Bed Slats vs Box Spring: Which One is the Best for You?
When it comes to choosing the perfect bed to sleep on, there are so many aspects to take into consideration. Style, shape, firmness and comfort are all pieces of the puzzle that you should look into before making a concrete decision.
What kind of mattress should I get? What kind of comforter or bed set would look good in my room? How firm or soft do I need my bed? Do I need a box spring or bed slats?
When it comes to bed slats vs box spring, you need to consider what kind of firmness you need. Do you need a firmer or softer bed? Do you have back issues? Once you get an idea of what you’re looking for in a bed, the decision should be a bit easier. We’ve broken down the specifications for box springs and bed slats to help you come to a decision!
Table Of Contents
Comparison Table
Bed Slats | Box Spring |
|---|---|
 |  |
Are lightweight | Are much heavier |
Are affordable | Can be more expensive |
Can move around easily | Will stay in one place |
Can be too thin for support | Can be difficult to move for one person |
What are Bed Slats?
Mattress slats are, quite literally, wooden slats that lay across a bed frame to give a mattress more support. Typically made of wood, but sometimes steel, these slats are meant to keep a mattress firm without adding any height.
The slats fit within a bed frame to keep the mattress sinking in under the weight. Various thicknesses are available when it comes to slats, but they are standardly pretty thin. Three to four slats are commonly used for a standard mattress, but more can be incorporated depending on firmness needs.
Benefits of Bed Slats
One of the major benefits of slats is how inexpensive and lightweight they are. They can be easily moved and there are many sizes and shapes to choose from. Depending on the size of the bed or the firmness you’d need, you can always order more slats to keep a mattress firm and comfy.
They will also either come loose or fused into a frame. The loose strips can be organized however you’d like, where framed slats would be more stationary and should hold in place better. The more slats you have, however, the firmer the mattress will be.
Downsides to Bed Slats
One of the greatest downside to slats is that they tend to move. You could put your slats down right in the places you’d want them on the bed frame, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to stay there.
Over time, the mattress will move around slightly due to wear and tear, and the slats could move around right along with it. Depending on the thickness and the weight of the person or people using the bed, the strips could also be susceptible to breaking if they’re too thin.
Although you may not notice it at first, the slats will be shifting around under the mattress going in slants instead of right across to support the mattress. It could be a bit tedious having to lift up the mattress and organize all the slats again. If you have metal strips that are fused to a frame, this will more than likely happen less frequently and could be controlled better.
What is a Box Spring?
A box spring is an enclosed platform type frame that helps support a mattress while elevating it. It’s comprised of wooden or sometimes metal slats with spring coils throughout the box to add a slight bounce or give to the overall frame.
They essentially look like another mattress, only their heavier and stronger than a mattress. They are sometimes covered by a thin or sheer covering so that the mattress doesn’t acquire any damage over time. They are also typically sold as a set with a mattress but can be bought as a standalone as well.
Benefits of a Box Spring
Box Springs are great when you want to add that extra level of firmness and height to a bed. Unlike a platform model that only has one height, a box can be added to any mattress to get it further from the ground. This is good when you need better air flow or a higher mattress to help you get out of the bed in the morning. The higher the structure, the easier it is to lift your legs over, which is great for those with back problems.
They also come in many sizes so they can easily adhere to whatever size you have. Whether you have a twin, full, queen or king sized model, there will be a structure on the market to fit it appropriately. It’s also great since they add that small level of springiness to a mattress while supporting it.
Downsides to a Box Spring
Because these things offer more height and support, which means they need to be build sturdy and strong. The sturdier and stronger a box spring is, the heavier it will be. Although it’s sure to stay in place due to the weight and size, this also means it could be a bit difficult to move.
If you’re someone who moves around a lot or is elderly, having to move a box spring is going to be quite a difficult job. Box springs don’t have given or won’t fold like a mattress, so going up or down a staircase would call for a moving team or at least several friends or family members to help. Depending on the person, these things can also be very heavy, so plan accordingly if you are set in purchasing one for your next bed setup.
Conclusion
So, what do you think it’ll be? Going for the lightweight, versatile slats or the sturdier box spring? Have you decided just what you’re going to need in a sleep setup yet? It’s important to carefully consider all your options before making a final purchase.
If I had to choose, I’d go for the box spring since it is a bit heavier and would stay in place better than your traditional slats. I’d just have to make sure I’d have a few people to help me move that thing whenever I plan on moving or redecorating!
Whichever you choose, box spring or slats, hopefully, this article has helped steer you in the direction that'd be best for you. Have any experience with either of these? Let us know! Share your experiences and insight in the comments! We’d love to hear from you.
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