A box spring is a support structure that sits between the bed frame and the mattress. It reduces shock and uniformly distributes your weight. Yet, the box spring can’t work with all mattresses. In this case, you need to look for box spring alternatives. Fortunately, there are many options to choose from. This article will recommend the best choices if you can’t use the box spring. Please consider their pros and cons carefully before making your decision.
What Is A Box Spring?
A box spring is a bed foundation that fits the exact dimensions of the bed. This wooden frame features springs and comes with a fabric wrap. It provides stability by sitting just beneath the mattress.
The box spring can serve different purposes:
- To give the mattress additional underlying support
- To lift the bed to a higher position for a more pleasant height
- To secure the bed from absorbing shock
- To make the mattress always cool by boosting airflow.
Box springs not only give more support, but they may also cushion some of the stress from the bed. This feature is beneficial for innerspring cushions. However, it can be harmful to the foam ones. Besides, a foam bed needs a very sturdy support foundation, such as a platform bed, because it lacks the solid system of an innerspring mattress.
Best Box Spring Alternatives
People have an increasing demand for the quality of their sleep. As a result, many mattress and bed products with innovations are introduced in the industry. The box spring alternatives we’ll mention have outstanding features, making them good choices.
Under-mattress slats
These bed slats are horizontal wood strips that secure your mattress on the bed frame. It’s also simple to modify them. You may set your bed to the height you want it to be without sacrificing aesthetics. Besides, the slats offer a high level of security since the bolts or a fabric keep them in place and tighten firmly to the bed frame. Hence, there is no part of the mattress sagging beneath your weight.
Wooden platforms are affordable and environmentally beneficial since they come from recycled wood. They also provide storage beneath, although this feature may be terrible “feng shui” in the bedroom. Moreover, the slats allow for improved ventilation if you don’t keep stuff under the bed. They are much lighter than box springs, so moving them isn’t challenging.
Pros:
- Cost-effective
- Secure and durable
- Environmentally friendly
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Bad feng shui due to the storage
Mattress directly on the floor
Sometimes the best approach to tackling an issue is to keep things straightforward. A mattress right on the floor is one of the most excellent boxes spring alternatives. This option is ideal for people on a tight budget and is also relatively comfortable.
There is no need to worry about your kids falling out of bed. They’ll cheerfully roll around on the floor, laughing. Interestingly, they’re also a favorite for houses with a bohemian vibe. And when performed appropriately, they look fabulous.
However, the blankets and bedsheets will touch the floor, making them dirty. The dirt irritates you for sure. You don’t have an extra storage room underneath. Moreover, your room may look sloppy without a bed, especially if your decor style is modern. The mattress will turn out to be out of place unless the interior decoration can complement it.
Besides, lying on a thin cushion is not suitable for your back. It may work at first. Yet, this option can’t be your long-term solution without supporting a well-cushioned mattress like the silicone or foam one.
Pros:
- Simple to set up and use
- Safe for kids
- Suitable for a bohemian vibe
- Cheap
Cons:
- Not suitable for your back
- No storage room
- Hard to mix with modern decor
Platform bed
Platform beds are excellent box spring alternatives to save money and space, particularly if you like an extra height than sleeping on the floor. They also have a fancier appearance than box spring sets. So there you have it.
Platform beds come in many styles, including minimalistic designs, contemporary floating mattresses, and classic four-poster beds with curtains. As a result, you have a wide range of cushion and headboard selections.
The point is that even with outdated box spring beds, you don’t really need box springs. Setting aged mattresses on a stable platform can sometimes greatly enhance their usability and save you bucks.
Pros:
- Available in different styles
- Good ventilation
- No box spring required
- Best for foam mattresses
Cons:
- Hard to move around
Adjustable beds
These adjustable beds provide maximum comfort in all settings. Whether watching TV or reading on your adjustable bed, you can always find the ideal posture without risking your neck and back health. Additionally, adjustable beds benefit your health by allowing you to lift your head and legs. They can also help people who have difficulty with blood circulation. These beds are one of the most innovative bed options available.
The major drawback of adjustable beds may be their price. These motorized frames with advanced technology surely cost more than other options. The adjustable bed is one of the most abundant box spring options, with prices ranging from $500 to $2500.
