A platform bed is a bed frame that does NOT need the use of a traditional boxspring with a mattress on top. The mattress can lie directly on the supporting structure which is most often made of slats or for some manufacturers- plywood sheets.

Better quality platform beds have regularly spaced slats that support the mattress but also allow air to circulate into the mattress and keep it dry and comfortable. The spacing between slats can vary depending on strength of slat material and is more of a requirement of the mattress manufacturer. From experience we have found that most mattress makers want 3″ between slats with the slats being approximately 2-1/2″ wide. Other mattresses prefer to have tighter 1-1/2″ spacing or 1/4″ spacing.

People who might have a bospring and wish to continue using it, can still use a platform bed frame. However, it should be noted that most platforms are typically around 12″ high. If a boxspring and mattress are placed on top of that, the finished bed height may be 30+” tall which could be too high for some people. Additionally, having a boxspring and mattress can cover up a large portion of the headboard because of the extra thickness. Luckily, Dapwood Furniture’s bed frames can be crafted to accommodate the extra thickness caused by the boxspring and additionally, the platform height can be lowered to make the bed easier for people to get in and out of.

Platform beds can also be used with traditional Japanese futon mattresses which are usually made of cotton, wool or more recently- synthetics. Futons and platform beds are NOT to be confused with Japanese style Tatami mats which are typically arranged on the entire floor of a room and provide some cushion.