Is a metal or wood box spring better?

Choosing between a metal or wood box spring is dependent on your needs, what you are looking for, and what you’re looking to spend. Generally speaking, although not always the case, metal box springs tend to cost less money and may last longer over time. However, wood box springs can sometimes offer wider support and provide more pressure to keep your mattress fully supported.

Does the thickness of a box spring matter?

Generally speaking, the thickness of a box spring does not matter in terms of support. Where it will come into play is your own personal preference stylistically, or based on your own needs. For example, if the rest of the furniture in your bedroom is lower to the floor, you will want a box spring that accommodates and blends with that. The inverse is true as well. In terms of personal needs, if you are a taller person who prefers a higher bed, a thicker box spring will help you achieve that. But if you’re someone who struggles with chronic pain and doesn’t want to have to exert a lot of energy getting into your bed, a lower-profile box spring is your best bet.

Do I need a box spring if I have slats?

The short answer is no. Usually if you have a bed frame with slats, a box spring is unnecessary, and vice versa. While some people may argue that deciding between a box spring or slats is a personal choice, Dr. Winchel tells us that, “box springs are better than slats because they provide uniform support from head to toe” and that “if there are gaps between the mattress and the slats below you’re not getting the full support you need for your body.”

The 9 Best Box Springs of 2023

The 8 Best Box Springs of 2022 — The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

If you’ve just purchased a great mattress but you don’t feel like it’s getting the proper support, it’s time to get yourself a box spring. While your bed frame may come with slats, that might not actually offer the ideal support for you or your particular mattress. “Box springs were created to help absorb impact, reduce the wear and tear on the mattress and promote the longevity of the support the mattress provides to our bodies while we rest,” says chiropractor Dr. Hayley Winchel of Performance Health Clinics in Ramsey, New Jersey.

After speaking with Dr. Winchel to better understand the benefits of box springs, how they work, and who they are best for, we researched numerous products and read countless reviews to find the best ones on the market for a variety of needs (and price points!) Keep reading to see our picks for the best box springs below.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Zinus Metal Smart Box Spring at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Amazon Basics Smart Box Spring at Amazon

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Best Box Foundation:

Tuft & Needle Box Foundation at Amazon

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Best for Heavier Bodies:

Tatago Metal Box Spring at Amazon

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Best for Foam Mattress:

Alwyn Home Spoffo Box Spring at Wayfair

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Best Low-Profile:

Beautyrest Flat Foundation at Pottery Barn

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Best with Wood Slats:

Alwyn Home Tatum Wood Box Spring at Wayfair

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Best Metal:

Wayfair Sleep Arviso Metal Box Spring at Wayfair

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Best Foldable:

Mainstays Smart Box Spring at Walmart

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
Why Trust The Spruce

4.7

Amazon

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What We Like

Easy assembly
Made with steel
5-year warranty
Works with all mattresses

What We Don't Like

Cover may shrink in wash
May be too tall for some people who struggle getting in and out of bed

Zinus’ Metal Smart BoxSpring tops our list, with a great level of support and top-tier quality (and we’ve highly reviewed Zinus brand products in the past). With a sturdy steel frame that can handle up to 350-pounds for a twin, and 700-pounds for every size above that, this box spring is one of the most durable and universal options on our list. We’re also fond of the knitted polyester cover surrounding the frame, which provides not only a softer and more universal look, but also a more forgiving feel should you bump into it during the night. Plus, it’s non-slip to hold your mattress in place, and it looks so good you can skip the bed skirt.

Beyond the aesthetic subtlety of this box spring, it’s the attention to detail everywhere else that puts this option on the top of our list. A five-year warranty is included, as is everything you need for easy assembly.. And you don’t need to worry if you’re a latex mattress user or a spring enthusiast; this box spring is designed to work with all kinds of mattresses.

While the cover is machine washable, some purchasers found it to shrink in the wash, which is worth being aware of. However, there’s no shortage of other customers singing the praises of this box spring’s washability, adding to the list of reasons it boasts a 4.5 out of 5-star rating with almost 75,000 global reviews.

