Box Spring Replacement: When To Do It, What To Replace With

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Top Pick	GhostBed Metal Foundation	Sturdy Construction Holds Up To 3,000lb 12 Inches Of Storage Space Underneath Replaces Your Box Spring, Does Not Need Separate Frame Free, Fast Shipping Lifetime Warranty	Get Best Deal

Box Spring Replacement: having a solid support is so important for your sleep. If you’ve got an old, tired box spring, it will be affecting the performance of your mattress, no matter how new or how fancy it is. There’s no way around it: saggy box spring = saggy mattress!

Luckily there are a ton box spring replacement options including lots of box spring alternatives. That’s right, you don’t NEED to use a box spring!

Do You Need To Replace A Box Spring?

Yes, you do. It doesn’t just last forever, and you can’t expect it to. You can either replace box springs with another box spring, or another type of mattress support.

A traditional box spring unit has coiled springs inside it. After years of use, these coils break down, and can no longer give you and your mattress the support you deserve. A strong foundation is absolutely critical for your sleep so as soon as your box spring is showing signs of giving up, you should replace it.

Not sure if your box spring is worn out? Read four ways to tell here.

Can I Buy Just A Box Spring?

Yes, you can. If you’re happy with your mattress and you like to have it on a box spring, simply replacing the box spring only is a great idea.

However, box springs might be looking a little different than when you last bought one. Since the coils inside of box springs are notorious for breaking down and ruining people’s sleep, modern box springs don’t actually contain any springs! Instead, they are usually made of a wooden framework which is then covered in cloth, as shown above.

This gives the look of a traditional box spring, but with a much stronger core inside it.

If you’re looking to buy a high quality new box spring, US Box Spring make some really sturdy ones. They’ve been in the business since the 1970’s, and their kiln dried American wooden box spring frames are covered with an organic cotton cover for a product that’s also natural. Prices start from $200.

It’s important to note that some mattress types are not suited to box springs, for example latex mattresses. Latex mattresses are heavier than other types, and need a more solid foundation. Eco Terra, a popular latex mattress brand, explain exactly what alternatives are best for heavier mattresses like latex, and I’ve also got them detailed for you below.

Best Box Spring Alternatives

If your box spring wears out, you don’t need to get another one. You’ve got lots of other options to choose from for your mattress support. This is great news if you want a fresh look in your bedroom, or want space under your bed to store things.

The 3 most common box spring alternatives are:

Metal Platform

A metal bed frame can lend a modern look to a bedroom, as well as being relatively lightweight and sturdy. You can pick up a metal frame for a really budget friendly price, so if you’re wanting something that isn’t going to break the bank, a metal frame could be a great solution for you.

If you’re looking for a box spring replacement for a Queen size bed or up, I recommend you make sure you choose a metal bed frame that has a strong reinforcing beam running down the middle of the platform to ensure maximum support.

My top pick of the budget metal frames out there is the Zinus Joseph Bed Frame ( it’s not as popular as their Shawn Smartbase but I think it’s sturdier).

Click here to read more about Zinus frames

Wooden Slat/Frame

A wooden bed frame with slats is what I use for my own bed. I think wood gives a nice aesthetic in a bedroom: the natural materials feel nice in the space.

A wooden bed frame will usually have wooden slats as their support. Note that many mattress manufactures state that if you’re using slats, make sure they are no more than 3 inches apart. This is important to ensure your mattress is supported adequately. Luckily, most bed frames are made to these specifications. Mine is exactly 3 inches and it supports my all foam mattress perfectly.

My all-time favorite wooden bed frame is the reclaimed wooden bed frame that Avocado Green make. An eco friendly, rustic wonder, it’s almost like a work of art. It’s a luxurious box spring replacement, but it will totally change the feel of your bedroom and your bed.

Read more about the Avocado Wooden Bed Frame here

Adjustable Base

Adjustable beds are gaining popularity, and more and more mattress manufacturers are making them, or offering bundles with their mattresses.

You might have thought of these bases being the domain of “hospital beds”, but they’re actually amazingly comfortable for anyone to use. Want to sit up and read for a bit before you drift off to sleep? No problem. Been on your feet all day and want to raise them up for a while? Do it at a click of a button.

I see a lot of questions about whether certain mattresses are suitable for adjustable beds. The answer for any mattress in a box is: it will work on an adjustable bed. If you’re a couple and you’re looking at getting an adjustable bed where you may be raising or lowering just one side at a time, you can get a split king size base with split king mattresses.

Never Do This:

Never put your mattress directly on the floor, always go for box springs or some other support to get your mattress off the floor.

Sure the floor is a solid surface that will adequately support your mattress, but I strongly recommend against putting your mattress on the floor. Why? There are several reasons:

• You’ll invite more dust and allergens into your bed
• You increase the likelihood of your mattress getting dirty
• Air will not circulate underneath the mattress while you sleep, which could cause mildew
• You may find it difficult to get in and out of your bed with it so low to the ground.

Best Box Spring Replacement Is GhostBed

As you saw in the table right at the top of this article, this standalone frame from GhostBed is not only durable and functional with storage space, it’s also easy on your pocket, with prices from under $300.

It has great features you just won’t find on other box springs at this price point, such as headboard brackets, quick snap assembly, and a lifetime warranty. Pretty hard to beat!