What are Bed Frame Slats?

Slats are a type of base made for a bed. They are a series of connected bars that lie across the width of the frame. Made from strong wood such as pine or beech, these bars work together with your mattress to provide support.

You can choose from two types of slats - solid slats or sprung slats. There are two main differences between solid and sprung slats, in terms of how the slats fit and how much support they offer.

• Solid slats

Often made from pine wood. Each slat runs across the width of the bed frame. This creates a firmer, more supportive bed.

• Sprung slats

Tend to be made from flexible beech wood with a gentle, upward-facing arch. These slats create a plusher and more cushioned feel.

Jump to section

Read on and find out more about bed frame slats:

• What are solid slats?
• What are sprung slats?
• How big should the gap be between slats?
• How to fix wooden bed slats
• How do slatted bases work?
• Can I pair any mattress with my slatted base?
• Bed frames with slats: best sellers

What are solid slats?

Solid slats are made from sturdy solid wood such as pine. They create a supportive base for your mattress and are ideal if you prefer a firmer bed. For an even firmer overall feel, solid slats can be paired with a firm mattress.

Look out for the solid slat icon when shopping for your new bed. You'll find solid slats across many of our wooden bed frames.

What are sprung slats?

Sprung slats are made from flexible beech wood and are slightly curved. They tend to reduce strain on your mattress, which can improve the overall lifespan of it.

The design enables the slats to respond to your body weight and relieve pressure points. As they provide a more cushioned sleeping surface, they're ideal if you don't like a really firm bed. You could pair any of our sprung slatted bases with a softer or medium-feel mattress for more gentle support.

Look out for the sprung slat icon when shopping for your new bed. You'll find sprung slats across our range of:

• wooden bed frames
• fabric beds
• metal beds
• leather beds

How big should the gap be between slats?

Whilst the gap between slats can vary slightly from bed to bed, we advise that it shouldn't exceed 7cm (approximately 2.8 inches). A gap wider than this will cause greater wear and tear to your mattress.

Some brands, such as Dunlopillo, require that your bed frame slat gaps should not exceed 6cm (2.4 inches). We recommend that you check any specific product information before purchasing.

How to fix wooden bed slats

Once a bed slat has broken, we don't recommend fixing it. This is because:

1. Shards of wood may have peeled off, and may cause painful splinters if you handle it
2. Even if repaired, the slat won't be as strong as it was. This means it won't be able to support your mattress properly and it will be more likely to break again
3. Pieces of wood could still break away and pierce your mattress, causing damage and ultimately invalidating your guarantee or warranty

Instead, please get in touch and we can help.

How do slatted bases work?

Solid and sprung slats work in different ways. Solid slats provide a firmer sleeping experience, while sprung slats offer more cushioned support.

Solid bed frame slats

1. One full row of slats lies across the entire width of the bed
2. This is reinforced with an additional support bar that runs down the middle of the bed
3. The slats are straight and solid, for a sturdier feel

Sprung bed frame slats

1. Two rows of slats lie across the width of the bed
2. These are connected by a centre support rail in the middle of the bed
3. The slats curve upwards and respond to your mattress and bodyweight for more flexible support

Can I pair any mattress with my slatted base?

Yes, you can pair any mattress with your slatted bed frame.

However, if you're purchasing a mattress for a slatted adjustable bed, you'll need a specific adjustable mattress. This is because the adjustable mattress has been specifically designed to move with the adjustable bed.

How do I assemble a bed frame with slats?

Slatted bed frames come flat-packed, so you will need to assemble it. However, all our bed frames come complete with assembly instructions. Simply follow the step-by-step guide to build your bed.

How to assemble a bed with solid slats

If you need a bed that's quick and easy to assemble, consider a solid slatted base. The wooden slats usually come as one full row, so you don't have to attach two rows of slats.

1. Take the row of slats and place across your bed
2. Use the screws provided to attach the slats to each side rail
3. Secure the slats in the middle with the screws provided

How to assemble a bed with sprung slats

Bed frames with sprung slats require a little bit more assembly, since each slat needs to be placed into a separate slat holder.

1. Place all of your plastic slat connectors, 'E', into the pre-drilled holes on the centre support rail
2. With the arch of your slat facing upwards, slot this into one side of the slat connector
3. Attach a plastic cap end, 'D', to the other end of your slat
4. Push your slat with attached cap end into the pre-drilled holes on the side rail of your bed frame
5. Repeat this process until all slats are in place

Bed frames with slats: best sellers

We have a wide range of slatted bed frames available in a variety of styles. To make things easier, we've hand-picked a selection of our best sellers for you.

1. Time Living Tetras Metal Bed Frame

• Choose from black or silver finish
• Metal bed frame
• Sprung slats
• From only £119.95

2. Silentnight Dakota Oak Wooden Bed Frame

• Natural finish
• Solid oak bed frame
• Sprung slats
• From only £359.95

3. Silentnight Hayes Pine Wooden Bed Frame

• Choose from natural or white finish
• Pine bed frame
• Solid slats
• From only £309.95

4. Time Living Brennington Metal Bed Frame

• Silver finish
• Metal bed frame
• Sprung slats
• From only £109.95

If you prefer a firmer bed, our solid slatted bed frames are the ideal choice. If you're looking for more gentle support, a sprung slatted bed frame could be a better option. If you require any help choosing your slatted bed frame, please give us a call and we'll be happy to help!