Platform bed vs box springs

When it comes to a comfy bed, a bed base is just as necessary as a mattress. If you’re waking up at the midpoint of the night feeling distressed, consider buying a new bed base.

Bed bases can significantly enhance your bed’s comfort level specifically if your existing bed base is low-quality, old, or non-existent, and buying a new one is much less costly than buying a new mattress.

A platform bed is a bed base that duplicates a bed frame, while a box spring is strictly planned to support your mattress. Both types have their own pros and cons. This comparison will help you decide which one is right for you.

What Is a Platform Bed?

A platform bed is a bed frame completed with either slats or a solid surface. Relatively low height, platform beds are usually between five and 12 inches high. They can support your mattress separate from another bed base, so you can place your mattress directly on top of the platform.

Support of platform bed

The level of support a platform bed can provide depends on it’s structure. If it has a solid surface, it will provide strong support to your mattress, providing little to no give. That’s a good option if you prefer a firm sleeping surface.

Platform beds with wooden slats may have a slight amount of giving, depending on the stability of the wood and how far apart the slats are spaced.

Slats spaced distant apart will have more to give, while ones that are packed together will be more firm. A mattress topper can help soften the overall mattress feel if needed.

Platform beds are typically very stable and can last decades without damage. However, eventually, how durable your platform bed is depends on what it’s made of.

If your platform bed is made of stable wood or metal, you can rest comfortably knowing it will last you a long time. Particleboard or mixed wood platform beds are usually less expensive options, but they aren’t as durable and can wear down comparatively quickly.

What is a box spring?

A box spring is a bed base that is created to be placed on top of a bed frame. Typically, a box spring is a wood structure that contains a network of steel coils covered by breathable fabric.

Support of box spring

Box springs use steel coils to support the mattress. The coils are somewhat flexible, particularly with use over time, meaning this bed base type has some give to it and provides support that’s a somewhat springy feeling.

Box springs absorb shock to your body weight but are typically only compatible with weightless innerspring mattresses. Latex or memory foam mattresses are weightier and can weigh down the springs, which condenses the coils and damages the box spring.

The durability of box spring

Depending on how often you use it, box springs can last as long as 10 years. In other terms, the box spring in your rarely used guest room bed will last longer than the one you sleep on every night. With use over time, the steel loops in box springs naturally wear down and provide less and less support.

Platform beds and box springs are two very distinct types of bed bases. While they both work well to support your mattress, they look and feel entirely different.

The right one for you depends on your choices—if you prefer a firm sleeping surface, a platform bed is perfect for your needs.

On the other hand, if you’re going for a more elegant and modern style in your bedroom, a platform bed will fit in nicely. However, if you prefer a big, tall, inviting bed, go with a box spring to wow your friends and family.

Also, evaluate the type of mattress you have already. If you’re in demand for a whole new bed, your choices are wide open and you can regard both bed bases.

Although, if you’d like to keep your mattress, consider whether it’s consistent with a platform bed or box spring before buying your bed base to prevent the nuisance.