Best Mattress Foundations

Last Updated: March, 2024

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The bed foundation you choose strongly affects how your mattress performs over time. If your foundation doesn’t have adequate support, it will make your mattress feel a bit different at home than at the showroom, not to mention drastically shorten its lifespan. Thus, if you want to get the most out of your investment, make sure you pair your mattress with well-crafted mattress foundations that suit your mattress type.

A 2022 report by Statista showed that approximately 35% of sleepers in the U.S. prefer using box springs as their mattress foundation. This is followed by 22% of Americans who use platform beds and bed frames and 21% who use adjustable bases. However, it's worth noting that not all mattress foundations can be used with every mattress type. Therefore, we went ahead and reviewed 7 mattress foundations to see which one is good for which mattress. After our 2 stage review process, we elect the best bed found to be the Amerisleep Upholstered Bed Frame. Let’s discover why it stood out from the rest.

A Quick Look at the 7 Best Mattress Foundations

Amerisleep Upholstered Bed Frame-small

Amerisleep Upholstered Bed Frame

If you're looking for the perfect blend of style, comfort, and functionality, this upholstered bed frame from Amerisleep might suit you. It comes with a gray upholstered headboard and neutral fabric covering for the perfect balance between modern sensibilities and traditional design.

GhostBed All-in-one Mattress Foundation-small

GhostBed All-in-one Mattress Foundation

Known as the world's strongest mattress foundation, the GhostBed All-in-one foundation boasts a 100% heavy-duty all-metal construction that can hold a whopping 3000 lbs of weight.

PlushBeds Orthopedic Foundation-small

PlushBeds Orthopedic Foundation

The PlushBeds Orthopedic Foundation features a durable and supportive base best suited for sleepers with back and joint pain. It offers excellent body support and pressure relief on sensitive areas.

Amerisleep Platform Bed-small

Amerisleep Platform Bed

If you're looking for a sleeker and even more modern style than that provided by the Amerisleep Upholstered Bed Frame, you should check out this Platform Bed. It's also a solid choice for ultra-heavy mattresses, thanks to its extra-wide slat system.

Zoma Foundation-small

Zoma Foundation

The Zoma Foundation is designed with spruce pine fir lumber slats to offer optimal support to the mattress and the sleeper. Each slat is spaced for the perfect combination of support and airflow.

PlushBeds Eastman Platform Bed Base-small

PlushBeds Eastman Platform Bed Base

The PlushBeds Eastman Platform Bed Base eliminates the need for box springs while protecting your warranty. In addition to holding your mattress up, it protects it from stains and dust mites.

Vaya Platform Bed-small

Vaya Platform Bed

You'll absolutely love the therapeutic comfort the Layla weighted blanket has to offer whenever you're feeling stressed and want to cuddle up under a blanket. The blanket is designed to make you feel calm through its deep touch pressure, which offers a hugging sensation. 

Amerisleep Upholstered Bed Frame

What We Like

  • Can support any type of mattress
  • Wooden slats offer ventilation, cooling your mattress
  • Side rails keep your mattress from sliding
  • Under-bed storage space for items

What We Don't Like

  • Limited size options

Overall Thoughts: 

Amerisleep has become synonymous with luxurious, durable sleep products, and their Upholstered Bed Frame nicely exemplifies their commitment to quality. I find this frame to be timeless and classic. I like the gray upholstered side rails and the neutral gray headboard because they can go with almost any bedding color and design out there. Thick, sturdy wooden slats form the foundation to lay your mattress without additional frames or box springs.


The manufacturers made sure that the slats are very easy to install. In fact, I was able to put together all the pieces within a few minutes without any tools and no prior skills, so that was a relief. The frame's espresso legs leave about 6 inches of under-bed storage space, giving your bed a storage function without sacrificing the modern look. Buyers can choose between the king, queen, or full size options. Seniors with back pain may want to pair this bed frame with the best mattress for seniors, such as the Amerisleep AS3. It delivers the perfect balance of comfort and support, with some bounce and cooling features that will give you the cool and restorative sleep you so deserve.