Pros:
- Increased comfort
- Good for health (neck, back, and blood circulation)
- Adjustable
- Wide variety
Cons:
- Maybe costly
Memory foam mattresses
These memory foam mattresses conform to the body at various levels of hardness. The idea is to provide comfort to all body parts, depending on your preferences. You won’t need a box spring if you get one of these.
Memory foam mattresses are comfortable and suitable for people suffering from chronic discomfort, particularly in the shoulders, neck, and back. They’re also anti-allergenic, which is a great benefit. Moreover, they are capable of absorbing shock. So, you don’t even have a box spring to go with it.
It is necessary to set them on a hard surface. Nevertheless, compared to other types, these cushions may be very costly. You can select a low-cost foundation to cut down the total cost. Wooden slats can help in this case; they also offer more breathability.
Pros:
- No box spring required
- Good for chronic discomfort
- Shock absorption
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Pricey
Hybrid mattress
They are multi-layered cushions with springs in the base. They also have memory foam in the top layer for optimal support. Customers will benefit from the best of both worlds. Additionally, these beds are a clever combination of the two types and installing a box spring is an unnecessary effort. Adding one might shorten the mattress’s life in the long run.
Hybrid mattresses are a top pick for couples since the foam layer assists with motion insulation. Compared to a standard innerspring mattress, these cushions will more precisely adjust to your body’s form and sleeping postures.
The most significant disadvantage of hybrid mattresses is their high cost. What defines a hybrid mattress differs from one retailer to the next. As a result, you’ll have to search around to discover whether the layer and component combo best suits your demands.
Pros:
- Reduced pressure
- Quietness
- Hypoallergenic components
- Comfortable
Cons:
- High price
- Heat retention
Innerspring mattresses
The innerspring mattresses, also called coil spring mattresses, include box springs inside that might eliminate a need for the box spring. They’re pretty popular. Moreover, they offer a variety of coils to support and carry the weight uniformly. In terms of hardness and durability, you’ll have various options.
A pocket coil structure is necessary since it gives the most comfort. They’re also a long-lasting choice. Coil mattresses do not necessitate box springs because the bed already includes springs. You would believe that children will enjoy bouncing on two springs. However, it has the potential to ruin the mattress and compromise its capacity to get a peaceful night’s sleep.
Pros:
- Extra support
- Cool
- Good ventilation
Cons:
- Coil tension
Wood slat base
This wood slat base is an alternative that offers several advantages, one of which is affordability. Wood slats are often less costly than box springs as well. Other advantages of the base is that they are simple to replace if cracked and can create at home too.
Wood slat foundations are a robust and economical alternative to box springs for installation and maintenance, but they do not provide your bed with greater height. They increase aeration, and boosting air circulation is a surefire method to minimize night sweats. However, you must ensure that they precisely suit your bed when purchasing them. Otherwise, there’ll be an issue. The wooden slats may flex and grow slack over time.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Low maintenance
- Easy to set up
- Good aeration
Cons:
- Maybe saggy
Foldable metal bed frame
The foldable metal frame is a simple box spring replacement that does not cost much money. This mattress support is lightweight and convenient to carry. Hence, many people employ these frames in their spare bedrooms.
They also have a robust structure and durable wire supports, one of their main benefits. If space is your concern, this option’s most notable feature is its ability to save space. When you don’t need it, you can fold it and store it in any corner of your room.
Pros:
- Space-saving
- Lightweight
- Simple to set up and transport
- Perfect for children’s sleeping rooms
Cons:
- Low resistance
- Noisy
Bunkie board
A bunkie board is a wooden platform bed with a layer of fabric for an extra cushion. If you want to place your mattress on the floor, this option is better than a box spring. It is also durable and robust. It helps to make other foundations more effective and resistant.
Another advantage of this board is that you can make it yourself. If you follow the instructions correctly, you will have a robust bed foundation with superior support. You can consider the bunkie board an adjustable bed since you can modify it to some extent. However, users complain that they have to adjust it every day.
Pros:
- Durable and strong
- Easy to make
- Solid support
Cons:
- Too frequent adjustments needed
Futons
Futons don’t fit contemporary rooms, but they can be your perfect choice in terms of convenience. They also offer a high degree of comfort. The best point of this option is that you can turn a futon into a couch when you want. It can fit your living room so well.