Price at time of publish: $139 for a Queen

_{Material: Steel, polyester | Thickness: 9 inches | Sizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king}

Amazon

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What We Like

Very affordable
No tools needed for assembly
Removable cover

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for foam mattresses
Cover cannot be machine washed

If you’re looking to avoid spending a fortune on a box spring but still want all of the benefits of a high-quality option, Amazon Basics’ Smart Box Spring Bed Base has you covered. The lower price tag doesn’t mean this box spring skimps in any way, beginning with its steel frame that provides superior strength. Additionally, the two-piece fabric cover zips together and can be removed for spot cleaning. Plus, there’s no shortage of customers praising this option for how easy it is to assemble.

One drawback with the Amazon Basics box spring is it isn’t ideal for foam mattresses, with some reviewers experiencing sinking along the edges. Overall though, for a box spring that is this high quality, this low-priced, and can be assembled without tools, it comes as no surprise that it boasts a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on Amazon, with 76 percent of reviewers giving it 5 out of 5 stars.

Price at time of publish: $160 for a Queen

_{Material: Steel, fabric | Thickness: 7 inches | Sizes Available: Twin, full, queen, king, California king}

The 15 Best Beds of 2023 to Keep You Comfortable and Supported

Amazon

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What We Like

100-night trial
GREENGUARD Gold Certified
No-tool assembly

What We Don't Like

Cover cannot be removed and washed
Higher price tag

While technically a “box spring alternative” according to Tuft & Needle, this box foundation serves all of the same functions of a box spring and looks great. A wooden frame and wooden slats ensures stability and durability, while a woven minimalist fabric cover on the outside will match almost all bedrooms. Where this differs from other box springs, and earns its higher price tag, is with its GREENGUARD Gold Certification. The peace of mind that accompanies knowing you’re not breathing in harmful chemicals and VOCs is going to come in handy when you’re trying to get your eight hours. Plus, the 7-inch height is a great middle ground for people who don’t want a super low or overly-high profile box spring.

One drawback with this box foundation is the cover isn’t removable, and it should only be spot cleaned. However, free shipping and returns, a 100-night trial, and a hassle-free warranty more than make up for any shortcomings with cleaning.

Price at time of publish: $345 for a Queen

_{Material: Wood, woven fabric | Thickness: 7 inches | Sizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king}

The 15 Best Mattresses of 2023, Tested by The Spruce

Amazon

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What We Like

Light enough to move
3,000-pound weight limit
8-year warranty

What We Don't Like

Limited size options
Assembly is tedious

When it comes to holding weight, Tatago’s Heavy Duty Metal Box Spring is not playing around. The tubular steel frame is reinforced and can handle up to 3,000 pounds of pressure. Welding at both ends of each pole in the frame not only provides additional structural support, but also eliminates noise. And while this box spring does handle a lot of weight, it only weighs 45 pounds, so it’s not too heavy to move, should you need to.

One drawback with this box spring is the assembly is a bit tedious, according to some customers. However, the sturdiness and overall value for its price has earned this box spring an overall 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. If you’re looking for extra support, it’s hard to top the potential and weight capacity of this durable option.

Price at time of publish: $170 for a Queen

_{Material: Wood, metal, steel | Thickness: 9 inches | Sizes Available: Full, queen, king}

Wayfair

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What We Like

Wide range of size options
Close slats for memory foam mattresses
Free shipping

What We Don't Like

Involved assembly
Lower weight limit of 350 pounds for a Queen

If you have a memory foam mattress and are in the market for a box spring, the Spoffo from Alwyn Home is excellent. It features wood slats that are placed close together, which is essential for a foam mattress (without closely spaced slats, the mattress will sag between crevices). Additionally, a steel frame that surrounds those slats means this box spring is sturdy and built to last. And in terms of sustainability, we also love that this product arrives in a single box to cut down on waste.

One drawback of this box spring is it does require product assembly that’s a bit more involved than the product’s description says, according to some reviewers. Aside from that, purchasers really enjoy the overall quality and quick delivery of this product.

