What is a bed base
A bed base is a mattress support and is essentially the bottom of a bed. The base can be made in the form of a continuous sheet, which is made from boards, plywood, or chipboard. This type of base is heavier in weight and less mobile. The main disadvantage is that a mattress on such a base will not be able to fully demonstrate its orthopedic properties. Accordingly, the quality of sleep also deteriorates.
The orthopedic lattice is an improved type of base. The structure consists of a frame and elastic shock-absorbing lamellas (planks) made of wood and special fastenings.
Beds with orthopedic base – 50 photo ideas:
PreviousBedsHow to make a headboard with your own hands
Next
BedsFolding bed with mattress - advantages and disadvantages
What does the bed base consist of?
If everything is clear with a solid base for a bed: it is a plywood sheet or boards attached to the bed frame, then the structural features of the orthopedic lattice should be examined in more detail and find out which base for the bed is better.
A slatted orthopedic base is much more complex in its configuration than a solid base for a bed. It is made of straight or concave slats placed at a short distance from each other. The lamellas are attached to the frame using special fasteners - mortise or overhead lat holders. Lat holders are made of rubber or plastic.
Rubber holders provide a springing effect, which gives the bed base a “soft” feel. But if a high mattress of 20 cm or more is used, then this becomes noticeable.
The slats are made from beech, birch and pine wood. It is the properties of wood that give the lamellas different levels of elasticity and reliability. Beech slats are characterized by increased strength and elasticity; their price will be more expensive than their budget counterparts. Such lamellas can withstand even high loads. For people of average weight or teenagers, bases with birch or pine slats are suitable.
Varieties
Main types of bed bases:
- flat;
- on slats;
- metal;
- plastic;
- orthopedic.
Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. The models differ from each other in design features, transformation mechanism and manufacturing materials. It is also important to consider the conditions under which the base will be used.
Flat
A flat bottom base is one of the simplest designs. Most often it is made of plywood. Sheets of chipboard, fiberboard or boards can also be used. The material is rigidly fixed to the bed frame and is a solid covering. Two methods are used for fastening: rivet or staple. It is advisable to give preference to the first option.
The advantages of a flat bottom include:
- low cost;
- natural composition of materials;
- no squeaking - provided that the boards are laid correctly.
Of course, there are some disadvantages to solid wood bed bases. This coating is short-lived because it cannot withstand high loads. It is poorly ventilated and can be pressed under the weight of the mattress. Deformed areas cannot be repaired or replaced due to a violation of the integrity of the structure.
A solid base is suitable for people who, for medical reasons, need to sleep on a hard surface.
Chipboard
Plywood
Boards
On slats
The most popular covering option for the base of a bed is slats. These are plates in the form of strips on which the mattress is placed. They are made from various types of wood. The best slatted bed bases are those made from birch. Slats made of alder or beech are also common.
The quality of the products depends on the width of the crossbars. Wide slats are considered a budget option. They will fit under a mattress that does not have springs. Narrow slats are more versatile and suitable for all types of beds.
All lamellas are divided into two types:
- mortise - inserted into the frame;
- invoices - attached using special holders.
Some models provide adjustment of stiffness along the entire length or in a separate part, but options without the possibility of such settings are more common. Straight slats create a rigid surface. They are great for children's backs and are also indicated for people with spinal problems. Spring ones are more elastic. They are ways to bend, which relaxes the back muscles.
Options for placing and designing shelves around the bed, installation methods
Sometimes the lamella base is additionally equipped with a transformation mechanism. It can be mechanical (manual) or electrically driven. The presence of such a device allows you to change the design of the product.
The frame for the base on lamellas can be made of metal or wood. To make the bed stronger, you should give preference to the first option. Among the main advantages of such models:
- the product is well ventilated;
- the load is evenly distributed over the entire surface;
- if broken, the lamellas can be replaced;
- the structure with legs can be used as a full-fledged bed.
For optimal support of the spine, you should choose lamellas in the form of arcs, which reduce the load on the mattress and improve the quality of sleep.
