Do You Need A Box Spring With A Platform Bed?
Platform beds are made of wooden frames with slats on top. They can also be metal or fiber and work as a sturdy foundation for mattresses. But the box spring thing was a ten-year-old fact, and box springs are rarely used. But do you need a box spring with a platform bed?
No, you don’t need a box spring with a platform bed. Rather, the beds are an alternative to the box springs. The platform beds will hold up the mattresses without any help, providing further options below the bed for storage. So, there is no need to use a box spring with the platform beds as they can handle the mattress alone. But the old sets of beds, like a canopy bed or a poster bed, were used with a box spring. The platform beds already have an extra height, and the box spring doesn’t need to add that extra height for the time being. So the box springs are absolutely unnecessary with a platform box.
The slatted bed frame is a low profile, and you won’t need anything else to hold up the mattress. But the question of box springs pops up every time someone buys a bed. This article will include several details on platform beds and box springs. As for the box springs are made of springs with a wooden box around them, and there is some sort of breathable fabric on top. These sorts of box springs were the middlemen between the bed and the mattress, and they were used to absorb some of the shocks from the bed and give stability to the whole setting.
But still, can you use a platform bed and a box spring together? Yes, you can use both of these together. This will add some more height to your already tall bed. But still, the comfort of the bed will be a fact. So you can add a box spring on top of the platform bed.
Key Takeaways
- The platform beds will support the mattresses on their own, giving you more storage choices below the bed.
- These box springs served as the intermediary between the bed and the mattress, absorbing some of the bed’s shocks and providing stability to the entire setup.
- Box springs can only be used with innerspring mattresses, but platform beds can be used with any type of mattress.
- If you’re going to buy a bed and want to equip it with a box spring, the best thing to do first is to make sure you get the correct box spring.
What is a box spring?
A box spring is a wood or metal box with gas metal coils or springs. A box spring is used as a foundation on the bed as the mattress supports the human body, and the breathable fabric outside the box is a dust barrier.
There are mainly two kinds of box springs:
- Nine-inch box springs: these are the typical box springs used in old styles of beds. The mattresses on the beds were low in height, so these types of products will give them height while also acting as a foundation.
- 5-inch box spring: modern mattresses are of a large height, and you can easily find a mattress that has a height of 9 inches. So you won’t need a 9-inch box spring and thus have a very empress-esque bed. So, as an alternative, the new spring boxes gave a height of 5 to 5.5 inches. They add a little bit of support and a great foundation. This sort of box spring will give the standard output even with the platform bed.
Now that we have included a discussion of the kinds of box springs, let us shed some light on why you would use a box spring in general. And we’ve come to two conclusions about how to use a box spring.
To add height
If the mattress and bed height is low, then the box spring will add the necessary height. They elevated the bedding far off the floor and made it easy to hop.
Acting as a foundation
The box springs will act as a sandwich between the bed and the mattress. And, like the main flavor, they add potential stability to both the mattress and the bed. For example, the box spring will decrease the mattress’s shock, wear and tear by relieving the extra pressure. And as for the bed, the full potential pressure will not fall on the bed, and it’ll be much more stable. As a result, box springs are the bed’s foundation meat.
What are platform beds?
A platform bed does not need an introduction. Almost all modern bedding systems are platform beds. In this bed, you have a slate in the middle, which will be sturdy and can take up the whole weight of the mattress. They will fit in a huge penthouse bedroom as well as a studio bedroom. They are a blessing for tiny living spaces.
Platform beds can be divided into three categories:
- Metal platform bed: These beds are made up of metal grids of iron or stainless steel and will serve as a base. The whole set is made up of metal here
- Solid platform bed: they are made of a filled platform and mostly wood. These sorts of platform beds are sturdy and durable, and plastic, wood, and metal are the perfect examples of these beds.
- Slated platform beds: These platforms have a gap between the slates and are the most common bed frames used. These platform beds are strong enough to hold the mattresses and are not as heavy as the metal ones. Plywood slated platform beds are the most common, as they are the most cost-effective of them all.
As a true advocate of platform beds, why do you think we love platform beds? We think the answer is pretty simple. This is the most cost-effective and low-profile platform bed that gives a sturdy framework, but it will not need any a support like a box spring.
What’s the difference between a platform bed and a box spring?
Do you use a box spring with a platform bed? You can. If we are to consider the differences between platform beds and box springs, then there are some extensive details that we have to go through. And in this article, we’ll add our take on the different styles of bedding.
