Here's how it works: Anybody can ask a question The best answers are voted up and rise to the top I've moved into a smaller room and would like to maximize my space. I've decided to build a new bed frame, but for that to work how I would like I would need to eliminate my box-spring as it would make the bed too high. I currently have a standard mattress, with a box-spring, on a metal frame. If the new bed frame has a solid enough foundation, could I eliminate the box-spring?You can use slats instead of a box-spring. It will be a LITTLE bit stiffer, but it's perfectly fine and you'll love how your bed squeaks less. Here's a pic from an Ikea bed frame assembly guide - just as an example: Box springs help evenly distribute pressure on the mattress not just while laying but also when you're getting on/off the bed resulting in concentrated pressure points. They are for the most part, very firm and yield only the slightest bit. Most box strings don't even consist of springs at all.
They normally consist of cheap flexible wood, thin upholstery batting, and cardboard. Without a box spring you run a higher risk of popping a spring in your mattress. The thickness of a box spring is only for decoration while the functional properties could be reduced to a much smaller design. Slats are typically used with mattresses that don't have springs (coils). If you want to go the slat approach and have a mattress with springs, I'd strongly suggest using a thin yet strong sheet like material over the slats. Something like plywood or faux wood paneling. Take these concepts into mind whilst building your new frame and you should be perfectly fine without a traditional box spring. No you don't need one IF you have a foundation for the mattress to lay on, a thick sheet of plywood would do, since that is basically what a box spring us though you bed will lie 4-6 inches lower if you only have a 4 inch typical mattress. I have a friend that has sold furniture for years.
He has told me that box springs can change the firmness of a mattress drastically. So, if you want to buy a firmer mattress, just remove the box spring instead. No one in Europe uses box springs. They use slats or wire mesh, and lay mattress on that. Box springs are just a nest for bugs ! Go and buy a Euro bed at IKEA, less cost, less space, and no bug nest ! My opinion is the best mattress is a quality air mattress, specifically designed for a bed and not the camping-quality air mattress. Only one company that I know if that makes them, but I won't mention the name. You've probably seen the ads. Been using one for over 20 years and it is great. You can adjust the firmness. Doesn't bounce at all. I use a sheet of plywood beneath it vs box springs. No dangerous chemicals as found in some of the "foam" type mattresses. Same firmness after 20 years as on day 1. Only ones that don't like it are the traditional mattress dealers because it takes their business away. Sign up or log in
Sign up using Google Sign up using Email and Password Post as a guest By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service. Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged bedroom or ask your own question.Thanks for the a2a. My experience is with the Malm storage bed:MALM Storage bed, white And I do love it! This bed is great for readily accessible storage of off season clothing, suitcase, Emergency Go Bag, etc. Not difficult to open.The recommendation is to use only certain mattresses with it however I suspect it has to do with weight and turning axis when opening. I chose one of the recommended IKEA mattresses in medium firm and use a memory foam topper. My guess would be that a very heavy 18″ mattress plus humans could prove too heavy for slats, causing failure.My IKEA mattress has fit USA sheets and dust mite cover exactly so I've found no discrepancy there.Also, to your point: I did use my very good condition regular mattress on the bed before giving it away due to weight.
(Excessive stuff and excessive weight in belongings is unattractive anymore.)BestWhere our store is located, we've got an Ikea nearby so, we've seen a lot of situations with their beds. You would have to judge based on how far apart the slats are from each other as, they've got a lot of different variations. If the slats are three inches or less apart from one another, you don't need a box spring. If they exceed that amount, you'll need to get one. I'm not sure where you are but we sell queen box springs (separately) for $105. It won't be a big expense. You can even do a bunkie board which is a 2 inch thick version of a box spring. Sidenote: Be sure that you have a STANDARD size bed from Ikea. I've seen some weird European sizes that they use so that you HAVE to buy your mattress from them. As far as I know, Ikea sells a full range of mattresses of every quality and every price, and they do not give any kind of warning regarding the use of which on their beds (apart some generic recommendations) - so I suppose there would be no problem to put another kind of mattress at their place.