Bases & Headboards
April 2023The Benefits of Using Bed Strengthening Boards for a better sleep
Bed Strenghtening Board Guide
- What are bed strengthening boards?
- How do I know if I need bed strengthening boards?
- Benefits of bed strengthening boards
- What material should be strengthening boards be made out of?
- How to use bed strengthening boards
What are Bed Strengthening Boards?
Bed strengthening boards, also known as mattress support boards or bed slats supports, are wooden or metal boards that are used to reinforce the structure of a bed frame or mattress foundation. They are typically placed horizontally across the bed frame or slats, providing additional support and stability to prevent sagging, warping, or discomfort.
Bed strengthening boards can help prevent sagging or warping of bed frames or slats, which can lead to discomfort and reduced mattress lifespan. They are especially useful for platform beds or slatted bed frames that may have gaps between the slats that are too wide, causing mattresses to sag or feel uneven.
Bed strengthening boards can be easily installed by placing them on top of or between the bed frame or slats, and they are typically secured with screws, clips, or other fasteners. They come in various sizes and materials, such as plywood, particle board, or metal, and can be customized to fit different bed sizes and styles.
Using bed strengthening boards can provide additional support to your bed, help extend the lifespan of your mattress, and improve your overall sleeping comfort by ensuring a stable and sturdy bed foundation. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines for installation to ensure proper use and avoid any potential safety hazards.
How do I know if I need bed strengthening boards?
Bed strengthening boards are there to help provide more consistent support for heavier high-end and handmade mattresses. These mattresses weigh considerably more than the cheaper memory foam and bed in a box mattresses like Emma, Simba etc.
Particular mattresses and bed bases will almost certainly need strengthening boards. If you have a slatted base then you will always need strengthening boards, in particular if you have any of the following:
- Mattresses over 40kg in weight
- Hand made natural fibre mattresses
- Mattresses in a king size and above
- If you’re using a slatted bed base
- If you’re using a entry level mdf divan
- Futons
- Pull out beds with thin slats
Benefits of Bed Strengthening Boards
Other than helping support your mattress and providing a sound sleeping surface for your bed, strengthening boards for mattresses have the following benefits to aid a better nights sleep.
Enhanced Mattress Support
Over time, bed frames or slats can weaken or develop gaps, leading to sagging mattresses and reduced comfort. Bed strengthening boards can provide additional support to your mattress, helping to distribute weight evenly and prevent sagging, which can lead to better sleep quality and comfort.
Extended Mattress Lifespan
Sagging mattresses can reduce the lifespan of your mattress, as they can cause uneven wear and tear. By using bed strengthening boards, you can help prolong the lifespan of your mattress by providing proper support and preventing premature sagging.
Slatted bed frames without bed strengthening can damage your mattress as they conform to the gaps between the slats. Leading to springs being damaged or small tears in the mattress fabric where the slats pinch the bed.
Improved Bed Frame Stability
Older or weaker bed frames may lack the necessary support to hold up a mattress and its occupants. Bed strengthening boards can reinforce the bed frame, adding stability and preventing wobbling or squeaking noises, which can result in a more peaceful and restful sleep.
Versatility for Different Bed Styles
Bed strengthening boards can be used with various bed styles, including platform beds, slatted bed frames, or even traditional box springs. They can be customized to fit different bed sizes and styles, making them a versatile solution for bed support.
What’s the best material for bed strengthening boards?
When it comes to making or buying bed strengthening boards the simpler the better. The materials that we use for bed strengthening boards are:
- Plywood
- MDF
- Thin timber sheets
The purpose of these is to provide a consistent sleeping surface that spreads the weight over the bed frame, slats or base to offer more support. The below mattress base needs sheets of plywood or MDF to strengthen this base and stop it from damaging the mattress.
These materials can easily be picked up from DIY or homeware store. Get them cut to size, and you should have a perfect bed strengthening board that fits your mattress size exactly meaning no cutting at home!
How to Use Bed Strengthening Boards
Using bed strengthening boards is relatively straightforward. Here are some general steps to follow:
1. Measure and Choose the Right Boards
Measure the dimensions of your bed frame or slats to determine the appropriate size of bed strengthening boards needed. Choose boards that are made of sturdy materials, such as plywood or metal, and are compatible with your bed frame or slat spacing. See our mattress size guide here to work out how much wood, plywood or MDF you need.
2 Install the Boards
Place the bed strengthening boards horizontally across the bed frame or slats, evenly spaced apart. Make sure they are centered and flush with the edges of the bed frame or slats. You may need to secure them with screws, clips, or other fasteners, following the manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines.
3. Test for Stability
Once the bed strengthening boards are installed, test the stability of your bed frame by pressing down on different areas of the mattress. The mattress should feel even and stable, with no sagging or wobbling. Adjust the positioning or fastening of the boards if necessary.
4. Enjoy Your Improved Bed
With the bed strengthening boards in place, you can now enjoy a more stable, supportive, and comfortable bed. Your mattress is less likely to sag, and your bed frame is more stable, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
Conclusion
Investing in bed strengthening boards can greatly enhance the support and durability of your mattress and bed frame, resulting in improved sleep quality and comfort. They are easy to install, versatile for different bed styles, and can help extend the lifespan of your mattress. If you are experiencing sagging or discomfort in your bed, consider adding bed strengthening boards to your setup and experience the benefits of a well-supported bed. Sleep well and wake up refreshed!
If you need further help in shortlisting suitable new mattresses give our small expert team a call for free advice on 0161 437 4419.
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