Best Mattress Foundations
Last Updated: September, 2023
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The mattress foundation you choose strongly affects how your new 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.
We’ve put together the 7 best bed foundations on the market and explained their unique features. The best bed foundation is the Amerisleep Upholstered Bed Frame. Read further to learn about our top bed foundations and crucial factors to consider when shopping.
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A Quick Look at the 7 Best Mattress Foundations
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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Amerisleep has become synonymous with luxurious, durable sleep products, and their Upholstered Bed Frame nicely exemplifies their commitment to quality. The frame is made to be timeless and classic. It features gray upholstered side rails and a neutral gray headboard that can go with almost any bedding color and design you can imagine. Thick, sturdy wooden slats form the foundation to lay your mattress without additional frames or box springs.
The slats are also very easy to install. In fact, all the pieces are constructed to be put together within minutes without any tools or skills required. The frame's espresso legs leave about 6 inches of under-bed storage space, giving your bed a storage function without sacrificing a modern look. This space can also be helpful for sleepers with mobility issues. Buyers can choose between the king, queen, or full sizes. 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. All frames come with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty that covers faults in the upholstery cover and defects in the frame's construction.
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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. And with sturdy, all-metal slats spaced 5 inches apart, this mattress foundation offers a stable surface that absorbs shock and prevents mattresses from sagging.
With 12 inches of under-bed clearance, the GhostBed All-in-one-foundation allows plenty of storage space - perfect if your room is small or cramped. The 5-inch spacing also enables the slatted foundation to promote maximum airflow without compromising strength. If you hate putting together furniture, you'll be glad to know that assembling this frame takes 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 GhostBed All-in-one Foundation is competitively priced, and shipping is free for clients in the contiguous United States. Each order includes a lifetime manufacturer's warranty for added peace of mind. A 1-year warranty backs the fabric cover.
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Wooden bed frames typically give shoppers a lot of bang for their buck, especially if durable wood is used. 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 you want to benefit the most from your memory foam or latex mattress, it might be time to consider buying the PlushBeds Orthopedic Foundation. This wooden foundation is designed to give your bed the ideal support and height. It features a Euro-slatted design that allows you to use the foundation without a box spring. It also promotes steady air circulation. For durability, the wood is heat-treated 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. In addition to its affordable pricing, the PlushBeds Orthopedic Foundation ships free of charge for shoppers in all 50 states.
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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 where you live or the unique type of decor you prefer.
Many bed frames in the market tend to develop soft spots over time that can cause your mattress to sag. This can lead to faster mattress deterioration and even throw your spine out of alignment. Fortunately, that won't happen with the Amerisleep Platform Bed. Its slats are reinforced 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.
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The Zoma Foundation is made of SPF, an amalgam of three strong hardwood varieties. Like the Amerisleep Platform Bed, this foundation is well-known for its simple, sleek design that works for any mattress. It features dark upholstery that can match nearly any decor and comes with a slat-pack system to offer superior body support. Each slat is spaced for the perfect combination of support and airflow.
The frame is assembled in minutes thanks to Zoma's unique pin-locking design that enables sleepers 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. You can add the legs to turn your foundation into a bed set or remove them and 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. It ships free and comes with a 1-year warranty.
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The Eastman Platform Bed Base from PlushBeds has an elegant, high-end platform design.
Handcrafted from solid plywood, the bed base is durable and should resist any signs of wear, such as warping. A lush fabric frame adds 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.
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. Each bed base includes a 15-year warranty against structural defects.
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Most platform beds are always a cinch to set up, but we found the Vaya Platform Bed remarkably easy to assemble. Shoppers looking for an easy-to-assemble mattress foundation will likely appreciate Vaya's design. Putting together the Vaya Platform Bed needs no tools, making assembly simple. The bed is also light and easy to move, making it a solid choice for those who shift frequently.
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. On the other hand, the sag-resistant slats are oversized 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.
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.
Gabe is the newest member of The Sleep Shop team. If you like the design of The Sleep Shop, give Gabe a thumbs up. He’s a digital marketing and design guru and the brains behind the design and SEO of The Sleep Shop. He also won’t say no to testing a ton of mattresses either, and helps on almost every mattress review.
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