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Wooden bed frames offer durability and stability, and many shoppers find they add a stylish touch to the bedroom.
Made from pine, oak, maple, or other types of wood, wooden bed frames come in multiple style and color options. Although some bed frames must be used with a foundation or a box spring, many wooden bed frames have integrated slats that provide sufficient support for the mattress on their own. Wooden bed frames may also come with a headboard and footboard, or built-in drawers.
When selecting a wood bed frame, there are many considerations to keep in mind. We’ll detail some of these factors, and share our picks for the best wood bed frames.
Best Overall
The Bed by Thuma is a minimalist frame that is handcrafted using natural reclaimed wood. The careful construction and high-quality materials make this frame a highly durable and functional option with a distinctive appearance.
The wooden base of The Bed is built using Japanese joinery techniques, which allow the joints to fit neatly together without metal hardware. Sturdy wooden slats support the mattress. The slats are lined with felt derived from recycled plastic, which is intended to prevent the mattress from shifting during the night. A soft, proprietary foam headboard – known as The Pillowboard – rests between the base and the wall. The Pillowboard’s cover is made using a pebbled polyester-linen weave, and it can be removed and washed for easy care.
The Bed is available in twin, full, queen, king, and California king sizes. Shoppers can choose between two stains for the wood and two colors for The Pillowboard. Cork padding underneath each leg also prevents floor damage, and a 9-inch clearance allows for plenty of underbed storage.
Thuma provides free shipping throughout the contiguous United States. The Bed will arrive in three separate boxes that are easier to maneuver into your home, and setup generally takes one person about 10 to 15 minutes. The Bed comes with a 100-night risk-free sleep trial and is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Best Value
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on DreamCloud mattresses
Wooden platform beds can be fairly expensive, but some models carry affordable price-points without sacrificing quality or performance. The DreamCloud Platform Bed is a great example of a sturdy, dependable frame that won’t drain your savings. The rails, slats, and legs are all composed of durable hardwood that can support a large amount of weight. Thanks to its 10-inch profile, the frame also offers plenty of under-bed space to accommodate your storage needs.
Customers can choose from full, queen, or king sizes. The frame is also available in three colors: white, black, or golden oak, the latter of which has a more natural look. A slim profile and slightly slanted legs give the frame an aesthetic that’s both minimalist and modern. Assembling the bed is also an easy, straightforward process that can be completed in a matter of minutes.
In addition to affordable pricing for standalone purchases, the Platform Bed is available in bundles that can save you money on a new DreamCloud mattress. Ground delivery is also free of charge throughout the contiguous U.S. Each order comes with a 50-night trial period that includes free return shipping, as well.
Best Luxury
The Eco Wood Bed Frame from Avocado is a 100% solid wood platform bed with a minimalist look and simple assembly instructions.
The frame is made with reclaimed wood sourced mostly from Douglas fir trees, while the slats are constructed with solid pine. Due to the reclaimed nature of the wood, the frame has a textured appearance with a modern, rustic appeal. This model comes in six standard sizes and the platform sits 16 inches above the ground. No tools are required for assembly. Customers simply attach the side rails to the headboard and footboard with a steel tension mount design, then lay the slats into fitted slots along the rails.
Avocado is known for its eco-conscious and sustainable sourcing, making this frame a good match for shoppers who prioritize products that have minimal negative impact on the environment. The company is a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, which helps ensure that the frame meets certain standards for sustainability. The frame also has Greenguard Gold certification to show that it has been tested for the presence of VOCs.
Avocado provides free shipping to the contiguous U.S. and includes free in-home setup. The frame does not include a sleep trial, which means all sales are final. However, it is backed by a 10-year warranty.
Most Durable
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Silk & Snow mattresses
Silk & Snow’s Wooden Bed Frame boasts a gorgeous aesthetic as well as a thoughtful design. Inspired by Japanese joinery techniques, the rails and posts feature intricate notches that allow these components to fit together without metal hardware or adhesives. This construction is not only easy to assemble but also remarkably sturdy thanks in part to the frame’s 100% acacia composition. Acacia is a hardwood variety renowned for its natural beauty and durability. All wood is grown in the forests of central Vietnam and the Mekong River Delta.
Customers choose between a traditional platform style that stands 13 inches tall or a frame with a matching headboard that elevates the profile to 36 inches. Both options offer ample under-bed space for people with storage needs. Each leg is padded with cork to prevent damage to floors made of hardwood, parquet, and other materials that are vulnerable to scratching. Twin, full, queen, and king sizes are available.
The frame is quite easy to keep clean – simply wipe with a soft cloth, mild soap, and water as needed. Silk & Snow offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. The Wooden Bed Frame comes with a 30-night trial period. Those who decide to return their bed within the trial window must cover all shipping costs.
Best Design
If you’re in the market for a new bed frame, you won’t find a much more durable material than oak. The Casper Repose Bed Frame features side rails and slats made of solid oak that resist cracking and splitting exceptionally well. Thick, evenly spaced platform-style slats support the mattress for added stability. You can choose between natural and dark stains for the wood, depending on your aesthetic preferences. The feet are rounded at the base to prevent you from stubbing your toes in the dark.
The Repose is available with two optional headboards. One is constructed using smooth plywood with an oak veneer, while the other features a pillow-soft, basketweave fabric upholstery made of polyester. Three colors are available for the upholstery, allowing you to further customize the look of your bed frame if you choose this headboard. You may also forgo the headboard to reduce the overall cost. The frame is compatible with full, queen, and king size mattresses.
