What are Bed Frame Slats?
Bed frame slats are wooden planks, often made from durable wood such as pine or beech. These planks run across the width of a bed frame to support a mattress in a slatted bed base. Bed frame slats are available in two variations - solid slats or sprung slats.
This advice page provides information on the different types of bed slats, the differences between them, and how slats can influence mattress performance.
Jump to
- What are solid bed slats?
- What are sprung bed slats?
- How do bed slats work?
- How far apart do bed slats need to be?
- How wide should bed slats be?
- How much weight can a slat bed hold?
- Can you put any mattress on a slat bed?
- How do I assemble a bed frame with slats?
- How to fix broken bed slats
- Bed slat FAQs
What are solid bed slats?
Solid slats are made from sturdy, solid wood such as pine. These slats are designed not to flex under body weight, creating a firmer base for the mattress compared with sprung slats.
A mattress placed on a solid slat base will generally feel firmer overall, which can result in a more supportive sleeping surface especially when paired with a firm or extra-firm mattress.
Many wooden bed frames come with solid slat bases.
What are sprung bed slats?
Sprung slats are made from flexible beech wood and are slightly curved. The shape and tension of the planks help to reduce strain on your mattress, improving its overall lifespan.
Their bowed design allows the slats to adapt to body weight during sleep. The slats bend slightly more under heavier areas of the body. This reactive support helps a mattress to relieve pressure on joints during sleep.
The overall effect is a more cushioned feel compared with solid slats. Sprung bed slats can be paired with a soft or medium mattress for an even more gentle, sink-in feel.
Sprung slats tend to be more popular than solid slats and you find them in many modern bed frames.
How do bed slats work?
The wooden slats that run across the width of a bed frame offer a greater degree of flexibility than if the mattress rested solely on a flat surface.
Solid slats vs sprung slats
The section above outlined how solid and sprung bed slats provide different levels of support for a mattress. Here is how each type works:
Solid bed frame slats
- Each slat spans the entire width of the base
- There is an additional support bar that runs down the middle of the base
- The slats are straight and solid for a sturdier feel and additional support
Sprung bed frame slats
- The slats lie across the width of the bed in two columns, connected by a centre support rail in the middle of the base
- The slats curve upwards in the centre to respond to your mattress and body weight for more flexible support
Below we’ve included a helpful table to outline the main differences between the two types of bed slats:
| Features | Solid slats | Sprung slats |
| Firm support |  | |
| Softer support | | |
| Curved slats | | |
| Flat slats | | |
| Slats span the width of the bed base | | |
| Slats are separated by a centre support rail | |
How far apart do bed slats need to be?
Some mattress manufacturers have specific recommendations for the maximum width between bed slats. This is because a gap wider than the recommended measurement can cause greater wear and tear to a mattress.
See the table below for more information:
| Mattress brand | Maximum slat gap width |
| Dunlopillo | 6cm |
| Relyon | 6cm |
| Millbrook | 7cm |
| Silentnight | 7.5cm |
| Sealy | 7.5cm |
| Sleepeezee | 7.5cm |
| Harrison Spinks | 7.5cm |
| Hypnos | 7.5cm |
| Tempur | 9cm |
| SleepSoul | 9cm |
| Elle Decoration | 9cm |
These measurements reflect manufacturer guidelines for mattress support and durability. For more information, please read our helpful bed base guide.
How wide should bed slats be?
Similar to the advice above, some mattress manufacturers have recommendations for the maximum width of bed slats. This is because using slats with an incorrect width can affect the feel of a mattress and could potentially put greater strain on the mattress over time.
You should always check the mattress manufacturer’s guidelines before placing a mattress on a bed.
How much weight can a slat bed hold?
This varies between each manufacturer. Before purchasing a bed frame, the manufacturer's guidelines should be checked for recommendations regarding the maximum mattress weight that particular bed can hold.
Can you put any mattress on a slat bed?
Yes, most mattresses can be paired with any slatted bed frame.
However, the mattress manufacturer’s advice should be checked to ensure that the bed base meets the guarantee requirements for specific mattresses.
Popular mattresses for slatted bases
People often choose to pair single-sided mattresses with slatted bed bases. This is because these mattresses often have an additional layer on the bottom of the mattress to protect it from any wear and tear it may experience from both bed slats and solid bases.
FAQs
Can you put a memory foam mattress on a slatted bed base?
Yes, if the width of the bed slats and the gap width between the slats are in accordance with the mattress manufacturer’s guidelines.
Can a TEMPUR mattress be used on a slatted bed?
Yes, as long as the gap between the slats is under 9cm wide.
Can I use a Relyon pocket sprung mattress on a slatted bed?
