springs. This ease of assembly and disassembly adds to their convenience, especially during moves or when rearranging furniture.

Unlike most modern box springs, which consist of a wooden frame wrapped in fabric and offer height with minimal support, slats provide much stronger support. This enhanced support helps prevent your mattress from sinking or sliding, ensuring a more stable sleeping surface.

If you’re a hot sleeper or prone to night sweats, bed slats are a great investment. The gaps in between the slats improve the airflow between your mattress and bed frame. This great breathability decreases your chances of overheating or battling night sweats, working with a cooling mattress for undisturbed sleep.

Those seeking a lower profile bed should opt for bed slats over a box spring. Beds slats add far less height to your bed than a box spring does. This makes them ideal for shorter or younger sleepers.

Cons of Bed Slats

There are a few downsides of bed slats to be aware of before buying and installing them onto your bed frame. If you aren’t careful to leave an appropriate size gap between the slats, you’ll risk slat breakage or mattress sagging.

Over time, your mattress may develop sagging in the spaces between the slats. To prevent this issue, it’s crucial to review the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific mattress type. These guidelines typically provide recommendations on suitable bed frames and highlight any specific requirements regarding the minimum spacing between slats. Additionally, some mattresses require periodic rotation to help prevent sagging.

Moreover, slats that aren’t properly stalled allow for mattress movement and shifting. For some sleepers, bed slats don’t add enough height to their bed to provide an adequate sleep environment. Taller sleepers may want to consider the sizes and dimensions of other mattress foundations.

Which Mattresses Pair Well with Bed Slats?

Several different mattress types pair well with bed slats. The only exceptions to this rule are innerspring mattresses and memory foam mattresses. Innerspring mattresses must be paired with a box spring for adequate support.

You can use bed slats with a memory foam mattress, but you need to avoid the use of wide slats. If the bed slat gaps are larger than 2.75 inches, you’ll have issues with mattress sagging and durability. Latex mattresses and hybrid mattresses also pair well with a slatted foundation.

Latex mattresses perform well when paired with bed slats that have narrow spacing. The slats offer a solid foundation, allowing the mattress to maintain its signature bounce and temperature-regulating properties.

A hybrid mattress, which blends a coil support core with comfort layers made from foam, latex, or other cushioning materials, benefits from the use of bed slats. Slats not only provide a stable foundation but also improve the mattress’s breathability, enhancing the overall sleeping experience.

Box Spring: What is it?

Box springs are an older type of mattress foundation that has been around for several decades. The spring technology used in the manufacturing of box springs provides sleepers with shock absorption and moderate support while promoting an even weight distribution. Some newer box springs don’t contain a coil support system.

Different Types of Box Springs

There are two primary types of box springs:

Coil Box Spring: This traditional type of box spring features coils distributed across most of the surface area, typically paired with a wooden frame for additional support.

Modern Box Spring: Instead of coils, modern box springs use a metal or wood frame with horizontal slats that span the width of the box spring. These slats provide support to the mattress above, functioning similarly to the coil-based box springs.

Low-Profile Box Springs: While traditional box springs usually stand 8-10 inches high, low-profile box springs offer a much shallower option, sometimes as thin as 4 inches. By eliminating the coils, these box springs provide the necessary support while also contributing to a sleeker, more modern aesthetic for your bed.

Folding Box Springs: Folding box springs are an excellent choice for those seeking a supportive foundation that’s also easy to move and store. In addition to their portability, folding box springs tend to be less expensive to ship, making them a convenient and cost-effective option.

Who Should Consider Box Springs?

Box springs are generally suitable for all types of sleepers, but they are particularly advantageous for those who prefer a higher bed.

The added height provided by box springs can be especially appealing to taller individuals or anyone who likes the aesthetic of a high-profile bed.

However, it’s important to remember that box springs are not compatible with all mattress types. They tend to work best with lightweight innerspring mattresses and may not be suitable for memory foam or latex mattresses.

