When you are looking at a new bed base, slats might seem a bit old school but today there are so many options to fit any lifestyle.
Detailed Comparison of Slats and Solid Bed Bases
Let’s look at the characteristics and features of each side by side.
Slatted Bed Base
A slatted bed base has an exterior frame connected by slats that run from one side to the other. There is space between them which makes them more lightweight and easy to take apart when moving.
These are commonly constructed from solid timber or metal but you can also find composite materials. Depending on the material, thickness and gap sizes, slatted bases can be equally as strong as a solid base. Slatted bed bases offer more flexibility and breathability particularly if you have problems with your mattress getting too hot while you sleep. You can also pick things like adjustable or non-adjustable slats that give you more control over how much tension or support you have in different areas along your body.
Solid Bed Base
A solid bed base is exactly what you think: solid. It is a sturdy bed base usually constructed from MDF or plywood which gives it a uniform surface all the way around the perimeter and along the bottom with your mattress sitting on top.
The heavy-duty construction means you get equal stability and support along the entirety of your bed and sometimes comes with a higher weight capacity. However, it also brings with it an additional cost and weighs quite a bit itself. You get enhanced uniformity support and durability but you might need help moving it into position. Further, the lack of aeration can cause some breathability issues with your mattress and possibly make the bed sleep hotter.
Pros and Cons of Slats vs Solid Bed Base
Let’s compare the main pros and cons of both options.
Slatted Bed Base
Pros:
- Support – Good quality, thick and sturdy slatted bases provide great support because they can adapt to whichever amount of weight is placed upon each of the slats.
- Ventilation – A slat bed base offers good ventilation because there’s significantly more circulation making its way to your mattress so your mattress stays cooler throughout the nigh.
- Flexibility – You have more flexibility when it comes to your options and your design, especially if you are trying to save space or fit different aesthetics.
- Sustainability – Typically slats are made from solid timber (usually pine, like ours) which is a more sustainable and natural option.
Cons:
- Compatibility – Certain slatted bed bases may not work with all types of mattresses, like a solid memory foam mattress, because they simply can’t support the density. This is only usually an issue for thin or “flexi” slats – thick slats can be equally as sturdy.
- Sagging – There is a potential for sagging with some mattresses, like denser memory foam, which means the mattress would push between the slats negatively impacting the lifespan of the mattress and the quality of your sleep. To avoid this we recommend a gap of around 3-5cm and slats of around 5-9cm to minimise sagging risk, but check your mattress for its requirements.
- Noise – Slats can have a higher risk of noise because each of the slats can start to creak or generate sound over time. Our slatted bed bases all come with a lifetime warranty against any squeaks or breaks, however, in our 35 years of experience we have noticed that noise seems to be more of an issue with metal slats or newer, less experienced companies.
Solid Bed Base
Pros:
- Support – A solid bed base provides even support to every area of your mattress so you get firm support while you sleep.
- Durability – With a solid bed base, you can sometimes have more durability because the construction is more reliable and heavy-duty.
- Low Maintenance – There is minimal maintenance required with a solid bed base so you can install it and effectively forget about it.
Cons:
- Breathability – A solid bed base has less breathability because it is, as the name suggests, solid, so you don’t get a lot of airflow underneath your mattress, supporting better ventilation while you sleep.
- Health – Due to the lack of breathability, solid bases can pose certain health risks, with moisture build-up commonly causing mould – which in turn impacts the overall life of your bed and mattress.
- Weight – A solid bed base is usually much heavier than a slatted base. This means that you have to be aware of what type of floor you have so that it doesn’t cause indentations in a solid wood floor, and you might need two or more people to move it.
- Sustainability – These are usually made from engineered materials such as plywood or MDF, which are much less sustainable and not organic.
Determining the Best Bed Base
When you are ready to choose a new bed base, you’ll have to consider what type of mattress you want. The type of base that you select will directly influence the type of mattress you can use and vice versa.
For example, most slatted structures work well with spring-based mattresses but they won’t work as well with a memory foam mattress. However, a thicker more sturdy slatted base can work for most mattresses on the market
You also need to consider your sleep preferences. You get much more flexibility with a slat bed base but a solid bed base gives you even support all the way down your body. Various slat options can also cater to your individual needs, with posture slats and hardwood slats offering different benefits and cons. So it is up to you to decide how much support you need or prefer during your sleep experience.
Make sure to properly weigh up the pros and cons of the bed and mattress you are interested in before making a choice!
Exploring Additional Considerations
There are, of course, additional considerations when choosing between slats vs. solid bed base designs.
Space Constraints
You need to consider the amount of space you have in your bedroom. One of the benefits to a slat bed base is the fact that it’s smaller, lighter, and provides space underneath the slats for additional storage. This makes it great for smaller rooms.
A solid bed base is going to be heavy and large, which means it will likely be the centrepiece in your bedroom, and the heaviness is something to consider if you plan on living in an apartment or condominium with several stories.
Eco-Friendly Materials
There are several material options for both types if sustainability is a concern for you. You can choose sustainably harvested lumber for a solid wood bed base or even a slatted wood bed base but you can also pick composite materials or metal.
Customisation and Aesthetics
With either option there is the availability of customisable designs so you can change features to fit your bedroom aesthetics. A lot of these features have to do more with things like the material, the color or stain, and any design flourishes. These are likely the things that are most recognisable when someone walks into the room.
Summing Up
When choosing the right bed base be sure that you pick something that is comfortable and provides restful sleep. You’ll need to consider your individual needs and preferences when making your decision. Remember to check the requirements for your bed base and mattress when shopping around and choosing! Without the correct support, your mattress can feel totally different than it should – it is especially important for a 100% latex mattress to have a firm and aerated base supporting it! Don’t be afraid to try different bed bases to see how it influences the quality of your sleep.