With our three-step DIY method, you can build a memory foam mattress base in no time at all! To get started, all you need is some hardwood and a few basic tools. Everything you need to know about memory foam foundations is included in this guide.
We also recommend checking how long a memory foam mattress takes to break in. The break-in phase of memory foam has a direct impact on the final structure of the mattress, which is why the base is so important. Because of this, a solid foundation is also required for a memory foam mattress to break in.
What is a Mattress Foundation?
The surface on which your mattress rests is referred to as the foundation. A box spring, a wooden slat platform, or a solid base can be used as this base. In addition to supporting your body while you sleep, the mattress foundation is responsible for ensuring the mattress does not sink, slide, or droop.
You won’t get the proper support from your mattress if it doesn’t have the right foundation. To compensate for the absence of support, indentations might form, forcing you to sleep in uncomfortably and awkwardly. If this occurs, you may experience muscle and joint stiffness and pain in the morning.
Do I Need a Mattress Foundation?
Most mattresses require some kind of base in order to function properly. The sort of mattress you own will have a significant impact on the type of foundation you need. We’ll go through the most common types of foundations and the best mattresses to go with them in this article.
Benefits of a Mattress Foundation
Having a solid foundation might often provide unforeseen benefits. For a more restful night’s sleep, consider the following six suggestions.
Allows the Mattress to Work for You
Latex and memory foam mattresses conform to your body while you sleep, allowing you to recuperate your muscles. To keep your spine in a neutral position, these mattresses have the right amount of cushioning and support.
The mattress will begin to sag in some areas if the base isn’t sturdy enough. Your spine will be out of alignment as a result of this. Our bodies have to compensate for a lack of support by sleeping in unpleasant positions when our spines are out of whack. It is, nevertheless, important to have a solid foundation in order to get the most out of your new mattress.
Improves Lifespan of Your Mattress
Making sure your mattress has the proper foundation not only helps it provide you with the support you need, but it also helps ensure that it will continue to do so for many years to come.
When we’re not sleeping or trying to sleep, the average individual spends around 33 years of their life in bed.
This continual use necessitates that mattresses be supported by a robust base. There is no need to replace your mattress every few years if you have the correct base.
Adds Height to Your Bed
It’s never a good idea to let your mattress sit on the ground. We are more vulnerable to cold air, dust, grime, and humidity when we sleep on the floor. Getting out of bed is much more difficult if your mattress is sitting on the ground.
In addition to adding 16 to 23 inches of height, a mattress foundation can be adjusted to suit your needs. However, you should avoid raising your bed excessively.
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, beds should have a mattress height of 20 to 23 inches to make it easier for people with disabilities to get into bed at night and safely exit their beds in the morning.
Keeps Your Mattress Clean
Pet hair and dander, dust mites, and other allergens tend to accumulate on the floor, making it the dirtiest place in your home. Mold and mildew can grow in mattresses because of the high concentration of moisture and humidity near the floor.
You’ll need to lift your mattress off the ground to keep these items from falling into your bed.
Bacteria and filth can accumulate in the open spaces between spring coils in innerspring mattresses. As a result, these mattresses should be kept off the ground.
Mattresses made of latex foam and memory foam are resistant to dust mites and microorganisms because they are so dense. It’s important to keep these mattresses on an elevated platform since dampness can degrade foam.
Improves Airflow
One of the easiest strategies to get a good night’s sleep is to keep the temperature low and comfortable. It’s possible to overheat your bed if your mattress is lying on the floor instead of a box spring.
In order to circulate the air around the bed, it is important to have a good foundation. The right foundation can help you sleep soundly night after night, no matter what kind of mattress you have.
Keeps Your Mattress in Place
When you sleep on a ground-level mattress, it’s more prone to move around. When the structure is built on a poor foundation, it may sink in locations where it is not supported, leading it to collapse.
Your mattress will last longer if it is supported by a solid foundation.
How Do You Make A Foundation For A Memory Foam Mattress?
Step 1. Prepare the materials
- To get the total frame dimensions, measure the length and width of your memory foam mattress.