To ensure compatibility, always check the manufacturer’s specifications for your mattress to see if it should be paired with a box spring. While box springs may not work with every mattress, some manufacturers actually require their use to maintain the mattress warranty.

Pros of Box Springs

The benefits of going with a box spring over bed slats include increased bed height and a bouncy feeling. Some sleepers report getting a better night’s sleep when resting on a bed that offers bouncy, responsive support. For these sleepers, the combination of an innerspring mattress and box spring is perfect for joint support.

As mentioned above, bed slats don’t add much height to your bed. However, a box spring can add 8 to 10 inches to the height of your bed. This added height makes it easier for taller people or those with mobility issues to get into bed without bending over.

Cons of Box Springs

Despite the pros of box springs, there are some cons you’ll want to be aware of before you purchase a box spring. One of the biggest issues is the awkward design and the heavy weight of a box spring. It is difficult for one or even several people to lift and move a box spring.

In addition, the spring-based design of a box spring increases your mattress’s risk of premature sagging. Box springs can also add to the noise and support issues that are common with traditional innerspring mattresses.

If you’re looking for a bed with built-in drawers or space underneath to store your belongings, you might want to consider an alternative mattress foundation.

Which Mattresses Do Box Springs Go Best With?

Box springs are only necessary for those with an innerspring mattress or those interested in purchasing an innerspring bed. You should not pair a box spring with any other types of mattresses. Doing so can cause mattress damage and void your mattress warranty. Likewise, you can’t sleep on an innerspring mattress without a box spring.

Other Mattress Foundations to Consider

There are plenty of box spring alternatives on the market, and not all of them are slatted foundations either.

Bunkie Board

Bunkie boards are a great alternative for you to consider if a box spring or bed slats aren’t what you’re looking for in a mattress foundation. Traditionally a bunkie board is used with a bunk bed mattress without raising it as high as a box spring would.

Bunkie boards are 1 to 3 inches thick and made of plywood or wood. However, they aren’t as durable as either a box spring or bed slats.

Bunkie boards can be placed on top of bed slats if your mattress needs to rest on a flat surface. However, it’s important to note that bunkie boards typically reduce airflow, which might make them less suitable for hot sleepers.

Platform

A platform foundation is suitable for sleepers who want a lower-profile sleep environment with plenty of wall space for artwork or photographs. A platform bed frame can be attached directly to the wall. Legs or several under-bed support boxes support this style of foundation.

Platform beds offer solid support for your mattress, making a box spring unnecessary. Your mattress can rest directly on top of the bed frame.

Available in a wide range of materials and styles, platform beds are a versatile choice. If you’re looking to maximize bedroom space, many platform beds feature built-in storage options.

While platform beds can complement almost any interior design, they may not be ideal for every sleeper.

Those who prefer a softer sleeping surface might find platform beds too firm. Additionally, since platform beds tend to sit lower to the ground, they might not be the best choice if you prefer a bed with more height.

Adjustable Base

An adjustable base is optimal for sleepers with severe back pain or joint issues. Adjustable foundations allow sleepers to raise the head and/or foot of their bed to help them find a comfortable sleep position.

If pain is keeping you awake at night, consider purchasing an adjustable bed.

As the name suggests, an adjustable base allows you to raise or lower the top or bottom of your bed to suit your preferred position. If you enjoy reading a few chapters of a book before bed, leaning against a wall or bed frame can be uncomfortable.

With an adjustable base, you can elevate the top of the bed to support your back while you read, and then lower it when you’re ready to sleep.

Adjustable beds also enhance comfort while sleeping. If you experience back pain, you can adjust the bed’s position to better support your sleeping posture.

For those with mobility issues, lowering the bed can make it easier to get in and out. Additionally, elevating your head or body during sleep can help relieve pressure on your airway, promoting easier breathing at night.

