Platform Bed vs. Box Spring: What’s the Difference?
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Updated
December 26, 2022
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Are you looking to buy a new bed base for your new mattress? The most popular bed bases are platform beds and box springs. Our detailed guide will help you get all the insights related to platform bed vs. box spring, including their advantages and disadvantages and which one is better for you.
What Is a Platform Bed?
A platform bed has a thick built-in foundation. It has a strong base made up of solid, metal, or slats. You need not buy any bedding accessories with the platform bed to support your mattress.
Depending on the type of material, platform beds are of three types: Solid, metal, and slat.
Solid platform beds are made up of a strong base. The materials used to form the base are either wood, metal, or iron. The slat platform bed consists of slats. These slats are made of either plastic, wood, or metal. The metal platform bed is made up of iron or steel. The metal grids align at the bottom to provide the necessary support. Modern platform beds come with a storage option below the bed frames; it allows more space in your bedroom.
The built-in bed frame makes platform beds an affordable option. They are available in different styles in the market, right from sleek to upholstered. Platform beds support all types of mattresses. The height of the platform bed is seven to eight inches.
Pros and Cons of Platform Beds
Pros
- Compatible with all types of mattresses
- Affordable
- Aesthetically good
- Wide variety available
- No need to buy any extra bedding accessories
- Includes storage option
Cons
- Challenging for some people to move in and out due to lower height
- It may increase pressure in various body parts
- Challenging to relocate
What Is a Box Spring?
A box spring is a wooden box covered by fabric at the top and bottom with spring coils within the box. The fabric cover allows the box springs to pass a smooth air passage and avoid dust. You can use the platform bed directly on the floor or on another type of bed frame to elevate it.
The coils in the wooden box allow a smooth air passage, and the springs absorb body weight, isolate motion, and shock absorption.
Box springs are most compatible with Innerspring mattresses. Innerspring mattresses have layers of coils inside the mattress. The box spring coils align with the coil of the innerspring mattress, making it more comfortable.
Pros and Cons of Box Springs
Pros
- Lighter than a platform bed
- Easy to move
- Adds height
- Great with innerspring mattresses
- Shock Absorption
Cons
- No storage option is available
- Less durability
- Not compatible with mattresses
Difference Between a Platform Bed and a Box Spring
There are many significant differences between platform bed and box spring. Let’s understand the platform bed vs. box spring comparison in detail.
| Parameters | Platform Bed | Box Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (Average Height) | 18 inches | 25 inches |
| Comfort | Support with cooling properties | Responsiveness with shock absorption |
| Compatibility | Compatible with all types of mattresses | Compatible with innerspring mattresses |
| Storage | Place Lots of storage space | Negligible storage space |
| Weight | Heavier than box spring | Lighter than a platform bed |
| Price | $150-$2000 | $100-$500 |
Dimensions
The average width, length, and height of a box spring and platform bed depend on the size of the mattress and the manufacturer. Generally, a box spring is larger than a platform bed.
Comfort
Both platform bed and box springs increase the comfort of your mattress. However, it also depends on the mattress you have.
Box springs are compatible with innerspring mattresses as the coil in the innerspring mattress aligns with the box spring coils. Platform beds are compatible with memory foam mattresses.
Compatibility
Platform beds are compatible with almost all types of mattresses. However, you can use only innerspring mattresses with box springs.
Storage Place
Modern platform beds have in-built storage space. It helps you to maximize the bedroom space. Box springs have nominal storage capacity and hence occupy more bedroom space.
Weight
The weight of platform beds is more than a box spring. Hence it is difficult to move the platform bed.
Price
You may have to consider the cost of the bedding accessories. Platform beds cost is around $150 to $2000, whereas box springs cost about $500. As no extra bedding accessory is required for platform beds, it is safe to say that platform beds’ cost is much more affordable than a box spring.
Other Types of Bed Bases
Are you not comfortable with platform beds or box springs? Don’t worry; we have listed two excellent alternatives to these traditional bed bases.
Mattress Foundation
Mattress foundations consist of a wooden box that has slats inside. A breathable fabric covers them and is similar to a platform bed. However, there is one significant difference, foundations are without bed rails, footboards, and storage, unlike platform beds. Mattress foundations are compatible with all mattresses, such as latex, memory foam, or hybrid.
Adjustable Bases
An adjustable bed allows you to move the top and bottom sections of a bed at an angle between 40 to 70 degrees. It helps in getting good comfort and is the best bed base.
What Should You Choose? A Platform Bed or a Box Spring
Both platform bed and box spring have their benefits. You need to understand your requirements before choosing the ideal bed base.
Do you have an innerspring mattress and want to add height to your bed with responsive support? Then a box spring can be your best choice.
Do you want a bed base that has different options available in the market? And it fits all types of mattresses; then you can go for a platform bed.
The Final Word
Both platform bed and box spring have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Choosing an ideal bed base depends on your mattress type and height, support, and comfort preferences. Hopefully, our detailed guide will help you select a bed base that matches your sleep requirements.
Happy Sleeping!
FAQs
You do not require any bed base such as a box spring additionally on a platform bed. You can use it if you want.
Box springs may last up to 10 years, depending upon the quality of the box spring.
Platform beds do not require any bed bases to support a mattress. Also, they are much closer to the floor compared to a regular bed.
Yes, a solid platform bed will make your mattress feel firmer and more supportive.
A lower bed looks like more space; a taller bed looks good in a room with high ceilings.
No, solid wood platform beds do not squeak.
The purpose of a box spring is to provide support, raise the height of the mattress, and absorb shock.
You may need a box spring most likely when you are using a traditional mattress.
You need a box spring in traditional mattresses to provide support, absorb shock, and prevent wear and tear.
You can use a box spring to provide support, raise the height of the mattress, reduce wear and tear, improve airflow, and absorb shock.
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