Amerisleep offers free shipping to shoppers within the contiguous United States. Their queen-size bed frames currently go for $779.40. Shoppers also have an option of adding a discounted mattress and saving up to 40% on the bed frame. All frames come with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty that covers faults in the upholstery cover and defects in the frame's construction. However, they're non-refundable since only Amerisleep mattresses have sleep trial periods.

GhostBed All-in-one Mattress Foundation

What We Like

  • Can support up to 3000 pounds of weight
  • Easy to assemble
  • Heavy-duty, welded legs
  • Universal headboard brackets

What We Don't Like

  • All sales are final for the All-in-one Foundation

Overall Thoughts: 

The GhostBed All-in-one Foundation is a popular metal frame choice due to its sturdy construction, straightforward assembly, and wide availability. This box spring alternative offers the same benefits but is engineered better to match your latex, hybrid, or memory foam mattresses. My partner and I found this foundation to be very sturdy with its all-metal slats spaced 5 inches apart. It offered us a stable surface that prevented our mattress from sagging. Manufacturers claim that the frame absorbs shock too. The 5-inch spacing also enables the slatted foundation to promote maximum airflow without compromising strength.


My favorite part? The 12 inches of under-bed clearance. This is enough space to use as storage instead of cluttering and congesting your bedroom. If you hate putting together furniture, you'll be glad to know that assembling this frame took us very little time, thanks to the small number of individual components. You'll only need to snap the pieces in place and slide the cover on.


The price of the GhostBed All-in-one Foundation starts at about $460 for a queen and shipping is free for clients in the contiguous United States. While all sales are final for this foundation, each order includes a lifetime manufacturer's warranty for added peace of mind. A 1-year warranty backs the fabric cover.

PlushBeds Orthopedic Foundation

What We Like

  • Euro-slatted design offers greater breathability for your mattress
  • Constructed of sturdy wood for maximum support
  • Easy assembly in minutes

What We Don't Like

  • Not great with innerspring and hybrid mattresses

Overall Thoughts: 

Wooden bed frames typically give shoppers a lot of bang for their buck, especially if the frame is made of durable wood. The PlushBeds Orthopedic Foundation is made entirely of spruce wood wrapped in organic cotton fabric, and the result is a bed frame that's both exceptionally sturdy and visually striking. You can choose between the 7.5-inch foundation or PlushBeds 5.5-inch low-profile model.


If your existing mattress is starting to wear out and you’re experiencing back, neck or shoulder pain from it, then get the PlushBeds Orthopedic Foundation. While testing this foundation, I enjoyed the support it offered. Waking up was refreshing and my body experienced pressure relief throughout the night. This wooden foundation features a Euro-slatted design that allows you to use the foundation without a box spring. It also promotes steady air circulation that helped keep our mattress cool. Manufacturers heat-treated the foundation to prevent it from absorbing moisture, which can cause irreversible damage to your foundation.


This frame can support up to 1,200 lbs making it the perfect choice for plus-size couples. It's available in standard bed sizes, including California King, Twin XL, and Twin. The price of this PlushBeds Orthopedic Foundation is $389 for a queen. In addition to its affordable pricing, it ships free of charge for shoppers in all 50 states and comes with a 1-year manufacturer's limited warranty. However, it's not returnable due to sanitary regulations. 

Amerisleep Platform Bed

What We Like

  • Hassle-free setup and assembly
  • Slats with reinforced center support
  • Taller foundation suits all mattresses

What We Don't Like

  • Bed's low height can make it challenging to get in and out of bed

Overall Thoughts: 

Most bed frame shoppers often have to compromise between durable products and those within their budget, but the Amerisleep Platform Bed gives sleepers the best of both worlds. This bed frame will look right at home, irrespective of the type of decor you prefer.


I’ve tested a few bed frames in the market that ended up developing soft spots after some time causing my mattress to sag. This can lead to faster mattress deterioration and even throw your spine out of alignment. Fortunately, manufacturers say that the Amerisleep Platform Bed won’t soften as you use it, it’ll remain sturdy. They reinforced the slats with center supports to keep sleepers sufficiently supported no matter how much they toss, turn, or move about the sleep surface.


