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Are you unsure of which mattress foundation to use? To help you decide, I spent many hours researching the differences between bunkie boards and box springs as well as their individual pros and cons. Read the article below to find out which one is best for your mattress and bed frame.
Box springs vs bunkie boards: Which is best?
While both of these provide support for underneath a mattress, they are not the same thing. Below, I give you everything you need to know about box springs and bunkie boards.
Box springs
A box spring is a mattress support that consists of either a wooden or metal frame. Older, more traditional models contained metal coils, but modern box springs typically feature a metal grid. Box springs were created to help absorb impact and reduce wear and tear on a mattress.
In the 20th century, box springs were one of the most popular mattress support systems. However, the recent rise of memory foam and latex mattresses has caused a huge decline in its usage. Nowadays, box springs are used with innerspring mattresses almost exclusively. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t box springs for memory foam mattresses, just that they’re rare.
Box springs are great if you want to make your bed taller. Although they usually cost more than bunkie boards. Unlike a platform bed base, a box spring does not offer underbed clearance to store your things.
Pros
- Provides additional support for a mattress
- Good for increasing bed height
- Protects the mattress by absorbing impact
- Improves airflow and keeps the mattress cool
Cons
- Not suitable for memory foam or latex mattresses
- More expensive than bunkie boards
- Loses support over time
- Little to no underbed storage
Bunkie boards
A bunkie board, on the other hand, is a flat piece of material, typically plywood, that goes between a mattress and a bed frame. Bunkie boards are thinner than box springs and they were originally intended as a box spring alternative for bunk beds. Today, bunkie boards are not just used for bunk bed mattresses but also for standard mattress sizes.
Instead of being made of one solid piece of wood, modern bunkie boards are usually made of wood stripes. Different bunkie board models vary in length, width, and thickness. Most modern bed frames can be paired with a bunkie board for extra support.
Since traditional spring mattresses have started slowly disappearing, more and more people are looking for a mattress foundation to support their new mattress, which is most likely made of foam. A bunkie board is an affordable and effective option that’s suitable with a foam mattress.
Pros
- Low profile
- Ideal for a bunk bed mattress
- Suitable for foam and latex mattress types
- Very affordable
Cons
- Not for individuals who want a taller bed
- Not the best for absorbing impact
- Not as durable as box springs
- Might be too thin for some people
Can a bunkie board be placed on top of a box spring?
The short answer is yes. You can put a bunkie board on top of a box spring and there several reasons you might want to do so. One common reason is that you want to further increase the height of your bed, so you add a bunkie board on top of your box spring.
But before you try this, there are two very important things that you have to determine. Firstly, double-check your mattress’s warranty because some manufacturers may prohibit the use of a box spring for certain mattress types. Next, make sure that your box spring can handle the weight of both a bunkie board and your mattress.
That being said, placing a bunkie board on top of a box spring will not necessarily provide better support for your mattress. This is because the topmost support system is the one acting as the mattress foundation, and in this case it’s the bunkie board. Moreover, buying both a bunkie board and a box spring can become a bit expensive.
If you want the extra bed height, feel free to use both a box spring and a bunkie board. However, if you just want more support for a low-profile bed, adding a bunkie board should be enough to support your mattress. Lastly, I should mention that those who have platform beds have no need for either a box spring or a bunkie board.
FAQs
Yes, a bunkie board is good low-profile alternative to a box spring.
Box springs and bunkie boards have different structures and benefits. Bunkie boards are better for foam and latex mattresses.
Yes, a bunkie board provides additional support for your mattress without significantly increasing the height of your bed.
If your bed slats are too far apart, you can add a bunkie board on top for extra support.
Since they are designed to support a mattress, bunkie boards are sturdier and more durable than a piece of plywood.
This depends on your preferences regarding your bed. If you want a low-profile bed, you can use a bunkie board instead of a foundation.
The board under a mattress is called a bunkie board.
Yes, people still use both traditional and modern box springs for innerspring mattresses.
Conclusion
All things considered, there is no one best mattress foundation for everybody. Whether bunkie board or box spring, it really depends on the type of mattress and bed frame you have, and of course your individual preferences. To end the article, I will leave you with some pointers to help you get the best support possible for both your mattress and your body.
Use a bunkie board if you want an affordable option that provides sturdy support. Bunkie boards are great for bunk beds and are compatible with most mattress types, including memory foam and latex mattresses. They are usually less than 3 inches thick which is suitable for those who prefer a low-profile bed.
Use a box spring if you want a reliable and supportive foundation that also adds height to your mattress. Box springs work best with innerspring mattresses and they are great at absorbing impact and motion. Additionally, they also promote extra airflow to help keep both your mattress and body cool all night.
Next step: Read our guide to the best low-profile box springs. If you’re committed to buying a box spring but don’t want to make your bed too tall, a low-profile option is the way to go. In this guide, we list the top 5 brands and also give you tips on how to best support your mattress.
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