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Is A Bunkie Board The Same As A Box Spring? Full Comparision

A good night’s sleep will help people have a more comfortable spirit. So, the industry of producing blankets, sheets, pillows, and cushions is developing rapidly. The two modern products, the best bunkie board and box spring were born. The two products are pretty similar in appearance. But, is a bunkie board the same as a box spring? Which is better?

The most obvious difference between the two is that bunkies use springs for support, while springs use thin layers of wood as an intermediate connection. To help you choose the best mattress foundation, we will answer this question for you and introduce the board and spring in detail.

Bunkie Board Overview

Before answering the above question, you need to clearly understand what a bunkie board is. Below, we will introduce you to the product features:

Characteristics

When using bunk beds, you will have to use the bunkie board as an intermediate layer before placing the mattress on. This product is made of flat wood. In addition, they can also be made from other materials such as plywood, and chipboard but are still mainly made of wood.

The thickness of the board is relatively thin, only about 1–3 inches. This product has a vital role in fixing the mattress to the bed. When you put the bunkie board on, you will feel the stability of the mattress. Many experts have recommended using this product to increase certainty.

In the past, people only used boards to support the mattress. Today, this product is becoming more and more popular. They have expanded and created bunkie boards of various sizes. Each type of bed will have a different thickness, length, and width.

In addition, boards are available at all stores that specialize in bedding. You can find products at local dealers or reputable websites on the internet. Bunkie boards can also be used as adjustable bed frames to save money.

Advantages

The thickness of the bunkie boards is low, so it doesn’t take too much effort to move it. The primary material of the product is wood or plywood. So you can use this plywood for a very long time. Not only that, but the price of boards is also very affordable. You will not need to spend too much money to invest in the panel under your mattress. Instead of spending more than $100 for this pick, you can look for a compact and sturdy Bunkie board.

Disadvantages

The lightweight of the bunkie board has also become its drawback. If you choose a product that is not suitable for your mattress, this plywood will become a significant obstacle affecting the quality of your sleep. The product will not be fixed, and you will have to adjust it at night regularly.

Box Spring Overview

Here, we provide the features of a box spring to help you understand them clearly:

Characteristics

As the name implies, the primary material of the box spring is the spring. The inside of the product includes a wooden bed frame for fixing springs to form a complete mattress. More specifically, it contains coils of steel and heavy metal. These products are usually the same length and width as your bed.

The thickness of this mattress is about 6-9 inches. So the weight of the product will also be quite heavy. You will have some difficulty moving it. However, on the market, there are still a few springs with moderate thickness. These products will usually be for small single beds.

Advantages

If you like high beds, a box spring is a perfect choice for you. This one provides a moderate height while increasing the ability of the mattress to not slide out of the bed frame. Plus, you won’t need to buy multiple mattresses to get a good night’s sleep. Just spend some money to buy a spring; you can use the product to make a mattress for your bed.

Disadvantages

The drawback of springs is the weight. This item combines many heavy materials such as wood, springs, metal, etc., to form. Therefore, installing one by yourself won’t be easy. Not only that, but the price of the product is also not low. A spring costs more than $100. Many people will hesitate to choose to buy this mattress.

Is A Bunkie Board The Same As A Box Spring?

After learning about the two products, you will surely realize that the spring’s bunkie board is not the same. Each type has its characteristics. Although their intended use is to support a fixed mattress on the bed, each product has a distinct feature.

For boards, this is the ideal product for bunk beds and platform beds with a bed frame or bed slats. If you don’t want your bed to be high, you should choose this product. Bunkie boards only support the ability to fix the foam mattress to your bed. As for the spring, this item is only suitable for beds with only a bed frame available. Also, you can use this mattress for innerspring types.

Bunkie Board vs Box Spring, Which Is Better?

Many people are using both products. So, which one is better? Here are three factors in evaluating these two:

Compatibility

In the past, bunk bed mattresses were usually not of great thickness. People often use box springs to increase the comfort of their beds. Yet, now that the mattress industry has developed, the devices have the right thickness. People no longer have the option to use springs as much as before.

On the other hand, the board is suitable for all the different mattresses that are available in the market. Compatibility with each type of bed is almost absolute. Bunkie board manufacturers have tried to design many kinds in length, and width.

Price

Price is always the leading factor in evaluation. If an item is too expensive, many people will hesitate and not decide to buy that device. Specifically, boards usually cost around 50-100. Thanks to that, you can invest your remaining budget in finding a suitable mattress.

For box springs, this device is quite expensive. Each one costs more than $100. You will need to consider it carefully before you buy it. An advantage for you when purchasing ones is that you do not need to look for other mattresses but can directly use this product like a mattress for your bed.

Mobility

Both products are substantial, so moving them for installation is also a factor many people are interested in. The weight of both will determine whether their portability is feasible or not. A board is just a plywood board, so its weight is very light. You can install it yourself without asking for help from others. Yet, the box spring is mainly steel and metal, so the product’s weight is considerable. You can’t lift the mattress alone; it takes several people to move it.

Here, we present a comprehensive comparison table for your convenience. Dive in to compare and contrast features, ensuring you make an informed decision:

FactorBunkie BoardBox Spring
CompatibilityCompatible with all mattressesOnly compatible with older, two-sided mattresses
Price$50-100$100+
MobilityLightweight and easy to moveHeavy and difficult to move
NoiseQuietCan be noisy, especially if the springs are old or rusty
BreathabilityGoodNot as breathable as a bunkie board
SupportGood support for most mattressesMay not provide enough support for memory foam or latex mattresses

Can you put a bunkie board between mattress and box spring?

Bunkie boards may be positioned on top of a box spring beneath the mattress, between a metal or wooden bed frame or bed slats and the mattress, or between the bed platform and the mattress.

When you put a bunkie board between a mattress and a box spring, you’re adding an extra layer of support. This can be useful if your box spring is aging or if your mattress requires a firmer foundation than what the box spring provides. Some modern mattresses, especially foam and latex ones, demand a more solid base, and a bunkie board can effectively provide that additional support when used with a box spring.

Moreover, slats on some bed frames might be spaced too widely, causing the mattress to sag in gaps over time. A bunkie board will prevent this sagging by distributing the mattress’s weight evenly across the frame or slats.

Conclusion

Bunkie boards and box springs are not the same products. Although they have some similar characteristics to the mattress foundation, there are fundamental differences between us. Hopefully, the above article has helped you gain more information about boards and box springs, and you can find yourself a suitable product for your purposes.

David Elkie

David Elkie

David Elkie is the CEO at Banner Mattress. He has been in the writing and editing business for the mattress, bedding accessories and décor industries for over 20 years.