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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
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The Helix White Wood Frame has an all-wood design that does not include any metal hardware. The bed is available in a natural or white finish.
Helix uses wood from sustainably managed forests that have been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The frame’s legs are made with solid maple, the rails are made with Appalachian hardwood, and the slats are made with Southern yellow pine. The company also uses a water-based finish in an effort to avoid volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The pieces of this frame are designed to fit together seamlessly and require no tools to set up. Because there are no metal parts, there is also a reduced likelihood of noise. The twin and twin XL frames can hold up to 500 pounds, and the full, queen, king, and California king sizes can hold up to 1,500 pounds. The frame does not require a box spring or foundation.
During Helix’s 100-night sleep trial, shoppers can return the frame for a full refund. A 5-year limited warranty covers defects in manufacturing or craftsmanship. The frame ships free via FedEx in the U.S., and it can also be ordered from Canada for an additional shipping charge.
Easiest Assembly
The Bear Platform Bed is made from pine, which is one of the more lightweight types of wood. The frame has steel interior brackets for better stability. Shoppers can choose from three color options: walnut, almond, and gray. Each frame is finished with a stain that has low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and all glue used in the construction is water-based.
Sitting 13.5 inches above the ground, the platform includes slats that are spaced 3 inches apart. This distance meets the requirements of most mattress warranties, eliminating the need for a box spring. The frame provides 6.5 inches of underbed space for storage, and it can support up to 900 pounds.
The bed frame is designed to be assembled in less than 15 minutes, and Bear provides all the necessary tools. Shipping via FedEx is free to the contiguous U.S., with additional shipping fees to Hawaii and Alaska. Bear offers a 1-year warranty that covers manufacturing or material defects.
Best Luxury
Made from solid hardwood, the Tuft & Needle Wood Frame features beveled legs and wide slats spaced 3 inches apart. Shoppers can order the frame in either oak or walnut, both of which are highly durable.
With 7 inches of underbed space, users have ample room for storage and should find it easy to clean under the bed. The frame comes with a headboard attached, which is 32 inches tall. The frame has an 800-pound weight limit and is available in full, queen, king, and California king sizes.
The frame rises approximately 2 inches higher than the slats, which helps to hold the mattress in place and prevent shifting. For users who move often, the Tuft & Needle Wood Frame is designed to be easily taken apart and reassembled.
Tuft & Needle offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 12-year limited warranty for manufacturing defects. This item ships for free to the contiguous U.S., with additional shipping costs for customers in Alaska and Hawaii.
Best Platform
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The Avocado City Bed Frame is an all-natural wood frame made from alder and Douglas fir. Shoppers can choose from a brown stain or blonde finish. An optional headboard, storage rack, or platform shelves can be bundled with the frame for an additional fee.
The wood used to construct this bed frame is FSC certified, and the glues and stains are non-toxic. Because it is made of natural wood, the frame displays the imperfections in the wood for a one-of-a-kind design. The support slats are 5 inches apart. The platform is 11 inches high, and the frame leaves 5 inches of underbed space for storage.
Interlocking corners are designed to facilitate the setup process. Avocado includes an Allen wrench to tighten the screws, as well as felt pads for the frame’s legs.
This frame is available in all six standard mattress sizes, and it ships for free via FedEx to all 50 states. Avocado’s 10-year warranty covers manufacturing defects.
Best Value
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Available in white, black, or golden oak, the Nectar Platform Bed offers a midcentury design at a competitive price-point. The frame is made of pine, a fast-growing wood that’s supportive and relatively lightweight.
The frame’s 10-inch beveled legs are set on an angle, leaving 8.5 inches of underbed storage space. Wooden slats support the mattress, with extra legs in the center of the frame for additional security. The frame is available in full, queen, and king sizes.
Nectar designed the bed for easy one-person assembly. The frame ships for free to the contiguous U.S. via FedEx or UPS. It’s backed by a 30-day return policy and a 1-year warranty against workmanship or manufacturing 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.
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