"Do I need a box spring?" The honest answer: sometimes. It depends on the kind of mattress you have and what it's going to sit on. Here's how to figure it out before you spend money on something you don't need, or skip something you do.
The short answer
- Traditional innerspring mattress on a standard metal frame: you'll usually want a box spring.
- Foam or hybrid mattress: it usually needs a solid or closely slatted foundation, not necessarily a springy box spring.
- Platform bed or adjustable base: these take the place of a box spring.
Whatever you pick, check your mattress warranty. Most warranties spell out what kind of support the mattress needs underneath it, and using the wrong base can cause sagging that the warranty won't cover.
What goes under a mattress: the five options
Box spring
A traditional box spring is a wood frame with springs or a metal grid inside, covered in fabric. It lifts the mattress up off the frame, adds a little give, and helps absorb wear. Innerspring mattresses have long been designed to sit on one, which is why the two are so often sold together.
Foundation
A foundation looks a lot like a box spring from the outside, but it's built to be firm and flat, usually with wood or metal slats under the cover. That even, solid support is what most foam and hybrid mattresses want. Plenty of people (and stores) call a foundation a box spring, so when you're shopping, ask what's inside.
Platform bed
A platform bed has its own built-in support, either a solid deck or slats, so the mattress sits right on it. With a platform bed you usually don't need a box spring or foundation at all.
Slatted frame
Some bed frames come with slats across them. Whether those are enough on their own comes down to how far apart the slats are. Slats that are spread wide can let a foam or hybrid mattress sag between them. If the gaps look big, check the spacing your mattress warranty calls for, or add a foundation on top.
Adjustable base
An adjustable base replaces the box spring. The mattress goes right on top of the base, and the base raises the head, or the head and foot. At our store, adjustable bases run from $400 to $1,400: the basic models raise the head, the mid-level ones raise the head and foot, and the top models add massage and lights. An adjustable base will also work in your existing bed frame. If you're on the fence, read Is an adjustable base worth it?
What about tall beds? Low-profile box springs
New mattresses can be thicker than older ones. Stack a thick mattress on a standard box spring and a tall frame, and the bed can end up higher than you'd like, especially for shorter folks, kids, or anyone who has trouble getting in and out of bed. A low-profile box spring gives the same kind of support with less height. If your bed is already sitting high, ask us about it when you come in.
Signs your old box spring is worn out
Putting a brand new mattress on a tired box spring is a common mistake. A worn base can make a new mattress feel lumpy or uneven. Take the mattress off and look for:
- Sagging or dips you can see or feel
- Squeaking or creaking when you move
- Broken, cracked, or loose wood slats
- Springs or wires you can feel through the fabric
- A new mattress that feels uneven, even though it's flat on the floor
If you see any of those, it's time to replace it along with the mattress.
Getting the right size
Your box spring or foundation has to match your mattress size: twin, full, queen, or king. If you're not sure which size makes sense for your room, our mattress size guide walks through each one.
What we carry in Elk Grove
We carry bed frames and box springs in every size, so you can put together the whole bed in one stop. Prices change with what's in stock, so call or stop in for current prices. Our mattress sets start at $100 for a twin, $140 for a full, $150 for a queen, and $275 for a king. Furnishing the living room too? Our furniture store in Elk Grove is in the same showroom, with sofas from $400 and sectionals from $500.
Right now we also have a limited-time promotion: $20 down, pay it off in 90 days, no credit needed, and take it home today. If you'd rather not haul it yourself, we deliver. See our delivery page and call for timing and any delivery fee for your area.
Questions people ask us
Do I need a box spring?
It depends. A traditional innerspring on a standard metal frame usually goes with a box spring. Many foam and hybrid mattresses just need a solid or closely slatted foundation. A platform bed or adjustable base replaces it. Check your mattress warranty for its support requirements.
What's the difference between a box spring and a foundation?
A box spring has springs or a metal grid inside for a little give. A foundation is firmer and flatter, made to give even support to foam and hybrid mattresses.
Can I put a mattress on an adjustable base without a box spring?
Yes. The adjustable base takes the place of the box spring. Ours run from $400 to $1,400.
How do I know if my box spring is worn out?
Look for sagging, squeaks, broken slats, springs you can feel, or a new mattress that feels uneven on it.
Do you sell box springs and bed frames?
Yes, in every size. Call or stop in for current prices.
Come see us
Not sure what your setup needs? Tell us what mattress and frame you have and we'll help you sort it out. We're at 9055 Locust St Suite C10 in Elk Grove, open Monday to Friday 10 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday 1 PM to 5 PM. Call (916) 585-3613 with any questions, or just stop by.