Price at time of publish: $222 for a Queen

_{Material: Metal, wood | Thickness: 7.5 inches | Sizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king}

Pottery Barn

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What We Like

White glove service available
Wide range of sizes
USA made

What We Don't Like

Pricier than other options
Only one color choice

Sometimes, for mobility or stylistic reasons, you don’t want a box spring that adds extra inches to your sleep setup. For a lower-profile box spring that still looks great and provides exceptional support, it’s hard to beat Pottery Barn’s Beautyrest Foundation. Designed specifically with durability in mind- this box spring features solid steel struts and reinforced interior corner guards. In addition to that, a non-skid top ensures your mattress is held in place during use.

One potential drawback with this mattress foundation is it only comes in one color option, albeit a gray that will work well with most decors. An added feature that makes this enticing is the white glove service, which will not only deliver, assemble, and place this box spring, but also dispose of all of the packaging as well.

Price at time of publish: $350 for a Queen

_{Material: Steel, fabric | Thickness: 5.5 inches | Sizes Available: Twin, full, queen, split king, split California king}

Wayfair

View On Wayfair

What We Like

Supports all mattress types
Easy assembly
Durable wood with 800-pound limit

What We Don't Like

No warranty
Cover is too small for some

Made with light but dense wood, the Tatum Wood Box Spring from Alwyn Home is designed to handle even the heaviest of mattress materials, with a weight limit of up to 800 pounds. Additionally, the lumber used helps to prevent squeaking from the weight of the mattress. You’ll have a choice between a lower profile of 5 inches and a standard profile of 8 inches, which ensures you can get exactly what you need for your space, and it is said to work with all types of mattresses, with one verified purchaser saying “It definitely adds extra support to our memory foam mattress.”

Opinion on the ease of building is a bit split between customers, with some finding it simple and others struggling. However, some customers had issues with the cover that came was not the proper size, which is certainly worth considering.

Price at time of publish: $182 for a Queen

_{Material: Wood | Thickness: 5-inches, 8-inches | Sizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king, California king}

Wayfair

View On Wayfair View On Jossandmain.com

What We Like

Cover fits perfectly
500-pound weight limit
Works with all types of mattresses

What We Don't Like

Some users have issues with squeaking
Warranty is limited to defects only

If you’re looking for exceptional durability and support, it’s hard to beat metal. Wayfair Sleep’s Arviso Metal Box Spring offers just that with a steel frame that can handle up to 500 pounds of pressure. Outside of that, a simple and elegant looking white/gray cover hides the heavy industrial material beneath. This option has high reviews from latex, memory foam, and innerspring mattress sleepers alike, making it a highly versatile option. Plus, all of the necessary tools for building are included in the shipment, to prevent you from any assembly frustration.

It’s important to note that some purchasers of this box spring had issues with a persistent squeaking noise. But, there’s also no shortage of customers who love the quality, ease of assembly, and durability. Customers also praise this choice for the overall quality of the cover, which is a feature that many other box springs receive complaints about.

Price at time of publish: $165 for a Queen

_{Material: Steel | Thickness: 5 inches, 9 inches | Sizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full/double, queen, king, California king}

Walmart

View On Walmart

What We Like

5-year warranty
Foldable
Easy assembly

What We Don't Like

Not great with memory foam mattresses
Some customers had issues with the cover

For a box spring that’s designed with complete efficiency in mind, we recommend Mainstays’ Smart Box Spring. Aside from the steel frame and the polyester jacquard cover (which looks amazing) it’s the folding capability that really sells us. The innovative design requires minimal work to fold it for storage or to move it whenever you need. And with an assembly that’s super quick and requires no tools, this is a dream for those of us who hate frustrating and tedious to build products.

One issue that some customers found was that this box spring isn’t compatible with memory foam mattresses, with one reviewer noting their mattress “sagged through the slats.” Other types of mattress users don’t seem to have any complaints, though, as evidenced by this box spring boasting a 4.5 out of 5 star rating with more than 60,000 total reviews.