- For daily use, choose hardwood over softwood, which can resist the wear and tear.
- Wood for the frame depends on the foundation’s dimensions.
- One alternative is to have the mattress cradled within the foundation’s borders, while the other is to have the mattress pushed against the foundation’s boundaries.
- As an additional measure of security, install three crossbars within the foundation.
- Check to see if the outer frame has some leeway or is longer than the central crossbars.
- Calculate how much lumber you’ll need to build the mattress foundation’s slats and feet.
- In the event of a mistake, be prepared with an extra supply of materials.
Step 2. Construct the wooden frame
- The outer border or frame of the mattress foundation for memory foam should be built first.
- Before nailing or screwing in the nails or screws, attach the rectangular frame using wood glue.
- The panels can be added outside of the frame if the foundation has a cradle
- Wood glue and screws are used to secure the crossbars in place.
- For this project, glue and screws are used to attach the slats to the cross bars so that they are on either side of the cross bars.
Step 3. Finish the memory foam mattress foundation
- Legs are the final step in completing the bed’s foundation.
- Before you nail the legs to the frame, go ahead and glue the corner where the sides meet.
- Inspect the area where the legs will be attached to see whether there are any nails or screws already in place.
- In order to make the installation process easier, flip the cradle first.
- The foundation’s size and stability will tell you if you need to put more legs on the sides as well as on the corners.
What Type Of Foundation Is Best For Memory Foam Mattress?
If you’re interested in learning more about the many kinds of mattress foundations, you may find a comprehensive resource here. For a memory foam mattress, a firm and stable base is necessary to avoid sinking and loss of structure. There are a number of different ways to build a foundation, but the most common method is to utilize a slatted one with half-inch thick slats.
If you don’t have a bunkie board, the memory foam won’t have a flat surface. Foundations with wide beams or even box springs should be avoided for memory foam mattresses since they won’t be able to keep the foam from sagging. To keep memory foam intact, you need a sturdy surface, but you also need to allow for airflow to prevent heat or moisture buildup.
Do You Need A Foundation For A Memory Foam Mattress?
In terms of comfort and aesthetics, a foundation isn’t absolutely necessary when using memory foam. The only need for a memory foam mattress is that it be supported well enough to avoid drooping. It’s always possible to add slats or a piece of plywood to your current base, if that’s not possible.
Memory foam mattresses can be placed on a box spring. Memory foam cannot be supported by a box spring due to the gap the coils leave behind.
Can I Put Plywood Under My Memory Foam Mattress?
A plywood base under the memory foam mattress ensures a more stable and consistent pressure distribution. Make many holes in the plywood for better ventilation and more comfort. Memory foam mattresses have a tendency to get hot while you sleep, and this may help alleviate that problem.
For a memory foam bed, what kind of plywood is ideal? At the very least, you need something half an inch thick. In addition, look at the wood’s surface for roughness, which can damage the mattress.
Can You Put A Memory Foam Mattress On The Floor?
As long as the floor is sturdy and flat, a memory foam mattress can be placed on it. Most people find it awkward to maintain a low profile. Unless you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind losing height to sleep, you’ll still need a frame and base because of the elevated position.
Types of Mattress Foundation For a Memory Foam Mattress
Our recommendation is to select one of the following three types of mattress foundations: These include:
- Solid platform bases are just as good as foam mattress foundations..
- Memory foam is best supported by slatted bases.
- Foldable memory foam bed frames typically have metal frame foundations.
- Memory foam mattresses are best suited to an adjustable bed frame.
To begin, here are our top 8 best memory foam mattress foundations for 2022. These are listed in the order of importance to us. Use our Buyer’s Guide and the information we’ve provided to make your own decision.
Best Memory Foam Mattress Foundation
1. Zinus Upholstered Diamond Memory Foam Foundation
This is a memory foam slatted wood base. The timber slats are arranged in such a way that they provide optimum strength while still allowing for good airflow. There are dark grey buttons on the gray upholstery with diamond stitching. The steel frame is covered in foam cushioned tape, which muffles any noise. A variety of sizes are available for this foundation.
