Platform Bed vs. Box Spring 

Nowadays, it seems like there are just about as many bed bases on the market as there are actual mattresses. In addition to the older (now mostly obsolete) box springs, you also have newer mattress foundations and platform beds.

As heavier foam mattresses became more and more popular during the latter half of the 20th century, firmer supports like platforms and foundations have also gained popularity because their increased rigidity allows them to hold the weight of high-density foams. Let’s take a look at one of these bases—the platform bed—and see how it stacks up against box springs.

Platform Bed

A platform bed is a standalone bed base that provides firm, rigid support to your mattress. In this setup, metal or wooden slats are placed across a wooden frame in evenly spaced intervals, making them almost like a traditional bed frame with a built-in foundation.

Platform beds usually have a lower profile than other bed frames, with a height anywhere from 5 to 12 inches. If you’re going for a sleek, modern look, this low profile might be exactly what you’re looking for. However, if you’re older or have a disability, you might have a harder time getting in and out of bed. Since you don’t need box springs or a foundation with a platform bed, the height of the platform and mattress combined will probably hover somewhere around 15 to 26 inches, assuming your mattress is of average depth (~10-14 inches).

Platform beds come in different styles too. Some have headboards and footboards, many are upholstered, and some even come with storage space options like drawers, cubbies, or small shelves underneath. A few platforms even pop up to reveal a bigger storage compartment.

Platform Bed Durability

Platform beds don’t have any springs inside them to lose tension or rust, so they’ll last a lot longer than box springs. Plus, the rigid slats resist the tendency to sag. Sometimes, you might find a platform bed with more flexible slats or slats that are bowed outward. Platforms with this setup will have more give, but might not be as durable.

Platform Bed Support

Platform beds are made almost entirely of wood, metal, or other highly rigid materials, and that means they provide a sturdy base for even the heaviest mattresses. That’s a good thing considering how weighty some of these new latex and memory foam mattresses are.

The solid support of platform beds will make your mattress feel firmer and more supportive, which can be good for older mattresses that might be starting to sag. If you have a hybrid or foam mattress of any kind, you’ll need a platform or foundation, but a platform can also be the best bed base for innersprings because it can help reduce sagging and motion transfer.

Platform Bed Cost

Platform beds are normally quite budget-friendly. Platforms themselves are inexpensive, coming in at around $100 to $500. But the best part is, since they’re a standalone base, you won’t need to purchase box springs or a foundation like you do with the bed frame/mattress support combo.

Pros and Cons of a Platform Bed

Pros

• Compatible with all types of mattresses
• Highly durable
• Come in a variety of styles
• Can add firmness and stability to your mattress
• Often includes storage
• Reduce motion transfer
• Cost-effective

Cons

• Provide little give/responsiveness
• May be too firm for some
• Harder to move
• Lower profile may be unsuitable for older or disabled sleepers

Box Springs

Box springs were originally invented as a compatible support for innerspring mattresses, and even now, they’re really only compatible with this mattress type. A box spring is a wooden box with a layer of metal springs inside. This box is normally covered with a layer of breathable fabric on the top and a thinner dust cover on the bottom.

The coil support system absorbs shock and compresses under your body weight to offer more flexible support than a platform. As a result, box springs can make your mattress feel bouncier and softer. The springs also promote airflow underneath the mattress, keeping it extra cool.

Box Spring Durability

One of the biggest problems with traditional box springs is that the coils inside lose tension, making box springs less durable than platforms and foundations. If you don’t handle them roughly, you can extend their life expectancy, but you can still only expect your box springs to last around 10 years—or the lifetime of a single mattress. Meanwhile, platforms and foundations may endure through several mattresses.

Box Spring Support

Box springs offer less rigid support than platform beds, and some sleepers may like the increased give and bounce. However, these bed bases are not compatible with any type of mattress other than innerspring because there aren’t really any foam or hybrid mattresses that are light enough to go on a box spring base.

Box Spring Cost

Box springs are a little bit more expensive than platform beds. Expect to pay anywhere from $160 to $800 for a box spring set, depending on its size and quality. However, one thing that really ups the price of box springs is you need a bed frame to go with them. With the addition of a bed frame, you could wind up paying up to a couple of grand for the pair.

While you can put box springs directly on the floor, doing so has several disadvantages. First, it eliminates any storage underneath the bed. Second, many people don’t like the look of a bed on the floor. Third, being on the floor risks damage to the box spring and mattress from pests, plumbing leaks, dirt, and other threats. That means if you want to get the full life of your box spring and mattress, they should be in a frame.

Pros and Cons of Box Springs

Pros

• More responsive
• Better shock absorption
• Lighter and easier to move

Cons

• Springs can be noisy
• Less durable
• Not compatible with mattress types other than innerspring
• Offers little motion isolation

FAQs

What’s the difference between a platform bed and a mattress foundation?

Both of these bases have the same basic frame/slat layout, and they’re often made of the same materials. However, mattress foundations don’t always have legs, storage, or any other structure under them to stand them up. That means mattress foundations—like box springs—need to be in a bed frame, whereas platform beds are made to stand alone.

Will switching from box springs to a platform add firmness to my mattress?

Yes. Because the platform’s support structure takes away all the give underneath the mattress, a platform can add a good bit of firmness to an overly soft mattress. The more solid surface also helps prevent the sagging in the mattress’s midsection commonly seen in box springs.

Can I use bunky boards with a box spring?

Yes. If you want to add firmness and additional support to your existing mattress or help fix sagging, bunky boards are a great option. Just slide an appropriately sized board or boards between your box springs and your mattress.

Is there any way to add height to a platform bed?

There are a couple of ways to add height to a platform bed. You might consider placing a durable foam mattress base underneath your mattress. This can add a little more cushioning as well as raise your mattress a few inches.

Another option is a set of bed risers designed for platform legs. Attaching the risers to the platform’s legs can add up to 12 inches to the height of your platform. Just make sure you get risers that can take the total weight of the platform, mattress, and all sleepers who will be using the bed.

What are adjustable bases?

An adjustable bed base is different from a box spring or a platform bed because it has the ability to alter its shape to allow individuals to sleep at different angles. For instance, you could sleep with your head and shoulders tilted upwards, your feet elevated, or some combination of both. This ability can help with a lot of sleep problems, such as sleep apnea or sleep-related back pain.

Bottom Line

Box springs and platform beds are pretty different, and they each have their own advantages and drawbacks. If you want rigid support that will add firmness to your mattress and last for decades, platform beds may be your best option. Also, remember if you have a memory foam or natural latex mattress, you’ll need a platform or foundation. Latex and memory foam beds should not be paired with a box spring. However, if you want responsive support that adds extra bounce and coolness to your innerspring mattress, spring for the box springs.