Futons are available in different price ranges. If you are on a tight budget, you can still afford a piece futon. If you don’t like the idea of a mattress with a frame, you can put another mattress on a futon’s top.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to move around
- Foldable (into a couch or a bed)
- Multi-purpose
Cons:
- Quite thin
- Not as durable as the box springs
How To Make DIY Box Spring Alternatives?
You may wish to construct your DIY box spring alternative for various reasons. You will have a green bed while significantly reducing expenses with resourcefulness and creativity.
Pallets
Pallet beds are popular box spring alternatives for DIY-ers or those on a tight budget. They are highly resilient and versatile. You can create robust tables, chairs, and other furniture besides beds. Moreover, they are available for purchase at local stores and on the internet, while occasionally, people give them out for free. Recycled pallets are ecologically friendly and cost-effective.
When purchasing a used item, check for any issues with the wood. Make sure that the pallets you buy are in good condition. Also, examine them for insects, corrosion, or any substances that might emit a hazardous odor.
If you only have some hand tools, this project is simple to do. Yet, make sure the construction quality is good because you’ll be relying on it to hold your body while sleeping.
Here’s how you make a DIY box spring alternative with pallets:
- Begin by trimming the pieces of wood to fit your bed’s dimensions.
- Use screws to fasten the wood pieces to the boards. Remember to leave a little room on both ends.
- After that, make the exterior box, attach upholstery, and put the mattress on top.
Milk crates
Milk crates are another excellent solution for a DIY box spring alternative. They made of high-density polyethylene are long-lasting and provide a strong foundation. You can use wine boxes and aluminum beverage containers for this purpose.
To make your own bed frame, follow these steps:
- Turn the crates upside down for additional storage space. Alternatively, turn sideways with the open face pointing outwards.
- You’ll need more crates to fill the contact area and offer adequate strength.
- Attach them using zip ties and crates until satisfied that the foundation structure is strong enough to support your mattress.
- You can cut different kinds of plywood and fix it to the top for better weight distribution.
- Finally, place the mattress on top.
When cutting plywood for DIY projects, you must use safety eyewear. Don’t forget to fasten the plywood to the crates with bolts and big washers. And, you’re now ready to go.
Why Don’t People Use The Box Spring?
Box springs are functional tools. However, some people still prefer other alternatives. Here are some reasons why they don’t choose the box springs.
Hard to move
Once you position the box spring, it has to stay there for about a few years until you feel like you must move it somewhere. As a result, many people find it annoying. Those who are going to relocate their house will go for another option. In terms of convenience, most people will opt for box spring alternatives, such as adjustable beds or platform beds.
Comfort
The supportive feature is nice, but sometimes it is too much. Some users find out that they like lying on the floor better than on a box spring. They don’t feel any pain in their back after waking up.
Price
The cheapest variants are more than $100. Of course, they can’t offer the same quality as the pricier models. If you need a decent box spring that is long-lasting and comfortable, you have to search for a price range from $350 up to $500 or even more.
Not necessary in some mattresses
Some mattresses, such as the hybrid or memory foam mattress, don’t require you to put a box spring underneath. These mattresses provide enough comfort, security, and affordable price without needing a support frame.
No storage
While space-saving is among the top concerns for every category, the lack of this feature in box springs appears inconvenient. If you live in a limited space, you may not want to choose the box spring. Instead, buyers like the wooden slat, platform bed, and metal frames with extra storage room.
Conclusion
While standard box springs are famous as bed foundations, you can replace them with other alternatives. You won’t need to worry about anything if you choose the abovementioned options. It would be best to check both sides of the product to see if it suits you or not. Besides, you can even make your own bed frame using accessible materials. Hopefully, you will find this article helpful. If you need any further information, please feel free to ask. Thank you for reading!
FAQs
What is the purpose of a box spring?
A box spring serves two purposes. The first is to provide a stable base for your mattress, which can help it last longer. The second is to add more height to make getting in and out of bed simpler.
Can I lay a mattress on the floor if it doesn’t have a box spring?
It is OK to place multiple mattresses on the flooring. However, there are several drawbacks to this. You will have to deal with reduced ventilation for the mattress, hygienic concerns such as mildew and dust, and the potential of voiding the mattress warranty.
How can I tell whether my mattress requires a box spring?
You can check the guarantee that comes with the mattress before you buy it. The warranty will state if a box spring is necessary or what the maker advises you to use.