This platform bed has a low profile, featuring no headboard or footboard. This makes it an ideal choice for shoppers who want their bedding and pillows to take center stage. It's also worth noting that while the Upholstered Bed Frame only comes in larger sizes, you can choose twin platform beds of this model - excellent for parents seeking a frame for kids or anyone who wants to save space. The Amerisleep Platform Beds ship free within the contiguous U.S. and are backed by a 1-year warranty against structural defects. Shoppers should expect to pay about $500 for a queen model and $600 for the California King size. However, it's worth noting that Amerisleep bases don't qualify for their trial period and are non-refundable. 

Zoma Foundation

What We Like

  • Supports foam and spring mattresses
  • Extra-wide hardwood slats can support any mattress
  • Easy to assemble
  • Non-slip fabric-covered slat pack

What We Don't Like

  • Some shoppers had issues with the delivery process

Overall Thoughts: 

The Zoma Foundation is made of SPF, an amalgam of three strong hardwood varieties. Like the Amerisleep Platform Bed, I was fond of this foundation for its simple, sleek design that works with any mattress. It features dark upholstery that can match nearly any room design and comes with a slat-pack system that offers superior body support. Each slat is spaced for the perfect combination of support and airflow.


I was able to assemble the frame in minutes thanks to Zoma's unique pin-locking design that enables one to easily snap all the corners of the base into place. It boasts a slat pack that rolls out on top of your foundation to offer your bed even, sturdy support. During our 2 stage review process, I tried out the bed with and without its legs attached to see how sturdy both versions are. I liked that attaching the legs was so easy and they held my partner and I’s weight strongly without shaking or breaking. Without the legs, we turned the foundation into a bed set but you can also place the foundation in an existing bed set or a metal bed frame.


The Zoma Foundation is available in six sizes corresponding to standard bed dimensions, including Twin XL and Twin designs - both rare for a bed frame. It is relatively lightweight and can accommodate any mattress, high-profile pillow-tops, latex hybrids, and other types known to be heavy.


Since Zoma sells its products online only, visit their website to purchase or learn more about their foundation. You can expect to pay about $400 for a queen-size bed frame. These foundations also ship free and come with a 1-year warranty.

PlushBeds Eastman Platform Bed Base

What We Like

  • Center legs for extra stability
  • Premium fabric
  • Available in three neutral colors
  • Compatible with all Malouf headboards

What We Don't Like

  • Problematic to move around once installed

Overall Thoughts: 

The Eastman Platform Bed Base from PlushBeds is one of our favorite options because of its high-end platform design.


Handcrafted from solid plywood, the bed base is made to be durable and should resist any signs of wear, such as warping. The lush fabric frame will add softness and texture to your sleep environment. The bed base features additional built-in center base bars for extra stability. This robust and reliable construction can hold up to 1000 lbs, making it an excellent choice for couples and heavyweight sleepers.


You can choose from up to five premium linen-look fabric options in an on-trend accent color and deep and light modern neutrals. You can also opt for a matching Carlisle or Hennessy designer headboard sold separately. The frame has been heat-treated to offer a maximum amount of support. Heat treatment also prevents the wood from absorbing moisture, which could cause lasting harm to your foundation.


PlushBeds offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Their bed bases are normally priced at $500 for a queen model. While these products aren't returnable, each purchase includes a 15-year warranty against structural defects.

Vaya Platform Bed

What We Like

  • Hardwood slats resist sagging
  • Nearly flat surface for maximum breathability and body support
  • Extra-wide hardwood slats can support any kind of mattress
  • Stands on its own and perfectly fits with most styles

What We Don't Like

  • Not ideal for heavyweight sleepers

Overall Thoughts: 

As you can already tell, our list of tested bed foundations are only those with easy  assembling. This is because we don’t want to recommend products that promote ease and comfort and not ones with great hustle. That said, the Vaya platform bed is also easy to assemble, requiring no tools to bring it together. We found the bed to be also light and easy to move, making it a solid choice for shifting and lifting when cleaning your room.


Vaya uses solid hardwood for its support beams, slats, and side rails to offer durable, sturdy support and prevent your mattress from sagging. The rails of the foundation are upholstered in gray polyester fabric to give the frame a neutral modern look that allows sleepers to slip it into almost any room, regardless of personal style. Manufacturers made the sag-resistant slats oversized so as to create a nearly flat surface for maximum body support and breathability.


