Best Mattress Foundation (2024): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

No mattress is complete without a mattress foundation. A good foundation raises the bed and distributes your weight to support both you and the mattress. Your mattress could sag without the right support.

There are many types of foundations, including bed frames, platform beds, adjustable beds, and bunkie boards. Box springs were once a popular choice until memory foam mattresses came along. Many consumers found box springs didn’t support memory foam as well as other foundation types. Box springs are still common today but only recommended for innerspring beds.

Some mattress types can function just as well when placed directly on the floor. But you may prefer to keep your bed away from dust mites, bacteria, and other allergens. These pests may aggravate your allergies and disrupt sleep.

For the best mattress foundation, look for solid support with a flat or slatted surface. Some brands have a foldable frame for easy transportation. Others have simple, interlocking parts.

SEE ALSO: Best Bed in a Box

Best Mattress Foundations

1. Amerisleep Upholstered Bed Frame

The Amerisleep Upholstered Platform Bed is the best mattress foundation because it provides the right support for your mattress. We love the modern look of light grey upholstery combined with sturdy wood slats and legs. The foundation stands at 13 inches and provides about 5.5 inches of under-bed storage.

This upholstered platform bed accommodates any matching standard size mattress. It’s also easy to put together, with no tools or extra hardware extra hardware.

The side rails, center support, and oversized slats are all made of solid hardwood. The evenly-spaced slats and side rails hold the mattress in place and prevent it from sliding off the foundation. The upholstered covering gives this frame a classic look, as does the included headboard.

This foundation works with any mattress type but works best with memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses. The Amerisleep Upholstered Bed Frame comes with a 1-year warranty. Shoppers can save further by bundling it with one of Amerisleep’s high-quality mattresses.

SEE ALSO: Amerisleep Mattress Review

2. Amerisleep Mattress Foundation

The Amerisleep Upholstered Bed Frame is the company’s top-of-the-line option, but some sleepers want something more minimal and affordable. If simple is what you seek, we recommend the Amerisleep Mattress Foundation.

This foundation stands 13 inches tall, keeping your mattress away from dust and such that settle on the floor and leaving space for underbed storage. The frame is designed to hold up to 750 pounds, with a reinforced center beam that helps the slats bear the weight without sagging.

The Amerisleep foundation is built to support any type of mattress, from the classic spring bed to modern foam mattresses. It’s quick and easy to assemble, with minimal hassle and no tools needed.

Like the upholstered bed frame, the Amerisleep mattress foundation ships free and comes with a 1-year warranty.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Adjustable Beds

3. Zoma Foundation

The Zoma Foundation has a sleek grey design with optional wooden legs for extra height. You’ll love the easy assembly and sturdy structure for a quick setup.

The Zoma Foundation can stand alone or fit inside a bed frame. The foundation is a nice feature if you want to stick with your own color scheme.

The strong pinewood structure gives you a stable area to place your mattress. We like that the bed stays in place thanks to the non-slip material covering the wood slats. Solid wood slats are spaced apart to improve airflow and provide optimal support.

The Zoma Foundation can handle up to 800 pounds. An excellent choice for plus-size couples looking for a long-lasting base. The foundation keeps the mattress evenly supported without the risk of premature sagging.

The Zoma Foundation replaces the need for a box spring for long-lasting support reflected in its 1-year warranty.

SEE ALSO: Zoma Mattress Review

4. Vaya Platform Bed

The Vaya Platform Bed has a simple, light grey design with wooden slats, ensuring it won’t look out of place in any bedroom. The bed frame can be assembled in minutes with no tools, thanks to the way the platform bed’s part slide into place.

The platform’s bed surface owes its support to its thick, wide, hardwood slats. While many foundations contain numerous slats, the Vaya Platform Bed relies on only a handful to create a more consistently supportive surface. If you want to extend the likely lifespan of a foam, innerspring, or hybrid mattress, the Vaya Platform Bed is a good choice.

The platform bed is meant to replace a traditional bed frame, so you can’t use it with a beloved panel bed. However, this also means that Vaya designed the frame to look good on its and provide all the support that a mattress needs.

The Vaya Platform Bed ships free and is backed by a 1-year warranty.

SEE ALSO: Vaya Mattress Review

5. Purple Foundation

The Purple Foundation has one of the tallest profiles on our list—about 17 inches high. Tall customers will enjoy the extra height. A taller mattress makes it easier to climb in and out of bed.

