What Is The Purpose Of A Bunkie Board?
If you’ve spent any time looking for a bed, you’ve almost certainly heard the term “Bunkie board.” So, what exactly is it? What is the purpose of a Bunkie board?
The Bunkie board aims to provide a supporting surface to avoid drooping. These pallets were initially used with bunk beds since a box spring would have lifted the cushion too high.
On the other hand, they have become a popular addition to classic bed frames meant to accommodate regular innerspring mattresses or hybrid ones. This article will give you an overview of the above topic. Let’s dive right into the details!
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What Is A Bunkie Board?
A Bunkie pallet is a 1 to 3-inch thick flat piece (usually plywood or particle board) that lies between the mattress and the surface it rests on.
You can use it with any setup—box springs, foundations, platform beds, and so on to offer extra support for your mattress when the base alone is not sufficient.
They acquired their name since they were initially used to support bunk bed mattresses. Conventional innerspring mattresses required a box spring for assistance.
This pallet appeared to replace a box spring, allowing bunk bed cushions to lie low while providing adequate support.
They are available in all bed sizes today, including twin, twin XL, queen, king, double, and California king, and you can use them instead of or in addition to a slatted base.
A bunkie board can be also used in conjunction with a box spring, previous foundation, or platform bed to guarantee that it can sustain the pressure of a newer foam mattress.
Read more: Do you need a bunkie board
What Is The Purpose Of A Bunkie Board
Bunkie board isn’t only for bunk beds anymore because it is suitable for all mattress sizes so that anyone can use them beneath their bed.
Low Profile
These boards are typically used with bed frames. Besides, they allow it to lie lower than it would with a regular box spring. They are low-profile since the most popular size is 2 inches.
For All Sizes
They are available in sizes ranging from a regular twin to King-size foam mattresses. Because of the enormous selection, they are accessible to the majority of individuals.
Split boards are also available for split king-size beds and split queen-size beds. Even though these are merely two twin boards adjacent to one other, they may support splitting cushions.
Add more durability
Wooden Bunkie pallets are the most popular type of bed base available. These boards are highly durable due to their solid wood construction and can accommodate any size.
Those made of wood are an excellent choice for anybody wishing to add more support and durability to their bunk bed.
How Do You Use A Bunkie Board?
It is used to add another layer of comfort and support to your mattress by inserting it between your mattress and the bed frame.
When a person’s bed starts to droop, they may opt for a cheap Bunkie rather than purchasing an entirely new set.
For example, an innerspring mattress may gladly sit on support slats or a sturdy basis like a platform or bunkie board.
You can place it between the foam mattress and the platform bed, between wood or metal bed slats and the cushion, or beneath the foam mattress on the box spring.
How To Make A Bunkie Board?
Follow these steps to construct your own Bunkie pallets:
- Get the ideal plywood, which is approximately 3/4 inch thick.
- Measure your bed’s foundation: Remove the cushion from its base and use a measuring tape to measure the internal dimensions.
To ensure that the plywood fits appropriately rather than flush, deduct 1-2 inches from each dimension.
- You are ready to cut once you’ve obtained a thin sheet and taken your dimensions.
- Sand the edges using sandpaper to smooth up the edges of the board.
- Cut one piece of quilted upholstery fabric to the dimensions of your Bunkie and another one for a 6-inch addition on each side.
- Use upholstery adhesive to glue one sheet to one side of the plywood, and so does the other.
- The remaining fabric should be folded in and stapled in place.
Buying Tips
You might consider acquiring one if foam mattresses are sagging because of the slats. If you have a thick foam cushion, do not be afraid to invest in choosing the best bunkie boards.
Here are a few things to think about before you go out and buy one.
- Consider the budget and your purpose
- Ask yourself if you want a folding or a regular one
- Examine the thickness
- Choose the color that matches the decoration of your house or bedroom
- Check the shipping service if you buy it far away from your location
- Remember to read the reviews and feedback of customers on the online stores
The Bottom Line
What is the purpose of a Bunkie board? Hopefully, through this article, you have been able to answer this question.
Bunkie boards are a robust basis to bolster your mattress and provide significant support. So, you should summarize the information we have provided to choose the suitable one for your bed. Thank you for your interest in the article!
FAQs
How Much Should I Pay For It?
The price of this board depends on the materials used as well as the size of it. Of course, the bigger the cushion, the more expensive the Bunkie board.
They are composed of particle boards and compressed wood chips, which will be more expensive than solid wood boards. Aesthetic coatings on boards can also increase the price.
It can cost roughly from $50 to $150. On the other hand, placing a basic plywood board under the cushion might be a cheaper choice to save money.
The plywood must be at least 3/4-inch thick, which is moisture-resistant, and trimmed to the same size as the mattress to ensure that it does not slide out.
Is It Necessary To Use This Pallet If I Have A Hybrid Mattress And A Slatted Foundation?
Yes. Many bed frames include slats that are wider than 3 inches. You are limited to a few possibilities. To keep the gap under 3 inches, you might add more slats to the frame.
Alternatively, you might place a Bunkie pallet underneath your mattress to ensure that your bed receives adequate all-around support.
If you’ve had a foam mattress, a foundation is responsible for providing support between the bed frame and the bed cushion. Mattress foundations offer both height and support.
Is It Possible To Use A Bunkie Pallet On Its Own?
Putting it below your mattress might be a viable alternative to a foundation or a box spring if you want the bed frame near the floor.
Additional bed supports, such as box springs and foundations, can raise your bed by roughly 12 inches in height. So, placing it between the floor and a mattress is also a smart option if you want to remove your platform frame entirely.
On the other hand, putting the cushion on the floor makes it absorb moisture, attract bugs, and collect dust. These boards can help avoid these dangers.