Standard ground shipping is free for customers within the contiguous U.S. Although the platform bed doesn't qualify for exchanges or the company's 100-night sleep trial, you'll receive a 1-year warranty with your purchase covering structural and material defects. Plus, a queen-size Vaya Platform Bed costs about $499, making it one of the most affordable models on our list. 

What Type of Foundation Does Your Mattress Need?

Choosing the right mattress foundation for your unique sleep needs involves several factors, from your body weight to your budget. This section will discuss everything you need to consider to find the perfect mattress foundation.

Factors to Consider

A mattress foundation is a piece of furniture that mainly lifts and supports your mattress. Although the concept is simple, choosing the best mattress foundation for your bedroom can be complicated. Fortunately, knowing the criteria that matter the most to your needs can make your search easier.

Consider Mattress Type and Size

Your current mattress plays a vital role in the type of foundation that’ll suit you best. For instance, if you’re using a memory foam mattress, you may want to go for solid, flat foundations, such as a slatted bed frame, a solid platform bed, or even put your mattress on the floor.

The size of your mattress will also help you determine how much extra support you need. If you have a large mattress, you’ll want to ensure that your bed foundation can hold the weight of your mattress and offer good center support so your bed doesn’t sink at the center.

Weight Limit

When purchasing a mattress foundation, knowing its weight limit is crucial. Keep in mind that the foundation needs to support both your mattress and body weight. So, make sure you check the weight restrictions before purchasing a mattress foundation.

Related content: Best mattress for heavy people

Sleep Night Trial

One of the many benefits of buying a mattress foundation online is the chance to test it before committing to keeping it. Most online retailers are usually generous about the time they give during this period - with some offering up to 365 days for you to decide whether the foundation is a keeper.

It’s always wise to opt for reputable brands that offer sleep-night trials. However, make sure you read the fine print beforehand, as some brands may have strict conditions or charge for returns.

A Foundation with Legs or Not

Most mattress foundations today come with adjustable and detachable legs that allow you to use your foundation independently or with a more intricate bed frame. Using your bed foundation with legs as the main support base is an ideal space-saving solution for sleepers living in small spaces. That said, if you lack enough room for a full bed frame with a footboard and headboard, a foundation with legs can be an affordable option to provide your bed with a sturdy base.

Assembly

The level of assembly your mattress foundation needs varies between models. Many foundations need in-home assembly and feature detailed guidelines on how to do so. Since mattress foundations are always designed for easy setup, they rarely need special tools to put together. That said, always consult about your foundation’s assembly and installation difficulty before buying it. It’ll also be wise to opt for in-home assembly.

Wooden vs Metal Slats

Wood bed slats are a perfect pick for eco-friendly, dependable mattress support. If properly maintained and taken care of, they last longer than metal slats and retain their original shape better over time. Moreover, they offer more cushioning and support, thanks to the wood’s natural flexibility.

Metal slats, on the other hand, are a good alternative if you’re hunting for an inexpensive and lightweight fix. Some metal slats can be adjusted to different support levels, making them ideal for individuals needing the best adjustable bed frames or mattress support. However, they can become annoyingly squeaky over time. That said, a metal slat will do the job if you’re shopping on a tight budget and simply need something reliable.

Mattress Foundation vs Bed Frame

While the terms “bed frame” and “mattress foundation” are often used interchangeably, they’re different things, and each product has a unique role to play.

A mattress foundation is a flat, solid surface that sits on a bed frame to offer excellent mattress support and even weight distribution. It is also used to protect a mattress and increase its useful lifespan. On the other hand, a bed frame is the part of your bed that surrounds your mattress, holding it up off the floor. It often comes with legs, four side panels, a headboard, and a footboard. If your bed frame lacks a built-in support system like a bunkie board or slats, it might be time to get a mattress foundation.

Closing Thoughts

As you can see, finding the perfect mattress foundation for your new bed isn’t all that complicated. All you need to do is look at your mattress needs and then narrow your choices by budget and personal preferences. We hope this article has guided you towards the best mattress foundation for your new bed. Remember to read the mattress warranty requirements with your new mattress to double-check whether the foundation you’re buying meets the mark.

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