A bunkie board is a flat piece of furniture that fits between the bed frame and the mattress. Some people ask: “How do I choose a bunkie board for good sleep?” The bed slats come in different sizes, materials, and features. It would help if you considered all of these factors before making your purchase. This article will give you some tips about choosing the right slat for your needs.
Different Materials For Bunkie Boards
Bunkie boards gained their name from their usage as a support system for memory foam mattresses on bunk beds. You should also be aware that a bunkie board will not be suited for an adjustable bed, so if you do not consider this choice, you can choose a box spring or bunkie board. Moreover, materials contribute significantly to the quality of the bunkies. As a result, before considering other factors, we will go through the most popular options in this term first.
Plywood
Plywood is famous for its low cost. This material can provide proper support yet maintain considerable bounce, depending on the total thickness of the panels. Plywood’s maximum capacity and endurance may be inferior to those of other materials. Hence, don’t expect long-term support.
Pine
For a wood slat, pine is a solid option. It supports a big mattress and a few average-weight users well. Unfortunately, you may find pine annoying because it is susceptible to squeaking.
Steel
Steel can be your top pick if you’re seeking a high-quality product. Polished steel boards are resistant to corrosion and moisture. They can readily support the weight of a heavy sleeper for many years. You should, however, double-check the gaps between the panels. They’re usually a little wider than wood versions. As a result, they won’t fit all forms of foam mattresses.
Metal alloys
A variety of metal alloys can make a cost-effective and durable slat. It’s important to mention that the metals employed in the production chain substantially influence the end product’s durability and quality.
How Do I Choose A Bunkie Board?
You may have already determined what material is best for your requirements. Now, let’s check other factors to come up with a final decision on the best bunkie boards.
Weight capacity
A slat’s load capacity depends on two factors: construction and material. In general, metal models are sturdier than wooden versions. Metal boards are often more durable than wooden boards. You can opt for metal alloys or steel in this case. If you’re purchasing a slat to handle more weight, one-piece models are superior since they have fewer vulnerable spots.
Size
Choose a bunkie board that matches the size of your mattress, whether it’s Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, or Cal King, to ensure they align perfectly. Often, customers choose the Queen bunkie board size because this option is the most common. However, with other measures, things can be a lot different.
The size chart below will give you more details:
| Size | Dimensions (inches) |
|---|---|
| Twin | 38 x 75 |
| Twin XL | 38 x 80 |
| Double | 54 x 75 |
| Queen | 60 x 80 |
| King | 75 x 80 |
| California King | 72 x 84 |
Assembly
Some people don’t like assembling stuff. If you’re one of them, a one-piece slat is ideal for you. However, if you want a king bunkie board version, you will certainly have to set it up yourself. It’s too big to come in a single item. If you don’t have enough time to assemble, you can search for models with lock-in structures and without tons of bolts and screws.
Noise
If you want to sleep well at night, your slat should be quiet. Less squeaking leads to less stress and headaches. You can choose variants with foam cushioning or a textile cover in this situation. To reduce rubbing sounds, you may use foam tape or an old sheet. Anything to strengthen the cushion will ensure that you and your partner have a good night’s sleep.
Durability
Once you invest in something, you surely want it to last long while still functioning correctly. A bunkie board can only help the memory foam mattress last longer if it can also withstand frequent usage. The difference between a foundation and a bunkie board is determined by the sort of bed frame you select, your foam mattress, and the height of your bunk bed.
A bunkie board is used to add another layer of comfort and stability to your memory foam mattress by inserting it between your bed frame and mattress. At last, your foam mattress needs a support system. Buyers must now pay attention to the manufacturer’s warranty while looking for a long-lasting slat.
In many situations, a more extended warranty implies higher quality and, as a result, greater slat sturdiness. It’s also a good idea to check feedback from other customers. Or, you can watch this video for some reviews.
Spacing
Some Bunkie boards come in a slatted structure. Hence, you need to consider the spacing between the boards as well. If there is too much gap between the bunkie boards, the salt may not provide the necessary mattress stability. Extra spacing might cause the mattress to droop or create soft patches in different spots in some situations.
Before purchasing a slat, customers should examine their mattress suggestions. Memory foam mattresses, for example, need a 3-inch gap between the bunkie boards.
Conclusion
Investing in a decent bunkie board is the best way to strengthen support for your mattress. With this idea, you can also enhance your sleep quality. There are some factors to keep in mind when buying a slat. The more time and effort you put into your purchase, the better your experience.