We like that the foundation comes in two different colors. Customers can choose between stone grey and charcoal grey.

The Purple Foundation is made of steel and covered in polyester upholstery. The foundation is easy to assemble and doesn’t need tools or other hardware. Customers simply unfold the foundation, insert the metal panels, then top it with thick, plastic slats. Complete by covering it with a polyester upholstery fabric. Assembly is done in minutes.

The joints are reinforced with nylon to reduce squeaking. We loved this feature because no one wants to wake up from a noisy foundation. The Purple Foundation can either stand on its own or fit inside a frame. It comes with nine wooden legs to give you five inches more height.

Tried and tested, the Purple Foundation can withstand wear and tear. This bed base is built to last and comes with a 5- year warranty.

SEE ALSO: Best Purple Mattress Alternatives

6. Nest Bedding HomeBase

Customers will love the Nest Bedding HomeBase foundation with its built-in USB ports. This mattress foundation offers convenience for the tech-savvy. You can charge up to two devices on each side of the foundation.

Customers can choose between a low profile or a high profile. The low profile is 10.5 inches tall and may be better for children. The profile is 13 inches high. Taller individuals may appreciate a higher mattress because climbing into bed is easier.

We like that both heights are available for the same price—$419 for a queen size.

Customers will appreciate the easy setup. Each side panel interlocks at the corner, holding the frame in place. Insert the center support locks in place, then roll out the evenly-spaced wooden slats on top. The slats are covered with a no-slip material that prevents the mattress from sliding off at night.

The Nest Bedding HomeBase is also available in three different colors: sand, grey, and black. You may like the wider color variety of this model compared to other brands. The foundation also comes with a lifetime warranty—a rare perk since most foundation warranties usually last five years.

7. PlushBeds Orthopedic Foundation

Potential shoppers looking for a low-profile option may like the PlushBeds Orthopedic foundation. It stands at 8 inches and doesn’t come with leg supports, unlike the previously mentioned foundation options.

The PlushBeds Orthopedic foundation features a Euro-slatted design. Flexible slats react to shifting weight. The foundation gives individual comfort and support, an excellent option if you’re looking for a versatile foundation. These wooden slats are uncovered and held in place with Velcro straps on each end.

The frame is made of solid spruce wood, heat-treated for greatest support. Heat treatment prevents the wood from absorbing moisture. Water can cause irreversible damage to the foundation.

The frame is covered with organic cotton fabric for better breathability. It also holds the mattress in place.

The PlushBeds Orthopedic foundation can support up to 1,200 pounds, the perfect option for plus-size couples. The foundation fits any kind of mattress but works best with latex and memory foam mattresses. This foundation comes with a 1-year warranty.

What is a Mattress Foundation?

A mattress foundation is a wood or metal frame with wood or metal slats set across the bottom. Mattress foundations are designed to raise the height of the bed and support both the mattress and body weight. Many models come with headboard and footboard attachments. They can also be placed directly on the floor.

The Difference Between a Mattress Foundation and a Box Spring

A box spring is a type of foundation with a wooden frame filled with metal springs and covered in fabric. Innerspring coils are built to absorb impact and support the mattress. However, box springs are not compatible with memory foam or latex mattresses because they don’t offer enough support. Plus, steel coils may poke through the foundation and damage the mattress materials.

Box springs also accumulate more dust mites and bacteria than other types of foundations. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, a box spring can quickly become a breathing nightmare.

Other mattress foundations, on the other hand, don’t use steel coils. Instead, they rely on metal or wooden slats inside a frame for support. Slats, when spaced 3 inches apart, are better able to withstand continuous wear and tear. You won’t have to worry about premature sagging or mattress damage with other foundations, like a platform bed.

Mattress foundations are built to support the mattress and raise the bed. They come in standard mattress sizes to accommodate most beds.

Benefits of a Mattress Foundation

More mattress brands are turning away from box spring foundations and focusing on other mattress foundations. Why? Unlike traditional box springs, other types of foundations provide strong support for all mattress types, including:

• Memory foam mattresses
• Latex mattresses
• Hybrid mattresses
• Innerspring mattresses

Box springs used to be a popular mattress foundation before memory foam mattresses. A box foundation has either a wood or metal frame. They’re breathable, supportive, and raise the bed off the floor.

However, box springs don’t last as long as other mattress foundations. Other bases, like platform beds, last longer, don’t collect as much dust and may improve support to your mattress from slats instead of springs.