Pros
- To ensure optimal support and airflow, the wooden slats are placed far enough apart.
- Noise is reduced by applying foam cushioned tape to the steel frame.
- Included is a headboard.
- Simple to put together.
- Full, Queen, and King sizes are all available.
- Limited warranty for five years.
Cons
- Slat spacing is little larger than we had intended for, at around 4.5 inches wide. A regular memory foam mattress, on the other hand, is perfectly supported by this base.
- Otherwise, there were no negatives to report.
It has a beautiful headboard made of gray upholstery fabric and embellished with buttons that are a darker gray. Even in the middle of the night, this frame is completely silent. Any sort of memory foam mattress will work well with this base because it’s straightforward to put together and doesn’t require any tools.
2. Zinus 14″ DeLuxe Slatted Wood Memory Foam Mattresses Frame
Slatted wood supports the mattress in the Zinus 14-inch DeLuxe wood mattress frame. This can assist to extend the life of your memory foam bed. In order to keep the mattress from shifting, the hardwood slats are taped together using a Velcro-like material. If you want to employ a headboard or footboard, you’ll need something else.
Pros
- If you prefer, you can use only wood.
- Your mattress will last longer if it has wood slats.
- The tools needed to assemble the components are included.
- Slats are held in place by the non-stick tape attached to the slats, which does not affect the mattress.
- Even in the midst of the most frenetic activity, this frame remains silent!
- It has a sophisticated appearance and enhances the aesthetics of your bedroom.
- Full, Queen, and King sizes are all available.
- Excellent 5-year guarantee.
Cons
- A few people have expressed concern about the frame loosening up after a while of use. It’s usual for self-assembly furniture to loosen up after a few days of use, so be sure to tighten up the screws and bolts.
- For lack of an appropriate headboard or footboard,
- Otherwise, there were none to be found.
- The mattress is a half-inch smaller than a typical King-size mattress in terms of measurements. It appears to be a good match for King-sized users, according to reviews.
It could be a foundation for any kind of mattress, really, but we’re talking about a high-quality memory foam mattress foundation here. A memory foam mattress will be well supported by the robust wood construction in any bedroom. Despite the fact that the King size mattress is 0.5 inches smaller than a conventional King size mattress, it appears to hold up just well. That’s all that means: there could be a quarter-inch overhang all around. A memory foam mattress will be unaffected, but an innerspring mattress with reinforced sides may be.
3. Zinus Upholstered Square Foundation
Instead of a diamond-shaped button, the headboard is buttoned squarely rather than diagonally. Otherwise, the proportions of them are comparable, but they are distinct. Upholstery stitched in a square pattern covers the headboard in a dark gray color. Foam tape is used to insulate the steel frame from noise when it is in use, just like the diamond Zinus foundation.
Pros
- To ensure optimal support and airflow, the wooden slats are placed far enough apart.
- Noise is reduced by applying foam cushioned tape to the steel frame.
- Included is a headboard.
- A low-level footboard is also an option. “
- Simple to put together.
- Full, Queen, and King sizes are all available.
- Limited warranty for five years.
Cons
- ‘Diamond’ slatted wood memory foam foundation cons are the same as for that foundation’s pros.
- The disparity in measurements between a mattress’s dimensions and a foundation’s can cause problems for some persons. Mattresses that measure 80 by 60 inches are too big for this foundation. The base appears to be too short to accommodate the headboard without sacrificing some of the mattress’ required length.
The slatted wood memory foam foundation above (our #1 option) is very similar to this one. If it weren’t for the aforementioned concerns with dimensions, we’d probably rank this higher than first equal. Otherwise, it’s a solid hardwood slatted base.
4. Zinus Premium SmartBase
Zinus SmartBase, on the other hand, is a memory foam base with a steel frame. In terms of underbed storage, this model features 17 inches of clearance under the frame. You don’t need any special equipment to put it together once it’s been delivered. It works best with six to ten inch thick mattresses. In contrast to the Zinus foundations mentioned above, this one does not come with a headboard. You’ll need SmartBase headboard brackets from the provider.
Pros
- There is plenty of storage space under the bed.
