A box spring is the base of a bed. It has a wooden frame, metal springs, and a fabric cover. Its purpose is to give a mattress a stable base, absorb shock, and make the mattress last longer.
Traditional innerspring mattresses often have box springs, usually used on a metal bed frame.
A platform bed, in contrast, is a specific kind of bed frame with a level, sturdy top to place a mattress on. It doesn’t need a box spring and can make a bedroom look more modern and straightforward.
Platform beds can be made from various materials, such as wood, metal, or upholstered materials.
The mattress support distinguishes box springs from platform beds. Based on the information below, you can choose a platform bed and a box spring that best suits your needs.
Box Spring vs. Platform Bed Comparison Chart
| Specification | Platform Bed | Box Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 18 inches | 25 inches |
| Weight | Heavy | Not too heavy |
| Responsiveness | It offers little elasticity. | Spring provides responsiveness. |
| Compatibility | Works with Latex, Hybrid, and Memory Foam | Suitable for Innerspring Mattress |
| Storage Space | Yes | No |
| Price (Queen) | $100-500 | $160-800 |
How to Define a Platform Bed?
Low-profile beds, or platform beds, are bed frames that lay directly on the floor and have a flat, solid, or slatted surface on which to place the mattress.
A platform bed will typically be between 5 and 12 inches in height.
Platform beds are cheap because the base is already there. Air can move through the holes or channels in solid wood. Airflow between hardwood slats cools and supports your mattress.
The support is better when there is less space between the slats. Most platform beds have slats 2 to 2.75 inches apart, but some metal platforms have thinner and more like rods.
Although most slats on a bed are rigid, those constructed of wood can be bent to accommodate a user’s weight without breaking.
The bed has some give because the slats are twisted outward. But mattresses with rigid slats may feel firmer and last longer.
Platform Bed Advantages and Disadvantages
A platform bed is a better investment because it doesn’t require a foundation or box spring. Their shorter stature, however, can result in knee and back problems.
Advantages:
- Works with different types of mattresses
- Contemporary design
- Lots of styles
- Usually has storage features
Disadvantages:
- A firmer surface may result in pressure spots
- It’s more challenging to move
How to Define a Box Spring?
A bed’s support system, a box spring, is essentially a wooden box with an inside system of springs. The top is made of a fabric that lets air in, and the bottom is made of a fabric that keeps dust out.
A steel frame supports some box springs. Box springs or a bed frame can be placed on the floor to raise the bed. It rests atop a bed frame, preventing it from slipping.
Box springs are standard with innerspring mattresses because they soften the mattress by aligning the coils. Coils also help absorb shocks and separate motion.
While latex and memory foam mattresses don’t function with box springs, innerspring mattresses do. Box spring beds may sag if the mattress’ weight damages the coils, making them less sturdy.
Box Spring Advantages and Disadvantages
A box spring’s springs are likelier to break than those in a bed on a platform, although they are lighter overall.
Advantages:
- Coil’s aid in cooling
- Provide shock absorption
Disadvantages:
- Durability
- Incompatibility with most types of mattresses
- Noise possibility
Platform Bed vs. Box Spring Differences
Appearance
Platform beds are trendy and won’t bulk up your bed because they don’t need box springs or foundations.
Make a platform bed to match your surroundings. Platform beds are low, so persons with mobility issues may have problems getting in and out.
Box springs lift your mattress to make getting out easier. Mobility concerns change everything.
However, box springs make beds appear large—traditional rooms suit box springs’ basic form.
Comfort and Support
Both can improve your comfort in the platform bed vs. box spring comfort argument. It will, however, depend on the kind of mattress you have.
Box springs might help make your bed more comfortable if your mattress is an innerspring model. They utilize the innerspring mattress coils to:
✅ Provide additional support
✅ Absorb body weight
✅ Help back pain sufferers sleep better.
Box springs, on the other hand, don’t let much air through, so they don’t work with other types of mattresses and can trap heat.
Platform beds, however, are perfect for all mattresses since they are permeable. If you sleep hot, a platform bed will keep you cool at night by circulating air through the mattress.
When buying a platform bed, please pay attention to how big the slats are and how far apart they are. You will have more support if the slats are closer together.
Space for Storage
People who live in small spaces or need more storage space often choose platform beds with built-in storage.
You may make the most of the area in your bedroom by using the drawers concealed beneath the bed.
Box springs don’t have much room to store things. However, if your box spring is elevated, you can put items there for easy access.
Compatibility
Platform beds offer greater flexibility than beds requiring a box spring. Box springs work best with mattresses with springs.
Durability
Most platform beds are sturdy and can last for decades without damage. But in the end, what your platform bed is made of will determine how long it will last.
Your platform bed will last a very long time if it is built of sturdy wood or metal so that you can relax.
Usually, these beds made of particle board or composite wood are typically less priced solutions, but they aren’t as sturdy and can degrade rapidly.
Box springs have a lifespan of up to 10 years, depending on usage. That is to say, the box spring in the guest bedroom will outlast the one in your bedroom because it is used less frequently.
Box springs’ steel coils inevitably deteriorate with use and give less and less support with time.
Additional Height
Platform beds typically measure 5 and 12 inches high on their own; when combined with a mattress, they are around 18 inches tall. Typically, the thickness of a box spring is between 5 and 9 inches.
The majority of people like beds that are between 16 and 24 inches high. Bed height usually has no impact on sleep quality, but it can affect how easy it is to get in and out of bed.
Weight
A platform bed is typically heavier than a box spring, although relatively few individuals sleep solely on the box spring.
An old-fashioned panel bed with a box spring should weigh more than a platform bed of comparable dimensions.
Dimensions
Your mattress’s size and manufacturer will determine the platform bed’s or box spring’s measurements.
Price
Price ranges for a platform bed and a box spring will vary widely based on factors including manufacturer, construction type, and bed size.
Costs for traditional box springs range from $100 to $500.
Platform beds, on the other hand, can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars but do not require additional mattress accessories for assembly.
Most of the time, platform beds are cheaper because they don’t need as many extras.
FAQs
Why is a box spring not long-lasting?
Box spring coils break with time, causing sag and noise. Latex and memory foam mattresses can damage coils.
Can a platform bed hold any mattress?
Platform beds may accommodate all mattresses. Platform bed frames aren’t always the best option for less common mattress kinds like air and waterbeds.
How is a mattress secured on a platform bed?
Platform beds with upholstered surfaces prevent mattresses from sliding. If not, use rubber matting and Velcro strips to secure your mattress.
Can bunky boards be used with a box spring?
Yes. Bunky boards can firm up your mattress and fix drooping. Insert one or more boards of the proper size between your mattress and box springs.
Conclusion
Box springs and platform beds are different in many ways, each with pros and cons. Platform beds may be the best choice if you want a rigid base that will make your mattress firmer and last for decades.
Also, remember that you’ll need a platform or foundation if you have a memory foam or natural latex mattress. Box springs should not be used with these mattresses.
However, if you want your innerspring mattress to have more bounce and airflow, then you need to invest in box springs.
