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Written by
Daniel Noyed
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 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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The Nectar Platform Bed is a pine frame with a versatile midcentury modern style. Compared to other solid wood beds with similar quality and design, the approachable price-point makes this an excellent purchase for shoppers who are on a budget but who don’t want to sacrifice style.
The platform bed is designed with wood slats to support your mattress without the need for a box spring. The legs are beveled and angled slightly outwards to achieve the midcentury modern look. With a 10-inch height, the legs leave 8.5 inches of clearance to store items under the bed and to make for easy vacuuming. A Phillips screwdriver is required to assemble the frame.
Shoppers may choose from three sizes (full, queen, and king) as well as three color options (white, black, and golden oak). If you’re in the market for an entire bedroom set, you may also purchase a matching dresser, dresser top, and nightstand that are priced just as competitively as the frame.
Nectar offers free shipping and returns within the contiguous U.S. Customers receive a 3-year warranty and a 50-day trial to try out the platform bed.
Best Design
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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.
Easiest Assembly
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The Birch Natural Wood Frame has an all-wood design that does not include any metal hardware, making it a good frame for shoppers who are looking for quick and easy assembly. The classic look is compatible with a variety of bedroom themes.
Birch 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). In addition to the natural finish, the bed is also available in a white finish.
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 Birch’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.
Best Luxury
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If you’re looking for a unique bed frame that makes a statement, the Parachute Handmade Wood Bed Frame is a thoughtfully designed model that will rise to the occasion. This high-end frame has a striking design that justifies the luxury sticker price.
The frame is made with 100% American hardwood and features a black walnut satin lacquer finish. Customers may pick between a queen or king size, and the finish comes in a walnut or ebony finish. Due to the handmade production process, wood grain and color will vary slightly with each frame. The frame is designed with wooden slats to support your mattress and does not require a box spring. The headboard is 42 inches high and the entire frame weighs 75 pounds.
Parachute ships this bed frame exclusively within the contiguous U.S. Since they are made to order, the frames may take 2 to 3 weeks to deliver. Note that only White Glove delivery is available for this frame, which includes unpacking and full assembly in addition to shipping. The fee for White Glove delivery is $349, and all sales are final.
Best Storage
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Crafted for a timeless and sophisticated look, Brooklinen’s Floyd Platform Bed is also highly customizable. One of the most enticing features is the optional “underbed storage” option. For an extra fee, customers can order a canvas storage drawer that attaches to the bottom of the bed. The drawer can hold up to 80 pounds, and steel supports allow you to slide it in and out with ease. Underbed storage is available for one or both sides of the bed frame.
You can also request a headboard for full/queen and king size frames. The headboard is composed of a thin wooden panel that coordinates with the rest of the frame. The frame is available in lighter all-birch and darker all-walnut designs. The latter is more expensive, but both are reasonably priced given the wood’s premium quality. Additionally, you can choose between black or white color schemes for the frame’s metal hardware components. Assembly is very straightforward, and you won’t need any tools to set up the frame.
The cost of shipping for the Floyd Platform Bed depends on the total dollar value of your purchase. Brooklinen allows you to return the frame within 30 days of the delivery date if you aren’t satisfied with it. Your purchase will be further backed by a manufacturer’s warranty that covers certain defects for up to 10 years.
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.
Certified Sleep Coach
Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.
Certified Sleep Coach
Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.
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