All Repose orders require White Glove delivery, a $149 service that includes a scheduled delivery date and time and full assembly in a room of your choice. Delivery is offered to customers in the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. Each purchase includes a 30-night trial period and a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Easiest Assembly
Bed frame shoppers often need to compromise between durable models and those within their price range, but the Birch White Wood Frame gives you the best of both worlds. Three types of hardwood are used to create the frame, ensuring sturdy construction and a decent lifespan, yet the price-point is below-average compared to many competing options with similar materials and designs.
The rails are made of a composite material derived from maple and poplar, the slats are southern yellow pine, and the legs are solid maple. All materials come from trees grown in plots certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, ensuring sustainable planting and cultivation practices. The forests are also LEED and CARB compliant, which indicates Birch takes measures to monitor pollution and conserve energy.
Assembling the frame is a straightforward process that can be completed in a matter of minutes. The design incorporates Japanese joinery techniques, so no tools or metal hardware are needed for setup. The frame measures 13 inches tall, creating plenty of under-bed space for people with storage needs or small bedrooms. Six sizes are available that correspond with standard mattress dimensions.
Birch provides free ground shipping to customers in all 50 states. The White Wood Frame is backed by a 100-night sleep trial – which is longer than average for this type of product – and a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty against structural defects.
The vast selection of wooden bed frames can seem overwhelming if you’re just starting your search. However, with a little research, you can get a better understanding of what you’re looking for.
The right wood bed frame for you will depend on your personal needs and preferences. Overarching factors like the size, price, and type of bed frame are the first details shoppers usually focus on. Once you’ve established the general type of bed frame you want, you can focus on more specific details such as the design, color options, material type, ease of assembly, and noise potential.
Quality Materials
Bed frames can be built from many different types of wood, such as pine, oak, maple, or walnut. Some manufacturers also use composite woods like fiberboard or plywood. Depending on the type of wood, a bed frame may offer different advantages such as being sturdier, more lightweight, more durable, or less prone to cracking. Often, wood bed frames include components made from other materials like steel to reinforce their construction.
Pric
The average wood bed frame is a little more expensive than its metal counterpart, with the majority of frames falling between $300 and $1,000. The price of a wood bed frame can vary according to its construction, performance, and materials. Frames with simpler designs generally cost less than luxury frames made with high-end materials.
Design
The bed frame’s design should fit into the room’s overall aesthetic. Many wood bed frames have classic designs that work well with any room style. Others have more elaborate designs intended to be a focal point of the bedroom.
Weight
Wooden bed frames vary in weight depending on the design and the types of wood used to make them. Simple designs tend to weigh less and may be easier to move, while heavier, more elaborate wood frames may feel sturdier. Consider your own priorities when evaluating the weight of the frame, and keep in mind that heavier frames may be able to support a higher weight limit.
Ease of Assembly
For those with limited mobility or people who move often, ease of assembly is a vital factor. Some models require no tools and can be assembled in just a few minutes, while others are more complex and may require the help of a second person. For bed frame models that are quite heavy or complicated, certain manufacturers offer in-home setup for an additional fee.
Noise
Wood has a tendency to swell and contract with fluctuating temperature and humidity levels, and sleepers may notice their wood bed frame emitting some creaks after a while. Wooden bed frames built with thicker cuts of wood and fewer metal parts may be less prone to noise, as they’re less likely to have weak points or places of friction.
Size
Select a wood bed frame that matches the size of your mattress and fits into your bedroom space. It’s always wise to measure your mattress and compare it to the frame’s dimensions listed on the manufacturer’s website before buying, as dimensions can sometimes be a little different.
Type
In addition to the standard platform-style wood bed frame, there are also more elaborate models. Common types of wood bed frames include bunk bed frames with two or more beds stacked on top of each other; sleigh bed frames with a curved headboard and footboard; and panel beds that can be paired with a box spring or foundation. Whether a sleek design best fits your space or whether you prefer something fancier, there are plenty of options on the market.
There are both pros and cons to owning a wood bed frame. As a natural material, wood offers a unique and attractive look, but it may be vulnerable to certain types of damage.
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There are many decent wooden bed frames available for $300 to $700, with some high-end models costing $1,000 or more. Wood bed frames made with solid hardwood are usually more expensive, but they are also generally more durable. Size and design can also impact cost.
There are several ways to eliminate bed frame noise. The first step is to determine where the noise is coming from. Check for broken slats and make sure all bolts and screws are tightly fastened. Use oil to lubricate the screws and bolts, or add plastic washers. You may also be able to reduce friction by applying wax to problem areas, using cork to plug gaps, or inserting raisers under the legs. To protect your wooden bed frame from unnecessary swelling, keep it away from water and heat sources.
Wood bed frames can be made out of hardwood, softwood, or composite woods like plywood or fiberboard, each of which has its own benefits. Durable hardwoods like maple, cherry, mahogany, oak, and walnut are generally considered the best types of wood for a bed frame. Softwoods such as pine, cedar, and fir are easier to shape, but they may not be as strong. Composite woods don’t offer the same look as a natural wood frame, and they may contain adhesives and other synthetic materials. However, they tend to have a lower price-point and may be more resistant to damage.