Price at time of publish: $109 for a Queen

_{Material: Steel | Thickness: 5 inches | Sizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king}

The 13 Best Places to Buy a Mattress of 2023

Final Verdict

Our choice for the best overall box spring is the Zinus Metal Smart BoxSpring for its combination of a durable steel frame, its universal mattress compatibility, and a 5-year warranty. If you’re looking for something more affordable, we highly recommend the Amazon Basics Smart Box Spring Bed Base. At under $200, it provides exceptional support, a very easy assembly, and a removable cover.

Material

Once you’ve decided a box spring is the way to go, picking the proper material will come down to what you need in your own home. If you want something that’s more durable and will last longer, oftentimes steel is your best bet. However, wood box springs are potentially better for offering the most support throughout your mattress. Additionally, the distance between the supports is going to be important, with latex and memory foam mattresses benefiting more from closer slats.

Most box springs feature a fabric cover, which is also worth considering during the purchasing process. Some are only spot cleanable while others can be removed and fully washed. If you are looking for something that can be washed, we recommend the Zinus Metal Smart BoxSpring. Aside from the removable and washable cover, a five-year warranty and easy assembly makes it a great option.

Size

Much like picking a bed frame, deciding on the optimal size–or height–for your box spring is going to come down to your own needs. If you are a taller person that hates having to squat to get into your bed, then a thicker box spring can add some valuable inches to your bed frame. Or, as Dr. Winchel tells us, you may want it “higher off the ground to promote cleanliness.” Conversely, if the furniture in your room is all lower-profile or if you're someone who struggles to get into a higher bed, you will want to buy a low-profile box spring like the Pottery Barn Beautyrest Foundation. Aside from the 5.5-inch thickness to keep things lower, solid steel struts also offer added support to make sure it lasts.

Mattress Type

It’s very important to make sure your mattress could benefit from a box spring before you purchase one. As Dr. Winchel tells us, “To determine if you need a box spring, it’s helpful to read the recommendations of your bed’s manufacturer.” For example, many manufacturers of memory foam mattresses will tell you to avoid one altogether as it is unnecessary. Conversely, Dr. Winchel tells us that people who have an “innerspring mattress and are looking for firm support for their back,” could benefit from a box spring. For a box spring that’s designed to support all mattresses, we recommend the Alwyn Home Tatum Wood Box Spring for its sturdy wood build and its higher 800-pound limit.

FAQ

Is a metal or wood box spring better?

Choosing between a metal or wood box spring is dependent on your needs, what you are looking for, and what you’re looking to spend. Generally speaking, although not always the case, metal box springs tend to cost less money and may last longer over time. However, wood box springs can sometimes offer wider support and provide more pressure to keep your mattress fully supported.
Does the thickness of a box spring matter?

Generally speaking, the thickness of a box spring does not matter in terms of support. Where it will come into play is your own personal preference stylistically, or based on your own needs. For example, if the rest of the furniture in your bedroom is lower to the floor, you will want a box spring that accommodates and blends with that. The inverse is true as well. In terms of personal needs, if you are a taller person who prefers a higher bed, a thicker box spring will help you achieve that. But if you’re someone who struggles with chronic pain and doesn’t want to have to exert a lot of energy getting into your bed, a lower-profile box spring is your best bet.
Do I need a box spring if I have slats?

The short answer is no. Usually if you have a bed frame with slats, a box spring is unnecessary, and vice versa. While some people may argue that deciding between a box spring or slats is a personal choice, Dr. Winchel tells us that, “box springs are better than slats because they provide uniform support from head to toe” and that “if there are gaps between the mattress and the slats below you’re not getting the full support you need for your body.”

Jack Byram is a freelance writer who focuses on sleep and sleep-related products. He has researched and written about countless mattresses, pillows, and bed frames. He’s also spoken with and interviewed numerous chiropractors and sleep experts to better understand how a person can get the most out of their sleep. For this article he spoke with chiropractor Dr. Hayley Winchel of Performance Health Clinics in Ramsey, New Jersey, to better understand what the benefits are of a box spring, what makes a really good one, and who can benefit from one.