10 Best Box Spring Foundations Reviews and Buying Guide
Table of Contents
What is a Box Spring and Why Should You Buy a Good One?
A box spring is particularly a stable foundation for your mattress to sit on. In addition to helping with the right locking of the mattress, a box spring will enhance your comfort when sleeping. The reason is that it will act as a shock absorber. In turn, it will support your joints whenever you get in and out of your bed.
When you plan to shop for a new mattress, you should first consider whether you need a new box spring, otherwise called the foundation for your mattress. Otherwise, you might also be wondering whether it is essential to replace the box spring in your bedroom irrespective of whether you replace the mattress or not. Experts recommend that it is better to replace the box spring every time you replace the mattress. The reason is that box springs generally last for about a decade. This is longer than the lifespan of a mattress.
However, if you find that the box spring has some major defects like noticeable sagging or broken slats, it is better to consider buying one. The reason is that a worn-out box spring can lead to sagging in your new mattress. In turn, it will create discomfort for you.
Quick Summary
1. Editor’s Choice: Zinus OLB/ABS-9K Box Spring
2. Best Selling: Amazon Basics Smart Box Spring Mattress Foundation and Bed Base
3. Best Value for Money: ZINUS Box Spring with Wood Slats
4. Best Quality: Zinus Bifold Box Spring
5. Best Sturdy Box Spring: Zinus Smart Box 5 Inch Box Spring
6. Best High Profile Box Spring: Zinus 9 Inch Full-Size Box Spring Foundation
7. Best Foldable Box Spring: Amazon Basics Premium Foldable Mattress Box Spring
8. Best Upholstered Frame: Zinus Kellen Tufted Bed with Scallop Button
9. Best With Wooden Slat: Zinus Model AZ-HBBS-4K
10. Best Folding Box Spring: Zinus Model SM-SC-BIFD-75Q
Top Rated Box Spring Foundations
1. Editor’s Choice: Zinus OLB/ABS-9K Box Spring
The Zinus OLB/ABS-9K box spring is a high-profile box spring that gives you the support you need. All standard-size beds can be fitted with the OLB/ABS-9K box spring. The steel frame is as sturdy and strong as you’d expect a box spring to be.
It evenly distributes the weight of your mattress. It is strong enough to support heavy mattresses. This doubles the life of the product.
It also comes with a soft and fluffy cover. The cover zips around the frame to give it a sophisticated look. It comes conveniently packed in a small box, allowing for tight interior spaces like hallways and stairs.
It is also very easy to install. The kit includes all the tools needed for assembly. On the downside, memory foam mattresses are not recommended, like most box springs, and some users have reported squeaking issues.
2. Best Selling: Amazon Basics Smart Box Spring Mattress Foundation and Bed Base
The Amazon Basics Smart Box Spring is currently the best-selling box spring on the market. One of its upsides is the easy tool-free setup. It’s available for almost all bed sizes, from Queen to California King.
The smart box spring twin mattress foundation comes with instructions and it comes in a pretty slim box. It features a 2-piece fabric for the top as well as bottom covers, which are designed to be zipped together. The cover can be removed for cleaning. Spot cleaning is the recommended method for cleaning, however.
The product has interlocking frame components which will assemble without tools in minutes.
3. Best Value for Money: ZINUS Box Spring with Wood Slats
The Zinus Walter Az-HBBS-9K is one of our top picks as it offers the best value for money and is made with durable materials. This box spring comes in several different sizes and heights, allowing you to choose one based on your specific needs and preferences.
The box spring comes with all the tools and materials needed to assemble it correctly. The instructions are straightforward, and it’s not too complicated or time-consuming to build. It includes the same durable slats that are typically used in Zinus platform bed frames.
Overall this box spring is extremely durable being able to support up to 350 pounds for the twin bed and 700 pounds for every other variant. So even if you get a mattress that’s on the heavier side this box spring is still going to be able to support it pretty well.
The cover of the box spring not only adds an extra layer of protection from damage but also gives it a really nice look. It goes along with any kind of bed frame or mattress. So if you’re looking for a box spring that’s lightweight and easy to build but is also really durable and looks nice. Then this box spring is going to be great.
4. Best Quality: Zinus Bifold Box Spring
Zinus Jayanna is the best choice for box springs that meet your needs. You get a good price and high quality without having to compromise on quality. Its durable heavy-gauge steel increases its durability. The box spring’s innovative BiFold design allows for easy movement.
It is suitable for all mattresses. It is also easy to use, as it requires no assembly. Zinus Jayanna is a revolutionary box spring that offers support, strength, and functionality. It acts and looks like a traditional box spring. It will complement any mattress you place on it.
