Memory Foam Mattress On Plywood: Detailed Instructions & Alternatives

After purchasing a new memory foam mattress, the next thing that comes to mind is how to adequately support it. You have several options, but plywood is the most popular. With this addition, you may be able to extend the life of your bed. It creates a stable and uniform mattress foundation. This article will explain why this wood panel can work beneath the cushion. We also give you step-by-step instructions and some other viable alternatives. We will also discuss in depth the topic “memory foam mattress on plywood.”  Now, let’s go into the details!

Can You Put Memory Foam Mattress On Plywood?

The answer is yes. Plywood can offer extra support to practically any current mattress, including memory foam.

What is plywood?

Plywood has different layers of wooden veneer. These veneers, or plies, stay on top of one another to change the wood textures. After that, the plies are joined together to form a lightweight yet solid material. Besides, Plywood is used as building materials in various settings and to make furniture, cabinets, and tables.

Plywood is available in a variety of hardnesses and grades. Longevity, brightness, strength, flexibility, and stability are some features that make this material worth your consideration.

Benefits of plywood

According to the manufacturers, you should not place foam mattresses directly on box springs. It would be best to put something in between.

Plywood is an ideal choice in this case. Even when you don’t use a box spring, the wood panel alone can support your mattress correctly.

A mattress base made out of plywood is a cost-effective option. It provides a solid foundation for the cushion.

To avoid sagging, it’s also a good idea to lay the wood on top of any mattress base, particularly if it has wide slats.

Further reading:

The wooden panel is a cost-effective solution

The wooden slat is a cost-effective solution

Drawbacks of plywood

Most of these panels prevent the mattress from breathing, retaining moisture, and mildew.

Although this good option can solve a soft mattress problem, it makes the cushion more unstable and causes it to shrink faster.

Moreover, the wood splinters in the panel may rip the cushion fabric apart.

How To Put Plywood Under Memory Foam Mattress?

Placing plywood beneath the mattress may sound complicated, but it’s a simple DIY you can finish in minutes.

Simply follow these three simple guidelines, and you’ll be on your way to a better night’s sleep, especially if you are a light sleeper.

Step 1: Measure

You have a wide selection of plywood for your project. AB and BC are the most popular choices.

Start by measuring the bed foundation’s surface area. The hardware store can cut a panel of plywood to the desired size.

To be durable and sturdy enough to give support, it must be at least 3/4 inch thick.

Utilizing a less than 3/4 inch thick board is not a good idea. The board will fracture, making it unsuitable for a mattress or an adult to lie down.

The panel should be at least 3/8 inches thick, while it must not be thinner than 3/4 inches.

When determining the thickness of the panel, consider the weight of the cushion and the height of the person who will be using it.

Further reading:

Pay attention to the thickness of the board

Pay attention to the thickness of the board

Step 2: Install

Lift the mattress, either half or full, and lay the trimmed panel on the foundation.

Then, reposition the mattress on the top.

Step 3: Test

When moving around or lying on your bed, try to detect any creaking or bending from the foundation.

You’ve successfully inserted the foundation if you can’t hear any sound.

What Is The Best Foundation For Memory Foam Mattresses?

You should choose a breathable, supporting foundation that can drain the moisture gathered at the bottom.

Aside from the plywood base, there are also some other good alternatives, such as slatted wood supports and adjustable metal frame bases.

Slatted wood supports

When compared to ordinary mattresses, foam models are quite heavy. A slatted foundation can work well to support it.

A slatted base is a form of foundation that can hold a bed frame. It has a sleek, modern design and sits reasonably above the floor.

The process entails uniformly spreading the wooden planks underneath the cushion. It guarantees that the latex mattress properly aligns the spine and that the foam degrades evenly.

You need to screw the slats together or space them no more than two to three inches apart. Make sure to space the slats evenly.

Also, note that your mattress is large. You can also play plywood over the slats to provide a firmer bottom.

Slatted bases allow the mattresses to breathe. Also, make sure there’s enough airflow. This foundation is simple to put together and comes in Twin, Full, Queen, and King sizes.

The slatted foundation allows the cushion to breath

The slatted foundation allows the cushion to breath

Adjustable metal frame bases

The steel frame is also a good choice for these mattresses.

Metal framesets or a mix of steel frames and timber slats are currently available. They add much-needed consistency to the layout.

On the other hand, the metal frame sometimes provides superior support, but not always.

The pressure the supportive base must carry depends on the thickness of the steel frame and the bars that sustain the cushion body.

You should also pay attention to the bar’s sharpness. If it is too sharp and thin, it will cut the cushion.

A foldable frame is an example of a metal base. The user may alter the inclinations of the bed components, such as the foot and head, thanks to the adjustable construction.

Mechanical and wireless adjustments are both possible. They work well with foam mattresses. Some adjustable frames are foldable as well. When space is tight, you often see them in guest beds in contemporary and small homes.

This model is storable, lightweight, and transportable due to its foldable characteristic.

If you are interested in this model, you can learn more about it from this video.

Metal frame can be adjustable

The metal frame can be adjustable

Are Box Springs Good For Memory Foam Mattresses?

A typical form of box spring foundations, in general, is not ideal for this kind of foam. They’re more likely to work for innerspring mattresses.

Box springs combine steel springs and wood fastened within the frame.

Do you actually need box spring foundations? The springs can work as shock absorbers. They take the pressure of the mattress on top of them.

The support and comfort provided by the memory foam bedding itself are ideal. As a result, nothing as solid as a box spring is necessary beneath.

The mattress is not compatible with this base. It may bend beneath a spring if put on one.

The bed may also dip between the coils and the slats of the spring. As a result, the foam will wear out and lose support quicker.

Final Words

Putting plywood beneath a mattress is a quick and inexpensive fixable method.

Although it appears to be a difficult task, we’ve demonstrated how simple it is to do. We strongly advise having somebody help you to speed up the procedure.

Hopefully, this article will help you make a good choice for your bedding. If you need any further information, please feel free to ask.

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