Types of Foundations

Depending on what type of mattress you have, specific foundations may work better than others. For example, some platform beds are best with latex and memory foam mattresses. Their slatted or flat surface provides excellent mattress support and prevents premature sagging.

Bed Frames

A bed frame is a rectangular structure designed to support a mattress. Bed frames are made of either wood or metal and contain a headboard, footboard, and side rails. They may also have a single bar across the middle for extra support. Bed frames are low-maintenance and generally inexpensive. Some models are adjustable to fit different mattress sizes.

Some bed frames may include built-in wood or metal slats, but if they don’t, you may need a mattress foundation, depending on the type of mattress.

Platform Beds

Like bed frames, platform bed frames are also made of wood or metal. They include solid or slatted foundations. Wood slats spaced 3 inches apart provide even support. Some platform beds have more height for under-bed storage, while others may include built-in drawers.

A platform base is best for memory foam and latex mattresses. Their even support makes them a popular option for customers.

Adjustable Beds

Adjustable bed frames are a luxury option for those willing to pay more. Adjustable beds electronically elevate the head and legs and may reduce the symptoms of certain illnesses, like sleep apnea, snoring, and acid reflux. Customers can also set their body in a neutral position to minimize pressure buildup. Some adjustable bases include special features such as under-bed lighting and USB charging ports.

Because they’re more expensive, some customers may choose a different foundation. Others feel an adjustable bed is worth the cost.

Bunkie Boards

Bunkie boards are a thick piece of plywood covered in fabric to prevent the mattress from sliding. Bunkie boards got their name from their initial use as support for bunk beds. Bunkie boards can be placed on top of slats or box springs for better support. They can also be placed directly on the floor.

High vs. Low Bed Profiles

Both high and low profile bases provide excellent mattress support. The best foundation should fit your mattress needs, no matter the height of the bed.

High-profile beds make it easier to climb in and out of bed. Customers may also find it more effortless changing the sheets; something back pain sufferers should keep in mind. A significant bonus to a high-profile base is under-bed storage. Those with small living spaces may appreciate more room to store valuables.

Also, a high-profile bed is easier to vacuum. You won’t have to worry as much about dust mites and other allergens accumulating inside your mattress.

Low-profile beds may appeal more to minimalists. The simplistic look has a timeless appeal, making a bedroom more spacious and the bed less bulky. Low-profile bases are also great options for children of parents who worry about possible injuries from falling off the mattress.

Consider Warranties

A warranty protects customers from paying for damages. Many companies will repair, replace, or mail replaceable parts directly to you, like new legs. Warranties for mattress foundations last one year to five years. Since most mattress foundations are built to work with any type of mattress, the majority are non-returnable.

FAQs

Is a foundation the same as a box spring?

A box spring is a type of foundation, and not all foundations are the same. Box springs are quite popular because they go hand in hand with innerspring mattresses. But other foundation types work better with memory foam, latex foam, and hybrids.

Box springs have a wood and metal construction. Other foundations use wood or metal slats for support. While other foundations work well with any mattress type, box springs are best paired with innerspring beds. Other mattress types used with box springs may lead to damage and premature sagging.

Do mattresses need a foundation?

Always check with the manufacturer to see if your mattress needs a specific foundation. Many mattress types, including memory foam, latex, and hybrids, should be used with slatted beds. A foundation can also provide storage space if you live in a small apartment. We do not recommend placing your mattress directly on the floor since that can affect heat build-up.

Can I still use a box spring?

Not many mattress brands need a traditional box spring. Modern beds last longer with a flat, solid or slatted surface. Box springs are not as durable and they are not compatible with latex, memory foam, or hybrid mattresses.

Can you put a mattress on slats?

A slatted foundation provides better support than a box spring (for beds other than innersprings). Beds with denser materials, like memory foam, latex, and hybrids, work better with a slatted surface than a box spring. Better support reduces the risk of damage.

A Better Foundation For Better Support

Buying a new mattress may require a new foundation. Different mattress types may need a specific type of foundation for better support. While box springs used to be the best, other foundations, like platform beds, are longer lasting. Plus, many mattress foundations are designed to fit inside a bed frame or stand-alone.

The best foundation will support your bed based on the mattress type you have. For instance, a platform bed is best for a memory foam or latex mattress. Evenly-spaced slats can better support the denser material without sagging. A foundation can raise your bed away from the floor for storage space. They also allow better airflow through the bottom of the mattress so you sleep cooler.