Invoices
Mortise
Spring
Direct
Narrow
Wide
Metal
An iron bed base is one of the most durable. Its service life is at least 20 years. There are two types of metal structures:
- solid;
- mesh.
Models with a solid metal base are the most budget option. They are a hard bottom, which is suitable for people with spinal diseases. Most often they produce models with a bed base frame without a headboard, but you can choose an option with an interesting forged backrest. The disadvantages of a solid structure include the complete lack of ventilation. It is also not suitable for a mattress with an orthopedic function.
The mesh iron base is excellent value for money. The design is also called armored due to the appearance of intertwined metal springs. The mesh can withstand a weight of 150 kilograms and is very difficult to deform. This base is suitable for overweight people. Unlike a flat bottom, the shell design is well ventilated and is compatible with orthopedic mattresses. The main disadvantages are a weakening of spring tension and a decrease in surface rigidity over time, heavy weight and excessive hardness of the coating.
Mesh metal bed bases can be adjusted by periodically manually tightening the springs. The hardness of the bed changes in the same way.
Mesh
Solid
Plastic based
The plastic base is a plastic support combined with spring elements. This is one of the most durable structures with wide functionality. It is perfect for orthopedic mattresses. Models of this type are often equipped with an electric drive. The bed can be fully adjusted to your body position. Plastic bases have several significant advantages:
- the elasticity of the structure enhances the properties of the mattress;
- durability;
- ability to adjust the degree of hardness.
Making a bedspread with your own hands, instructions, tips
The disadvantages of a plastic base are:
- poor ventilation;
- high price.
For children and the elderly, a plastic base will be an excellent solution. Thanks to high-quality adjustment of the hardness of the coating, the elasticity of the surface is completely customizable. It can be either hard enough for a child’s back or soft enough for the elderly.
Types of bases
Lattice or orthopedic bed bases have various modifications. There are different types of bed bases according to the following parameters:
- Frame type. Manufacturers make metal bases that can last for decades, plastic and wooden grilles.
- Presence of legs. The lattice can be an independent structure on legs or made in the form of separate slats that are installed in the bed structure.
What types of bed bases are there:
- Collapsible. This design is convenient to transport. It consists of the following elements: frame, lamellas (slats), lath holders and legs. The structure is easy to assemble according to the instructions. The orthopedic properties of the base are preserved.
- Solid bases. Ready to use variety. They are produced solid or in the form of an orthopedic lattice made of wood or metal.
- Lifting. These models have a lifting mechanism (manual, gas, spring) that raises the base and provides quick access to the drawers under the mattress. The design will be convenient for small bedrooms and saves space.
- Frameless (liners). They are a tape of lamellas fastened together. The mobile design does not have legs or lathe holders. Installing such a base is very simple - just insert the flexible structure into the bed frames.
- Transformable. This is a premium orthopedic lifting bed base. Thanks to a special mechanism, the transforming base can be adjusted taking into account the position of the body. The structure is lifted by manual adjustment or by remote control. So, for reading or watching TV shows, the head of the bed can be raised. The lower part of the base also rises for a comfortable position of the legs.
- With adjustable hardness. For comfortable use of the base, a design with the ability to adjust rigidity has been created. If you are faced with the question of which bed base to choose, we recommend that you pay attention to this option. Using special attachments on the lamellas, you can change the rigidity of the base, taking into account specific requirements and health conditions. For example, add rigidity structures in the lumbar region. In some models, each slats can be adjusted.
Types of lifting mechanisms
Such a device can create a full or partial lift of the base. You can raise the frame completely:
- horizontally (to create a secret niche for linen);
- vertical (transformable model, when the sleeping place is completely retracted into the closet in one movement).
The partial lifting mechanism is installed at the top and bottom of the base. It allows you to relax with maximum comfort, which is the main purpose of a functional bed. Thanks to the upper mechanism, it is convenient for a person to sit on the mattress, watch TV or read a book. The lower lift is especially useful for people who suffer from swollen feet.