Designs and options
A platform bed comes in plenty of options and designs, and they often have storage space or drawers below the bed. Is a box spring necessary for a platform bed? No it is not. The box spring only adds height to the bed, and the box spring has steel rods or coils that will help relieve the stress of the mattress placed on top.
Support and compatibility
The platform beds are compatible with almost all traditional and modern beds, and they are able to support the weight of those mattresses without any additional support. The box spring only supports some of the mattresses, and they still need the support of the bed.
The box springs are only compatible with innerspring mattresses, and the platform beds are compatible with every kind of mattress.
Airflow
The coils in the box spring allow ventilation or air, and thus the mattress feels like it has cool air surrounding it. But as for the platform beds, they mostly abrupt all sources of airflow.
Firmness and movement
The platform bed’s surface is firm and most often will increase the pressure on the person as there is no movement on the mattress. But the box springs will handle the extra shock, and the whole weight of the mattress will be transferred to the entire system.
Durability
The box springs are less durable and sturdy than the platform beds.
Noise
There’s no way a platform bed will make any noise because of its build. Can you use a box spring with a platform bed? It is possible. But the box spring is not so soundproof as the whole thing has coils and space between them. As a result, you may hear some cracking sounds when turning in bed.
Height
The average height of a platform bed is around eighteen inches, and the average height of a bed with a box spring will be around 25 inches from the ground. So the box spring gives more height.
Cost
The box springs cost more than the platform beds.
What are the benefits of using a box spring with a platform bed?
If you’re using a platform bed with a box spring, there are some advantages. For example,
- The box spring will add durability and comfort to the platform bed.
- The platform bed has extra support from the box spring.
- The box spring will not let the mattress overheat as there is a way of movement and airflow.
- The mattresses on the platform bed will not be decompressed soon with the presence of the box spring.
- You can skip the early degeneration of the mattress with the box spring.
- Shock absorption is always a plus point with box springs.
- You will get more height from the low profile of the platform bed.
See Also: Do Two Twin Box Springs Make A Queen?
Who needs a box spring?
There are some clear reasons why someone might need a box spring. But there are always reasons why someone might need a box spring. But there are always alternatives that are not relevant to this part. Here are some reasons why someone might be in need of a box spring.
Frail metal framing
In these cases, there is no support for the mattress beyond the perimeter of the frame, and the middle part is hollow. So the box springs are a save in this case for the support of the mattress on top.
Rigid metal framing
If you add adequate support in the middle of the metal frame, there is still a chance that the mattress will get saggy over time. And the box spring will provide that support with even weight distribution around the frame.
Solid frame
How to Choose the Right Box Spring for Your Platform Bed
The box spring in this bed frame provides ventilation and movement to the mattress and ensures comfort.
If you’re going to buy a bed and want to arm the bed with a box spring, then the best thing to do will be to ensure that you choose the right box spring first. There is more than one factor to look at in this case.
How big or small should your platform bed be?
The size of the platform bed has more daring in this statement. The spring box should align with both the bed and the mattress. If you have a queen or king-size bed, then you can put it in two spring boxes for proper support.
Coil
The condition of the box spring is also a matter of concern. The type of coil you choose will provide flexibility and ventilation as such.
Foam or mattress
The type of box spring you have is also a deciding factor. You don’t need a box spring with memory foam mattresses, but you do need one for innerspring mattresses.
What are some risks associated with using a platform bed for a bed?
The risks are:
- The risk of using a platform bed is the low profile of the base.
- If you’re suffering from pain or injury, you’ll have a hard time getting up.
- The beds have less movement, so it might be tough for some people.
FAQs
What does a box spring do?
The box spring supports the mattress while also elevating it from its low height. They are the consistent sources in the bed.
If a mattress does not need a box spring, can I put it on the floor?
You can definitely put a mattress on the floor. But it is better to avoid the practice for hygiene and airflow reasons.
What happens if you don’t use a box spring?
With modern beds, you really don’t need a box spring. But you can add one for some extra support.
Is a platform bed or box spring better for your back?
It depends on what kind of problems you are facing. If you’re facing problems with back pain, then platform beds are perfect.
Can you put a regular mattress on a platform bed?
You can put any modern or traditional mattress on the platform bed, which can be a memory foam or a latex mattress.
Final Thoughts
Platform beds are the latest trend, and the box spring is an old friend. But still, both of the beds are all about comfort and practice. If you’ve been using traditional mattresses and beds for a while, you’ll appreciate box springs. And if you’re someone who is ready to switch to the platform beds, then the box spring will just add to the cost. Again, platform beds are comfortable with all the mattresses, and the cost and the profile are both on the modest side. The platform bed will serve as a foundation and a good alternative to any other bed type!