- Legs are arranged in a 9-point configuration for maximum stability (the centre three are double legs, as though the frame were constructed from two 6-leg frames joined together).
- Due to the high amount of support supplied, it extends the life of the mattress.
- If you need to transport it up and down the stairs or between rooms, the frame is simple to fold.
- Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cal King sizes are all available.
Cons
- Screws and wing nuts are used to build the frame. There is a risk that the structure will become unstable or that connections will fail, making it insecure. There are a number of potential problems that can develop if the screws and wing nuts provided are not properly fastened.
One of the best steel-framed memory foam mattress foundations on the market is the Premium SmartBase. Since no foundation is ideal for only one type of mattress, it, too, can be used for different types of mattresses, as can those mentioned above. It fulfills the demand for memory foam mattresses that are best suited for usage on a platform bed rather than on a box spring. The plastic caps that sit on the legs of your bed safeguard your bedroom floor. There is a level of assembly necessary, which may deter some people from using the product. When the wing nuts are tightened with pliers, some people say it provides extra stability.
5. Olee Sleep Steel Frame
Memory foam mattresses can be used with the Olee Sleep steel frame. Foldable and made of steel, this bed frame can handle even the heaviest mattresses and move between rooms with ease. It comes with everything you need to put it together. Any kind of storage can be found beneath it in a 13-inch high area. Memory foam mattresses, which are typically not supported by a box spring foundation, benefit greatly from this foundation.
Pros
- Mattresses that use memory foam benefit from a sturdy steel foundation.
- In order to prevent the mattress from slipping off the frame, a metal frame has been incorporated into the design.
- Leg cups made of hard plastic prevent scratches on your floor.
- Exceptional customer service — problems are promptly rectified to the customer’s complete satisfaction.
- A headboard can be attached to the end rails.
- Full, Queen, and King sizes are all available.
- Limited warranty of five years
Cons
- If you’re building something out of steel, you may run into problems with bolts or screws that don’t fit properly.
- The only drawbacks I can think of aren’t really big.
As previously said, this steel frame is gentle on your floor and suited for the majority of foam mattresses. Manufacturing flaws are covered by the warranty. It does not squeak or rattle as some other frames of this type do when you move, as some less well constructed frames do. It can be easily transported from one room to another without requiring any disassembly. With the included tools, it’s a snap to put it together.
6. Classic Brands Adjustable
A massaging feature and two USB ports are included in the Classic Brands Adjustable mattress base (both on the same side of the bed). Elevation positions, head and foot massages, and other functions are all programmable. A wireless remote control handset can be used to control the functionalities.
Pros
- Memory foam mattresses work well with the adjustable features.
- You can wind down and relax at night with the 3-speed dual head and foot massage.
- Latex and air mattresses are also compatible.
- The legs may be adjusted to three different heights: 4 inches, 6.5 inches, or a combined 10.5 inches.
- To keep your mattress in place, it also includes a foot retainer rail.
- Twin XL, Full, Queen, and King sizes are available.
Cons
- Unlike a wallhugger, this mattress does not move to keep you level with your nightstand as you raise the adjustment.
- A remote-controlled adjustable bed might fail for non-mechanical causes as well as mechanical ones. However, this appears to be above and beyond the norm.
Memory foam mattresses are compatible with this adjustable mattress foundation. It’s worth noting that the massaging effect is less evident as the mattress thickness increases. That’s because it works from the frame’s surface. Memory foam adjustable mattress base of good quality.
7. Classic Brands Hercules
To endure heavyweights, the Classic Brands Hercules heavy-duty memory foam mattress base is built to last. If you have a large frame, this is the best option for you. With 13 inches of storage space beneath, this black steel foundation and frame makes a great mattress foundation and frame.
Pros
- For every type of mattress, including memory foam, this foldable steel frame is ideal.
- Suitable for use as both a framework and a foundation.
- Brackets for the headboard and footboard can be purchased separately.
- 14 inches high, which means that the bed’s overall height will be 14 inches, plus the thickness of the mattress.
- Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cal King sizes are all available.
- Assembling the product requires no special tools.