Several types of lifting mechanisms are used in foundations:
- manual;
- spring;
- on gas shock absorbers;
- electric.
The most affordable and accessible is the manual mechanism. To lift the base, physical force must be used. Despite the low cost, this system is durable.
Do not use traumatic beds with a manual mechanism in children's rooms.
For the spring mechanism to work, it is also necessary to apply effort, but this is partially compensated by the coiled spring. The service life of such a device is 3 years. Afterwards it is advisable to replace the spring, as it can stretch.
Advantages of slatted bed bottom, main types and dimensions
One of the most convenient bases for a bed with a lifting mechanism is a design with gas shock absorbers. It is easy to use and absolutely safe for children. The service life of the device is 10 years.
Thanks to the transformable electric bed base, a person can completely adjust the mechanism to suit themselves. The position of the moving parts changes when you press buttons on the control panel. The only drawback of the system is a small percentage of the probability of electronic failure.
Horizontal base lift
Vertical
Manual lifting mechanism
Spring
On gas shock absorbers
Electric
Orthopedic base
Many buyers wonder why a bed base is needed if an expensive orthopedic mattress is purchased along with the furniture. Are the additional costs for purchasing an orthopedic base justified?
What is an orthopedic bed base and why is it better than other types of bed bases? An orthopedic base is a special design made of a frame and lamellas, with the help of which the orthopedic qualities of a mattress placed on this base are enhanced.
The slatted orthopedic base, due to its shock-absorbing properties, allows you to create an ideal platform for an orthopedic mattress. This is the best base for a bed because it provides the sleeper with a beneficial effect on the spine, back and neck muscles. Promotes proper rest and restoration of the body.
What is better to install under an orthopedic mattress - bed slats or a sheet of plywood
When looking for a quality bed and orthopedic mattress, we often choose these products separately. Whereas, only with the right combination of the base under the mattress and the mattress itself can you achieve increased sleep efficiency. Judge for yourself, we spend more than 7 hours a day sleeping. And over the course of a lifetime, these numbers add up to whole years.
Sleep is necessary for a person to restore strength, improve emotional background and general health. Therefore, only a responsible approach to choosing a mattress and the base for it can help improve the quality of sleep.
The base for an orthopedic mattress today is divided into two types - a base with slats and a solid plywood base. These types are competitive and equally popular among modern consumers. When making a choice - latoflex or plywood, you need to weigh all the pros and cons of each type of mattress base.
Advantages of an orthopedic base
An orthopedic bed base has a number of advantages compared to a solid base made from a plywood sheet. Over time, the plywood base is pressed under the weight of the sleeper. This does not happen with orthopedic bases due to the convex lamellas, which provide resistance to the applied load. Due to the shock-absorbing lamellas, an additional orthopedic effect is created and the mattress does not deform in areas of the highest pressure.
Orthopedic bases from a high price category are made of beech wood, which is characterized by increased elasticity and durability. Manufacturers use original technologies in the manufacture of such bases, for example, installing double lamellas to enhance elasticity and better load distribution. This provides the sleeper with quality support.
The undoubted advantage of bases with an increased number of flexible elements per unit area is an orthopedic supporting effect, unloading of the spine, comfort and convenience during sleep. The mattress and the base duplicate the relief of the body, providing maximum comfort and complete rest.
The use of double slats equipped with a slider-regulator will allow you to manually add the required level of rigidity to the sleeping area. Choosing a bed base with wide slats is recommended for overweight people. Manufacturers also offer bases with the possibility of differentiated support for several sleeping areas.
Choosing plywood for a bed under a mattress
FK plywood is usually used as a base for a mattress. It is safe for human health, as it does not emit harmful substances into the air, which is especially important for the bedroom. The choice of plywood sheet thickness depends on the type of bed:
- single - 6-8 mm;
- semi-trucks - 10 mm plywood;
- double - 12-15 mm;
- euro - 18-21 mm.