Solid Foundation

A solid wood foundation is comparable to a slatted one but without the slats themselves. Solid foundations feature wooden or metal support beams that are built right into the foundation itself. There is no assembly required with a solid foundation. This is what makes them so popular.

Which is the Best Option for Me?

When deciding which is the best foundation for you, there are many things you’ll need to take into account. The first things are your mattress type and budget. Pairing your mattress with a low-quality or mismatched foundation can lead to durability issues. For example, the best mattress foundation for a memory foam mattress may be different than what works with an innerspring mattress.

Furthermore, you don’t want to stress about going over budget when selecting an appropriate mattress foundation or box spring.

Weight capacities and bed height are other key factors to look at. Metal slats often have a higher weight capacity than wooden ones. On average, a slatted foundation has a weight capacity of 600 pounds. Box springs can feature a weight capacity of several thousand pounds.

Those wanting a higher or average profile bed setup should go with a box spring rather than bed slats.

For the Best Value

If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option, I’d recommend going with the slat + rail system or a folding box spring. While both options require an existing bed frame, they are relatively low in price and still provide excellent support.

For the Best Bounce

Coil-based box springs can sometimes add an extra level of bounce to your bed, especially when paired with a coil-based mattress. If the bounce is what you’re after, a traditional coil-based box spring is a great choice.

Keep in mind, however, that coil box springs are becoming harder to find online, so you may need to shop in-store to find the right one.

For a Low-Profile Look

For a sleek, low-profile look, I would recommend any of the three-bed slat configurations. While a low-profile box spring can certainly contribute to a modern aesthetic, slats are unbeatable in this regard since they add virtually no extra height.

Slats provide discreet support and are completely hidden once you place the mattress on top.

FAQs

Are box springs obsolete?

Box springs are not necessarily obsolete, but they have been around for a while. You still need to use a box spring if you’re going to be buying an innerspring mattress. However, there are more modern box springs that are free of noisy springs. If you invest in a memory foam, hybrid, or latex mattress, you won’t have to worry about needing a box spring.

Can you buy slats for your bed frame?

You can buy bed slats from a reputable manufacturer and use screws to attach them to your bed frame. Before doing so, make sure your bed frame has spots where you can attach the slats. Otherwise, you’ll need to invest in an entirely new bed frame.

Additionally, you’ll need to know the overall dimensions of your bed frame to ensure you are buying the right size bed slats.

Should I use metal or wood bed slats?

Whether you should use metal or wooden bed slats depends on your personal preferences. Metal bed slats are more durable and stronger than wooden bed slats. However, if you have a wooden bed frame, it makes sense to go with wood bed slats. If weight capacity is something you’re concerned with, opt for metallic over wooden slats.

Can I use plywood instead of a box spring?

There is no replacement for the support and stability that a box spring offers. However, you can pair plywood with your existing box spring to provide sufficient support and help better stabilize your bed. You could also use a bunkie board. Plywood can be used on top of a slatted foundation to avoid mattress sinking or sagging.

Do beds with slats need a box spring?

Beds with slats do not need a box spring. Slats and box springs are two different types of mattress foundations. There shouldn’t ever be an instance where you need to use both of these foundations with your mattress.

Conclusion

Bed slats and box springs are two different options when it comes to a standard foundation. We do not recommend that you place your mattress directly onto your bed frame. Similarly, you should not place your mattress on the ground unless you’ve bought a floor mattress like a futon or sleeping mat.

Instead, you’ll need to invest in a strong and supportive bed frame plus foundation. Your mattress type and budget will both influence which style of foundation you choose. Innerspring mattresses are the only mattress type requiring traditional box springs.

Slatted foundations should have no more than a 3-inch gap between slats. This style of foundation can feature wood slats or metal slats.

Other foundation types include bunkie boards, solid foundations, platforms, and adjustable bases. Ultimately, which foundation you choose depends on your personal preference.