A lot of people spend weeks picking a mattress and about two minutes picking the frame it sits on. But the frame is what holds everything up. A wobbly or poorly supported frame can make a brand new mattress feel worse than it should. Here's what we tell customers who ask us how to choose one.
Start with what goes on top of the frame
Before you pick a frame, figure out what's going on it. Some frames are made to hold a box spring or foundation with the mattress on top. Others, like platform beds, have their own built-in support and the mattress goes right on them. An adjustable base can sit inside a frame and take the place of the box spring.
We cover that question in detail in Do I need a box spring?, so we won't repeat it here. The quick version: know whether your setup needs a box spring or foundation before you buy the frame, so the pieces work together.
Get the size right
The frame has to match your mattress size: twin, full, queen, or king. A queen mattress on a full frame will hang over the edges, and a full mattress on a queen frame will slide around. If you're moving up a size, the frame usually has to change too. Not sure which size fits your room? Our mattress size guide compares them.
The frame also takes up more room than the mattress alone. A headboard, footboard, or wide rails can add several inches each way, so measure the frame itself, not just the mattress.
The common types of bed frames
| Frame type | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Standard frame | A simple rail frame on legs that holds a box spring or foundation, with the mattress on top | Plain and practical. Many can attach to a headboard. |
| Platform bed | A frame with a solid deck or slats built in, so the mattress sits right on it | Usually no box spring needed. Check how far apart the slats are. |
| Headboard and footboard bed | A full bed set with side rails connecting the headboard and footboard | Looks finished. Takes up more floor space. |
| Storage bed | A frame with drawers or space built in underneath | Handy in small rooms. Leave room to open the drawers. |
What we have on the floor changes as things sell, so call or text before you come in if you're looking for a specific style.
Support: the part people skip
Center support for queen and king
A queen or king is wide enough that the middle needs help. Look for a center rail with at least one leg that reaches the floor. Without it, the box spring or mattress can dip in the middle over time, and you'll feel it before you see it.
Slat spacing
If the frame uses slats, check how far apart they are. Slats spread too wide can let a foam or hybrid mattress sag between them. Many mattress warranties spell out the support they expect, so it's worth a look.
Sturdy joints
Give the frame a push when it's put together. It shouldn't rock, creak, or shift. Bolts can loosen over time, so tightening them once in a while helps a frame stay quiet.
Think about height
Bed height is the frame, plus the box spring or foundation if you use one, plus the mattress. Newer mattresses tend to be thicker, so a tall frame can leave you with a bed that's hard to climb into. A comfortable height for most adults lets you sit on the edge with your feet flat on the floor and your knees about level with your hips.
That matters even more for kids, shorter adults, older family members, and anyone with back or knee trouble. If the bed is coming out too tall, a lower frame or a low-profile box spring can bring it down. If you need room underneath for storage, a taller frame helps.
Measure before you shop
- Measure the room. Note where the windows, outlets, closet doors, and vents are, and leave space to walk around the bed.
- Measure the way in. Check doorways, hallways, and stairs, especially for a headboard or a one-piece platform bed.
- Measure your current setup. If you're keeping your headboard or adding an adjustable base, bring the measurements or a photo so we can check the fit.
- Check the height of what's going on top. Mattress plus box spring plus frame is the number that counts.
Signs your old frame needs replacing
- Squeaking or creaking every time you move
- Wobbling, or a frame that shifts across the floor
- Bent or cracked rails, or broken slats
- A missing or bent center leg on a queen or king
- A mattress that sags in the middle even though it's fairly new
Putting a new mattress on a frame with these problems is one of the most common mistakes we see. If you're replacing an old mattress, check the frame too. Our post on how long a mattress lasts covers the mattress side.
What about an adjustable base?
An adjustable base raises the head, or the head and foot, and it can work in your existing bed frame. The mattress goes right on top of the base, so you don't need a box spring with it. If you're thinking about one, read Is an adjustable base worth it? and come try one in the showroom.
Getting the whole bed in one stop
We carry bed frames, box springs, adjustable bases, and brand new mattress sets, so you can put the whole bed together in one trip. Frame prices change with what's in stock, so call or text for current prices. Our mattress sets start at:
- Full set: $140
- Queen set: $150
- King set: $275
See all sizes on our mattresses page. Furnishing more than the bedroom? Our furniture is in the same showroom, with sofas from $400 and sectionals from $500.
Take it home yourself with curbside pickup, or let us bring it to you. We offer in-home delivery and full setup, so we can put the frame together and get the bed ready to sleep on. Delivery is usually same day, next day, or within the same week. We can also haul away your old mattress, so ask about it when you schedule. See the delivery page for details.
Questions people ask us
Do I really need a bed frame?
A frame lifts your mattress off the floor so it is easier to get in and out of bed, keeps air moving underneath, and helps keep dust and moisture off the mattress. Some setups, like a platform bed or an adjustable base, do the job of the frame and the box spring together.
Does a queen or king bed frame need center support?
Yes, it should. Queen and king frames should have a center rail with at least one leg that reaches the floor. Without it, the middle of the box spring or mattress can sag over time.
Do I need a box spring with my bed frame?
It depends on the frame and the mattress. A standard metal frame is made to hold a box spring or foundation, while a platform bed has its own support. Our box spring guide walks through each setup.
Can an adjustable base go in my existing bed frame?
Usually, yes. An adjustable base can work in your existing bed frame and takes the place of the box spring. Bring your frame measurements or a photo and we will help you check the fit.
How much is a bed frame at your Elk Grove store?
Bed frame prices change with what is in stock, so call or text (916) 585-3613 for current prices or stop by 9055 Locust St Suite C10. Our brand new mattress sets start at $140 for a full, $150 for a queen, and $275 for a king.
Can you deliver and set up the bed frame?
Yes. You can pick up curbside at the store, get in-home delivery, or have us do full in-home setup. Delivery is usually same day, next day, or within the same week.
Come see us
Not sure which frame fits your mattress or your room? Bring your measurements or a photo and we'll help you sort it out. We're family owned and operated, we've served over 10,000 customers, and we speak Spanish. Please call (916) 585-3613 or Text Brian before you come in, since I'm often out on deliveries. Then stop by 9055 Locust St Suite C10, Elk Grove, CA 95624 (see directions and contact info). We're open Monday to Friday 10 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday 1 PM to 5 PM.
Keep reading: Do I need a box spring? · Twin, full, queen, or king? · Mattresses