- Seven days a week, customer service is on hand.
Cons
- As with any foundation or frame that needs to be put up by hand, there are always going to be drawbacks.
- The two twin-sized frames that make up the king size are bolted together. If you sleep on a thin mattress, this could leave a gaping hole in the middle.
- Because of the aforementioned, the frame must be put together correctly, with both sides aligned. There should be no problems if this is done.
- No information about the warranty is made public.
This appears to be a good base for a memory foam mattress, on the surface at least. It’s possible that the warranty is handled by a third party. It appears that the firm’s Customer Service is top-notch, as most problems are dealt with promptly. The fact that the memory foam mattress base comes with the equipment needed to assemble it is a plus.
8. LUCID Foldable Metal Platform
Memory foam mattresses can be supported on the LUCID Foldable Metal Platform. Having a foldable design, it is easy to transport between rooms or store away. It can be used with latex, polyfoam, and innerspring mattresses because of its sturdy wire grid. Like other metal grid foundations, it has similar advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- It’s easy to set up without any special equipment.
- It’s 13 inches tall, so there’s plenty of room underneath it for storage.
- The frame’s weight capacity is advertised as high as 2500 pounds.
- They come in a variety of sizes, from little to extra-large.
- Five-year guarantee
Cons
- This metal frame foundation for a king-sized bed is made up of two smaller frames that are attached together.
- Fitting two smaller frames together creates all sizes from Full to Plus.
- Heavy-duty users may have some troubles with the wire construction.
Buyers Guide to the Best Memory Foam Mattress Foundation
You may find additional information in our Buyer’s Guide at the bottom of the page. Fitting such frames securely to ensure stability and quiet operation appears to be an issue for some people. When frames become unsteady or noisy, it’s usually because the screws or bolts haven’t been tightened sufficiently. It’s a good idea to re-tighten things up after experiencing this.
It’s important to bear in mind that all you truly need is a solid foundation for your memory foam mattress. A non-giving surface is required for memory foam to function properly; this means that the mattress’s weight should be evenly distributed across the surface. What does this actually mean?
For the most part this implies that a box spring base isn’t necessary when using a memory foam mattress, but it’s an option. Why is this so?
Wooden box spring foundations are made up of a wooden frame with steel springs that are attached to the wooden frame. As the mattress sits above it, this style of foundation is designed to distribute the weight. Memory foam, on the other hand, cannot be used on a regular box spring foundation. Memory foam mattresses should not be placed on a box spring basis because they are best suited for innerspring mattresses. Also, take a look at our FAQ page.
If you do so, your warranty may be void. When considering using this foundation, you should first consult with the mattress manufacturer for guidance. Manufacturer advise may not be supported by retailers, so be sure to verify that information is from the manufacturer. Because of this, it’s best not to use this foundation at all. Stick to what we say!
So, the floor or foundation is either made for a memory foam mattress or is one that does not compress when pressure is put to it – such as a box spring foundation.. Some individuals find it difficult to get on or off the floor, and others think it’s bare bones. As a result, any surface that comes into contact with the floor may get damp and moldy.
It’s best to go with a wooden or metal foundation that doesn’t absorb any of the mattress’s compression. Wood and metal are the two most common materials. Each has advantages of its own. Each has its advantages and disadvantages:
Metal Mattress Frames: Wooden mattress foundations appear nicer in a bedroom than metal ones. They blend in with the rest of the decor and may be painted to match any color scheme you like. Don’t underestimate the strength of wood when it comes to supporting your weight. In addition to wood, you can use steel for the frame of your bed if you choose.
In addition to being sturdy, metal foundations are a great option for mattresses. Many people, on the other hand, believe that a metal mattress frame is superior to a hardwood base in terms of support. This is not always the case, as the weight the foundation must bear depends on the thickness of the metal frame and the bars/wires that support the mattress’s body. There’s a risk that the mattress will be harmed if the frame’s bars are too thin. Your memory foam mattress will be well supported by the foundations we’ve selected.
