Do Box Springs Have to Sit on a Metal Frame?

Bed Frames Without Box Springs

• Many beds, especially old ones, are made up of a headboard and a footboard held together by two metal rails. Some larger beds have a rail down the middle. Most mattresses aren't rigid enough to place on the frame without some kind of support beneath. This is usually a box spring, since most mattresses are sold as a set with the box spring. If you decide not to use the box spring, either for comfort or height reasons, you can still use your mattress on a bed frame. The support can be improvised with wooden slats or particle board or plywood. If you choose to go with the slats be sure they are close enough together to keep the bed from sagging in between. If you replace the box spring with a piece of particle board or plywood, you may need to provide some additional support in the middle for any bed larger than twin-sized. This support can be in the form of "legs" or even stacks of books to hold the mattress up in the middle. If you are unsure of whether or not you have enough support under your mattress, put a level on the board after you have slept on it for a while. If it bows in the middle, use sturdier slats or boards, or add some support or legs. You can also use wooden slats with a piece of particle board or plywood over them to provide even more support. If you aren't sure, add some extra support just to be on the safe side.