Platform Bed vs Box Spring - What Is Better?
Last Updated on Jan 17, 2023
When it comes to finding the perfect bed, most people focus their efforts on looking for the right mattress. This makes them overlook the importance of choosing a suitable bed base, which plays an equally important role in enhancing the comfort and sturdiness of the bed. Nowadays, buyers can choose from countless options for bed bases, including platform beds and box springs.
Choosing the best option between platform bed vs box spring can be quite confusing. The platform beds are a built-in foundation or a bed frame, whereas a box spring is nothing but a foundation placed on the bed frame and serves as a barrier between frame and mattress. Both are compatible with most types of mattresses and all standard mattress sizes. This article offers comprehensive details about the various aspects of these bed bases to help buyers choose wisely.
What Is a Platform Bed?
To start with, buyers should have a clear understanding of what is a platform bed? A Platform bed is a low profile bed frame with a sturdy base that is either solid or slatted. They come with a built-in foundation which makes it possible to place the mattress directly on the platform.
Platform beds are available in different styles, including wood, metal, upholstered, and even platform bed with box spring. Some units even have storage features such as drawers, making them great for smaller apartments. The height of these beds ranges between 5 and 12 inches and offers a sleek, modern look. The platform bed costs under $2000, whereas a box spring falls under $500.
Like most other bed frames, platform beds also have advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
Some major benefits offered by platform beds include the following.
Mattress Support
A solid platform bed provides firm support to the mattress with little or no give. A slatted bed also offers good support to the mattress while providing a little give. The amount of stretch depends on the types of slats and the spacing between them.
Durability
These beds are highly durable and can offer a damage-free life with little care and maintenance. They can last several years to several decades as per their material and construction.
Mattress Compatibility
These beds are compatible with almost all mattresses, including heavy memory foam and latex ones. This eliminates the need for buyers to invest in a specially designed mattress for a platform bed.
Storage
Most platform beds offer storage features, making them a preferred choice for smaller homes. Some manufacturers even allow the buyers a say in how to make a platform bed to maximize the storage space.
Cons
Some important platform bed disadvantages include the following.
Too Low
Platform beds are too low, making it difficult to get in and out of them. This is especially true for older people and people with physical disabilities and mobility issues.
Bulky
Despite their lightweight structure, these beds are quite bulky. This makes moving them extremely difficult once they have been set up.
Little Give
A key disadvantage of platform beds vs box springs is that they offer little to no give. This makes the beds too firm for some people, making them feel uncomfortable or stiff.
When to Consider a Platform Bed
Platform beds are an excellent choice for people with small bedrooms or in need of extra storage space. Their sleek and streamlined silhouettes help create a sense of more space and provide an uncluttered look. These beds also offer greater stability, making them suitable for people who tend to toss and turn a lot while sleeping. The sturdiness of the beds makes them the right choice for heavier individuals looking for a safe and durable low-floor bed frame.
What Is a Box Spring
Having learned about platform beds, buyers need to understand "what is a box spring?" A box spring is a wooden box containing a layer of coil springs and covered with a breathable fabric on the top. Some box springs also consist of a thin dust cover at the bottom.
For people who wonder "what is the purpose of a box spring" the answer is that it serves as a barrier between the mattress and bed. They provide and bouncier and softer feel and even enhance the height of the bed significantly. The coil support system helps absorb the shock and offers more flexible support by compressing under the bodyweight of the users. If you are thinking how much is a box spring in terms of cost, then it is significant to mention that these are very economical in price.
Learning about the advantages and disadvantages of box springs makes choosing between platform beds vs box springs relatively easier for buyers.
Pros
The following advantages of these bed bases can help buyers answer the question, do you need a box spring?
Springy Support
Box springs use steel coils to support the mattress and bed frame. The flexibility of the coils increases with time and usage. This provides springy support and ensures better shock absorption the bodyweight balancing.
Added Height
The average height of box springs is 25 inches, which helps to increase the height of a bed considerably. This makes it easier for the users to move in and out of these beds compared to any other bed frame without box spring.
Better Ventilation
The design of box springs ensures better ventilation and improves the breathability of the mattress. This prevents mold build-up and bacteria growth and keeps the bed fresh and hygienic.
Cons
Buyers should also consider the following drawbacks before buying box springs.
Mattress Compatibility
Box strings are not compatible with heavy mattresses such as the ones made from foam and latex. This limits the choice of mattress options for the buyers quite significantly.
Durability
The durability of the box springs depends on the quality of the coil springs used for making them. The coil springs wear down naturally after several years of use. This reduces the flexibility and support of the box springs and impacts their life and durability.
Can Be Noisy
Some types of box springs can become noisy after only a few years of use. This is because the quality of the springs placed inside them is poor, or the springs might have lost their flexibility and become loose. This makes the box springs squeak every time the users make any movement.
When to Consider a Box Spring
Investing in box springs is the right choice for people having an innerspring mattress or a mattress warranty that requires the use of this type of base. If you are pondering over the thought, "Are box springs necessary?" Box springs are recommended for people having beds with a collapsible metal frame. People who want to elevate the height of their bed can also benefit by investing in a full mattress and box spring. This bed base is also preferred by people who like a softer and bouncier bed that absorbs their body weight and provides a cushioning feel
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Platform Bed vs Box Spring Comparison Chart
| Parameter | Platform Bed | Box Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Average Height | 5 - 18 inches | 25 inches |
| Support | Quite firm with little or no give | Less rigid with more give |
| Weight | Heavier than box spring | Relatively lightweight |
| Comfort | Not good for those with issues getting out of bed | Springs absorb shock and offer bounce |
| Mattress Compatability | All mattress types | Innerspring mattresses only |
| Durability | Can last for several decades | Can last for 10+ years with proper care and maintenance |
| Storage space | Lots of storage space | Little or no storage space |
| Price | $ -150 - $2000 | $100 - $500 |
Other Bed Bases Options Available
Some other popular bed bases available in the market include the following.
Bed Frame with Headboard
Bed frames with headboards come with a decorative part at the top of the bed to prevent the head of the user from hitting the wall. They are made from different materials and come in different sizes. They are mostly preferred by people looking for a statement piece or those with poorly insulated rooms.
Foldable Bed Frames
Foldable bed frames are designed for optimum space utilization. They can be fitted into a recessed portion of the wall or even turned into a sofa when not used for lying down. These beds are preferred for people with minimal space or who cannot afford additional furniture.
Adjustable Bed Frame
Beds with adjustable bed frame bases allow users to elevate their heads or knees to be most comfortable. They prove to be an excellent choice for individuals who like to read or watch TV while lying in bed. Hospitals and healthcare facilities use these beds in large numbers.
Storage Bed
As the name suggests, the storage bed base is designed with in-built storage. They often feature a slatted base designed to support a mattress without a box spring. They are preferred by people in need of extra storage space.
Foundation
Mattress foundation is used to provide enhanced mattress support. It is essentially a wooden box with slats wrapped in a non-slip breathable fabric. They are best suited for users whose bed frames lack any slats or board to support the mattress.
Conclusion
A platform bed is a bed frame, whereas a box spring is a base that can be easily placed on any bed frame. Comparing platform bed vs box spring and choosing the better option between the two should be done after carefully considering their features, benefits, and drawbacks. Buyers should also factor in the platform bed vs box spring comfort level and the cost of each type of base to make the right choice.