If the width of the plywood sheet is less than the length of the bed, you can make the base from two transverse slabs. In the case of “euro” format FC plywood (1525x1525 mm) will not be enough. However, FSF plywood has suitable dimensions, the larger side of which can vary in the range from 1525 to 3050 mm. When choosing the FSF brand, check that the emission class of the material is E1 - using sheets with class E2 indoors is harmful to health.
Attention! To make the mattress “breathe” on both sides, do not forget to make several ventilation holes in the plywood base.
Source
Choosing a bed base
Experts from the Mister Slip online store in Moscow tell you how to choose a base for a bed.
- If you need to arrange a temporary sleeping place, for example, in a rented apartment or country house, give preference to products with wide slats and mortise-type lath holders. These designs are distinguished by the most affordable price.
- To equip a permanent bed, pay attention to bases with narrow slats and rubber lat holders. These models represent the optimal combination of comfort, versatility and reasonable cost.
- To create the most comfortable sleeping place, bases with expanded functionality and the ability to adjust rigidity are recommended. By individually adjusting the degree of comfort for a specific zone or several zones, the body recovers faster during sleep and improves well-being.
- For those who prefer progressive solutions, manufacturers offer motorized base options. The owner of such a design will have the opportunity to ensure maximum control over a comfortable body position without effort and without even getting out of bed.
Design features of a bed with an orthopedic base
In addition to the listed advantages, this design allows the bed to be more mobile, which will significantly save space in the car when moving and make unloading and loading easier.
This option is well suited for rented apartments, motels, and hotels.
Sleeping structures with such bases can be disassembled and assembled without much effort; the following elements are separated from the frame:
- Sleeping area;
- Legs;
- Upper base with slats;
- Lower part, with drawers for linen.
The disassembled structure can be transported by car.
Such designs are equipped with a lifting mechanism and have the ability to compactly store things and bedding. The legs are detached, the slats are pulled out of the lath holders, leaving a metal frame with a mattress.
All other parts of the structure are compactly folded into a box.
The designs are available in 2 types:
1) Without stiffness adjustment;
Bed base without the ability to change the rigidity of the slats.
2) With adjustable rigidity (a very important, at the same time convenient function for double designs).
This feature is convenient for a bed on which people of different weights sleep.
Using the adjustment, you can adjust the rigidity of the orthopedic base, individually for each person lying on it. There are 7 hardness zone points:
- Head,
- Shoulders,
- Back,
- Taz,
- Hips,
- Knees,
- Feet.
A bed with the ability to adjust the rigidity of the slats along their entire length.
Towards the base of the bed, it is important to choose the right mattress. Orthopedic mattresses are made with different fillings. These are mainly springs, horsehair, coconut coir, and natural latex.
All these fillers do not cause an allergic reaction, are well ventilated and moderately elastic, which creates the maximum effect for a comfortable sleep.
Tips for choosing, summing up
What should you consider when choosing a bed frame? The choice primarily depends on the following important points:
- What kind of mattress did you buy;
- Are additional features required?
If for medical reasons you are advised to sleep on a hard surface, your option is a solid base. If you buy a budget mattress, be sure to purchase an orthopedic base. In this case, the slats will provide the necessary orthopedic effect and increase the comfort of the sleeping place.
And if you purchased a springless mattress, then choose slatted bases with wide slats. Narrow slats can be used with both a spring mattress and a springless one. This is a universal option that will ensure uniform load, protect the mattress from deformation and provide it with good ventilation.
If you are used to not only sleeping in bed, but, for example, watching TV shows, it is best for you to buy a transformable base. You will have the opportunity to raise the headboard or, conversely, raise the leg area at any time. The base with a lifting mechanism, equipped with a linen compartment, is a real find for those whose bedroom is too small and it is problematic to place wardrobes and chests of drawers in it.
By purchasing a rack base, you get a repairable structure. If one or even several lamellas fail, you can easily replace them yourself with new elements.