Best Wood for a Bed Frame: How to Choose It

This article has useful information about different types of wood that are used to make bed frames, as well as tips on how to choose what's right for you.
By
Romeo Vitelli
Romeo Vitelli
Expert Writer
Received his doctorate in Psychology in 1987, spent fifteen years as a staff psychologist in Millbrook Correctional Centre. In 2003 went into full-time private practice. read more
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Last updated: September 04, 2023
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There are various kinds of wood that manufacturers use to make bed frames. The choice to use one type or the other is dependent on a host of factors, including but not limited to availability and the level of artistry available. When shopping for products in this category, you ought to ensure that the option you pick is the best wood for a bed frame. Important to note is that this material can be used alongside others such as metal to guarantee the durability and robustness of the structure.

When shopping online, you will come across wood and metal frames such as the ZINUS Suzanne. According to numerous reviews on the wide web, this is one of the units that you should consider if you are looking for a hardwearing frame that features sturdy construction. In this article, we assess the different types of wood available in the modern world suitable for building bed frames.

Types of wood used for making bed frames

Best Wood for a Bed Frame: How to Choose It

The type of wood a manufacturer uses to build bed frames is an aspect that you cannot overlook when buying or replacing. This material has numerous benefits to the user, and it is low maintenance. You have the freedom to select the finish you want for your bed frame. Both softwood and hardwood are compatible with an assortment of finishes that help elevate the aesthetic value of the unit. When shopping, consider the Zinus Adrian Wood Rustic Style Platform Bed. According to reviews, this unit features a stylish design and pine wood construction, among other desirable elements.

The names indicate that the wood is hard and soft, but this is not the case. Both materials are sturdy; the difference is that the hardwood variety comes from flowering trees while softwood is from the conifers family. Below we discuss the two kinds of wood that you will encounter when purchasing or building bed frames.

Hardwood

Best Wood for a Bed Frame: How to Choose It

Hardwood is a common material that professionals from different sectors use to make the various products they bring to consumers. It is an ideal choice for residential and commercial settings, thanks to the many sought-after qualities of this type of wood. In the list of the top ten best bed frames, you are likely to find a decent percentage of hardwood options. Over the years, manufacturers have adopted different ways to use hardwood, including combining it with metal. The main reason why both producers and consumers prefer this type of wood is durability. The dense cellular structure of the trees makes the timer robust, guaranteeing a prolonged lifespan, among other things. This timber category has a high resistance to fire, making it a safe option to have in the home. If you are looking for a high-quality bed frame, it is best to go with a hardwood unit for the reasons we discuss above and many others. Here are some of the common varieties of hardwood you will encounter when you go out to buy a bed frame.

  • Birch
  • Eucalyptus
  • Cherry
  • Ebony
  • Mahogany
  • Maple, among others

These are not the only alternatives to hardwood. This variety of wood has over ten trees that produce it availing many choices for you to select from.

The colors vary from one variation of hardwood to the next.

Some are dark, nearing black, while the others are lighter with a reddish hue that improves the beauty of the final product. Evaluate the needs of your home and go for a variety that fits seamlessly with the existing setup.

Softwood

Best Wood for a Bed Frame: How to Choose It

Softwood has not been a popular choice for bed frames in the contemporary world. This, however, does not mean that manufacturers do not use this variety of wood in making products that fall in this selection. Zinus bed frames are among those that feature softwood construction. This company is a renowned manufacturer in the industry with an assortment of products that may interest you. Just like hardwood, softwood is sourced from different trees. It has a lower density when compared to the hardwood alternatives available. Softwood is a multifunctional option that allows for stunning finishes improving the overall appearance of the frame. The number of trees that produce softwood is relatively lower than the hardwood species—some of the common softwood alternatives that you will find suitable for your bed frame include.

  • Cedar
  • Pine
  • Hemlock
  • Douglas Fir

Softwood allows for numerous applications as it is easier to work with than the hardwood alternatives. This is one of the factors propelling the popularity of this type of wood in different industries. This variety of wood is a sustainable option since the trees do not take a long time to reach maturity. Another aspect that pushes softwood alternatives in the market is the price. Units that feature any variety of this type of wood are relatively cheaper than the hardwood alternatives. Softwood is less dense, which reduces the lifespan of the frame you buy and the robustness. Poor fire resistance is another feature that most people worry about when purchasing softwood furniture.

Go for treated alternatives to minimize the risk of your bed frame or any other furniture going up in flames when exposed to fire.

Final thoughts

Hardwood and softwood are the two types of wood that wood frame producers use to make the units they avail in the market. Many aspects set these two varieties apart. Weigh the pros and cons of each alternative and pick one that will serve your needs and complement the existing decor in your bedroom. The composition of your family, cost, and size are among the other factors that you need to consider. Some of the units in the market rank among the appropriate bed frames for heavy people, while others are ideal for lightweight individuals.

Read more about the best wood for a bed frame before you place your order. Familiarizing yourself with the advantages and disadvantages Trusted Source Is it OK to buy wooden furniture? | Ethical and green living | The Guardian Unless stamped by the Forestry Stewardship Council, or from eco sites, wooden goods can have ugly roots, says Lucy Siegle. www.theguardian.com of each will make your shopping experience painless. When buying from virtual stores, buy products from reputable manufacturers to avoid purchasing a unit that won’t satisfy your needs.

References

1.
Is it OK to buy wooden furniture? | Ethical and green living | The Guardian
Unless stamped by the Forestry Stewardship Council, or from eco sites, wooden goods can have ugly roots, says Lucy Siegle.
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