Mattress foundations that are adjustable are often made of metal. It lets you change the angles of the bed’s primary components. It is possible to lift the head and foot, as well as adjust your resting position. Many current adjustable mattress foundations are operated electronically, however some require manual adjustments.
Some, nicknamed as ‘wallhuggers,’ glide you back while it raises your head and maintains a straight line with your nightstand. Our reviewers don’t fit the bill at all. Memory foam mattresses have the advantage of being able to adapt to different sleeping positions. The only exception to this rule is that this foundation can be utilized with memory foam, latex, polyfoam, and other types of foam mattresses besides innersprings.
An important safety feature of many mattress foundations is its ability to prevent the bed from sliding around on it. There are a number of ways to accomplish this, including using sticky tape or Velcro. In some cases, the mattress is structured in a way that prevents it from swaying in any one direction. To keep the mattress from sliding down the foundation, some foundations have a footboard or foot retention rail installed.
Memory foam mattress foundations come in a variety of styles. By laying the bed directly on the floor or on plywood, you run the risk of invalidating the warranty that came with the mattress. If at all possible, try to stay away from this.
Slatted wood or metal frame foundations are the foundations of choice for memory foam mattresses. While in use, the mattress’s slats and metal bars keep things cool. This allows for an adequate amount of ventilation as you sleep.
To help you get the best memory foam mattress foundation, here are some helpful hints. You should have enough information from our best memory foam mattress foundation 2022 reviews to make an informed selection. Online shopping is often preferable to shopping in a mall. Additionally, you’ll be able to check out the warranty information and what you need to do to find the ideal product for your needs.
Building a Mattress Foundation: You may have to use your own tools to build your foundation. Others include all the necessary tools in the package. Make sure you follow the instructions to the letter and don’t cut corners because “You know better”! Make sure all screws are fully inserted and the parts are securely attached. It is also important that the nuts and bolts are securely fastened.
Butterfly or wing nuts may be used to connect some elements. Tightening them by hand may not be as effective as using pliers or a spanner. The most important thing to remember is to make sure that nothing moves when you tug on it. Instead of making a noise when you move about in bed, the frames may ratchet and rattle.
FAQs
1. Why can’t I use a box spring foundation with my memory foam mattress?
Your entire body is supported by a memory foam mattress. When it is in use, it must be completely flat. Even if you could use a box spring to support your mattress, it may sink under the weight of your body, especially in that place that bears the bulk of your weight. But if the box spring is new and provides a level, hard surface for the memory foam mattress, you can utilize it. We don’t advocate a box spring foundation since some customers use their old box spring as a foundation for their new memory foam mattress, which causes the mattress to not sit flat.
2. What is the best type of memory foam mattress foundation?
Keep away from hard surfaces like wood or concrete. A mattress can be used on the floor, but the lack of airflow might lead to the formation of mold. To keep a mattress cool and fresh, it needs a constant flow of air surrounding it. The only box spring we recommend is a brand new one with a flat, firm top. We prefer metal or slatted wood foundations for memory foam mattresses because they allow air to flow freely around the mattress.
3. Can I use a plywood board on top of my existing box spring foundation?
To begin with, your guarantee may be voided if you place a memory foam mattress on top of a hardwood surface that was not intended for that purpose. In part, this is due to the fact that the surface has the potential to abrade the mattress and create harm. If you must use it on board, make sure to drill a few holes to let air flow through. Use adequate foundations instead of board-based structures.
4. Can I use these foundations for any mattress or just memory foam mattresses?
All of these foundations are compatible with latex and polyurethane foam mattresses (polyfoam). Innerspring mattresses are not ideal for adjustable foundations.
5. Will the metal on steel frame foundations not harm the mattress?
Definitely not. Unlike wood frames, the metal surfaces are as smooth as they are. Foam mattresses are supported by foundations of this type. To do this without harming them would be impossible, and they wouldn’t sell well.
Conclusion
With the right foundation, you can keep your memory foam mattress from drooping. You’ll begin by building the outside frame, followed by the cradle, crossbars, slats, and finally the legs of the mattress foundation. Stability will be determined by the frame’s measurements and the materials used.
Thank you for your time, and we wish you the best of luck with this project!