Yes, as long as the gap between the slats is under 6cm wide.
Can you put a Hypnos mattress on a slatted bed?
Yes, as long as the gap between the slats is under 7.5cm wide.
Can I use any mattress with a slatted adjustable bed?
No. When purchasing a mattress for a slatted adjustable bed, adjustable mattresses are the only option. This is because adjustable mattresses have been specifically designed to move with adjustable beds without causing the mattress harm.
How do I assemble a bed frame with slats?
Slatted bed frames arrive flat-packed, so they need to be assembled.
Bed frames usually come with assembly instructions. These instructions outline the process for attaching slats and assembling the frame.
Below are some examples of typical instructions.
How to assemble a bed with solid slats
A solid slatted base is normally quick and easy to assemble. The wooden slats come as one full row that crosses the width of the bed base, so there’s no need to attach two separate columns of slats.
- Take the row of slats and place them across your bed base
- Use the screws provided to attach the slats to each side rail
- If instructed, 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.
- Place all of your plastic slat connectors (E) into the pre-drilled holes on the centre support rail
- With your slat arching upwards, slot it into one side of the slat connector
- Attach a plastic cap end (D), to the other end of your slat
- Push your slat with the attached cap end into the pre-drilled holes on the side rail of your bed frame
- Repeat this process until all the slats are in place
Do bed slats bend up or down?
When assembling a sprung slatted bed, the slats should curve upwards in the centre, as depicted in the image below. This provides optimal support for mattresses.
If the sprung slats curve downwards (with the ends curving up to the ceiling rather than the floor) it could damage both the bed frame and the mattress.
How to fix broken bed slats
It’s not a good idea to try to fix bed slats back together once they have broken in two, for the following reasons:
1. The slat won’t be as strong as before
Even if repaired the bed frame slat will be much weaker than before. This means it won’t be able to support a mattress properly and will be more likely to break in the future. It would only be a temporary solution at best.
2. It could invalidate your mattress guarantee or warranty
If the broken slat damages the mattress, a warranty or guarantee may be affected as the mattress has not been placed on a ‘safe bed base’.
Replacing the damaged slat with a new one is a more reliable solution.
How to replace bed slats
If, for whatever reason, a bed slat needs replacing, it’s a good idea to get in touch with the bed frame manufacturer. They may be able to send out a replacement bed slat.
Once a replacement slat is delivered, follow the bed frame’s original assembly instructions to attach the bed slat to the bed frame.
How to stop bed slats from falling out
When a bed frame is first assembled, bed slats should be securely attached to the sides of the frame or tightly screwed into place, depending on the type of bed frame.
However, if slats do continually become dislodged, and the bed frame is still within the manufacturer’s warranty or guarantee period, the manufacturer’s guidelines or warranty information may provide advice on corrective measures.
Bed slat FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about bed frame slats:
Do slat beds ruin mattresses?
If the bed slats are the correct width for your mattress and have the correct gap width between each slat, then no, bed slats do not ruin mattresses.
A mattress should be flipped and rotated regularly to prevent the fillings inside from settling too much. Otherwise, the mattress may conform to the shape of the slats over time. This could affect the feel of the mattress when it is eventually flipped or rotated.
The only way a bed slat could potentially damage a mattress is if the slat width and gaps are too far apart, which can compromise the comfort and support fillings.
Do bed slats wear out?
Yes, a bed frame and slats will experience wear and tear over time since they will be slept on every night. The general recommendation is that a bed should be replaced every 10 years.
Strain on bed slats can be reduced by ensuring a mattress does not exceed the maximum weight for the bed frame.
What wood is used for bed slats?
Different kinds of wood are used for solid and sprung slats.
Sprung slats are usually made from beech wood, as it’s much more flexible.
Solid slats are often made from pine wood as it is firmer, more durable and can be quite cost effective.
Can you sleep on a bed with a broken slat?
Yes you can, but it’s not a good idea. Sleeping on a bed with a broken slat might be uncomfortable and it could compromise mattress support and warranty coverage.
Sleeping on a bed with a broken slat can damage the mattress and could potentially invalidate any guarantee or warranty. It may also affect the overall look and feel of the mattress.
Are slatted beds bad for your back?
No, slatted beds are not harmful to back health.
Sprung slats provide more flexible support, which can result in a slightly cushioned feel, while solid slats offer a firmer, more rigid base. The choice between them affects the level of support provided but does not inherently impact back health.
This advice page has covered key information on bed frame slats, their types, and compatibility with different mattresses. If you’d like to explore more, please feel free to browse our bed frames.
Or if you’re interested in learning about other bed bases, read our advice on platform top bases and sprung bases.
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