Its poly jacquard cover fabric is quite nice, so it won’t need sheets. It is difficult to move traditional box springs. This is not the case with the BiFold foundation. This item easily folds for storage and mobility.
5. Best Sturdy Box Spring: Zinus Smart Box 5 Inch Box Spring
If you are looking for a low-profile model, we draw your attention to this model. Like its taller cousin, this box spring is made from a sturdy steel frame for durability.
Its 5-inch profile is perfect for tall mattresses. It offers your mattress support distributed over its entire surface, to limit the risk of sagging. As with most Zinus models, all tools are included. They allow you to assemble your bed base in minutes, wherever you are.
It is available in 5 different sizes, ranging from twin to California King for the widest model. Unlike conventional box springs, this model does not emit any noise.
6. Best High Profile Box Spring: Zinus 9 Inch Full-Size Box Spring Foundation
The Zinus box spring is a 9-inch box spring foundation that offers you all the comfort and functionality of a standard model. It is made from a particularly strong steel alloy for better durability.
Considering the quality of the Zinus brand, it’s no surprise that this box spring is the best seller online. With an included set of tools, assembly is easily done in minutes.
This model comes in several sizes, ranging from a single bed size to a King category for the larger models. It is lightweight and easy to carry. The included protective cover covers the metal frame to make it more aesthetic.
7. Best Foldable Box Spring: Amazon Basics Premium Foldable Mattress Box Spring
Steel, the main component of the slats of this bed base, is recognized for its great strength. Then, it also features wooden legs which give it that Scandinavian look.
It unfolds in seconds for use in the smallest spaces. This metal bed base, therefore, requires no assembly tools. This is a high-profile model.
The metal slats, therefore, provide effective support for a low-profile mattress, which makes this model one of the most popular on Amazon. This model is available in e different sizes: king, full, and queen.
8. Best Upholstered Frame: Zinus Kellen Tufted Bed with Scallop Button
The best box spring brand Zinus knows how to invest in design. Available in King, Queen, and Full sizes, this model consists of a 38-inch high headboard that is padded and scalloped. There is also a sturdy box spring and wooden slats provided.
The steel frame ensures the solidity of the structure. It is however padded with foam to prevent squeaks and for more comfort. Despite their simplicity, the classic legs are strong enough to support all the weight.
Assembling this model is easy. Moreover, the essential tools are delivered with the package. A manual is also available, to provide all the necessary instructions for installation. This set has everything to sit in your room for many years.
9. Best With Wooden Slat: Zinus Model AZ-HBBS-4K
Unlike previous models, this metal bed base is distinguished by the presence of around twenty wooden slats. The support of your mattress is then distributed evenly to prolong its life.
However, you have to note that a wooden part may creak during the night. But that’s not a concern here. A padded foam strip is added to the metal frame to capture extraneous noise.
It comes in 5 different sizes, which meet the needs of the whole family. Its 4-inch profile makes it more suitable for use with a high mattress. Parts needed for assembly are included for easy installation.
10. Best Folding Box Spring: Zinus Model SM-SC-BIFD-75Q
As it combines affordability, ease of use, robustness, and practicality, this model deserves to be mentioned in this review of the best box spring foundation. This box spring from Zinus requires no complex assembly. Simply unfold it to take full advantage of its features.
Its steel structure incorporates a set of thin slats dedicated to most mattresses. It is designed to form a robust box, similar to that of a standard box spring. The bed rests on a horizontal structure which ensures good stability throughout your night.
This model, in particular, is available in 4 different sizes for a single or double bed. It turns out to be easy to carry and store on the go or in your apartment.
Top 8 Factors to Consider Before Buying a Box Spring
If you are wondering whether or not to buy a box spring, you should remember one thing for sure. It will increase the height of your bed. This will ensure easy reaching in and out of your mattress. Even, some mattresses require that you should use a box spring to make the warranty valid. So, now that you are thinking about a box spring shopping, you should be aware of the things to consider in shopping:
1. Know About the Types of Box Spring
Of course, there is not much variety when it comes to box springs as you find in mattresses. However, you will come across a couple of options. The thing to remember before choosing any one of them is that each one of them has their own weaknesses and strengths. Also, each of these types can suit different types of sleepers. Here are the types you should be aware of:
Coil Box Springs
As the name implies, a coil box spring will have frames that are filled with coils. This type of box spring will make your bed bouncier and more flexible as compared to just a plain wood-based box spring. However, you will get better support. Nevertheless, with age and wear and tear, the coils can turn squeaky and can sag.
Zero-deflection Box Springs
This is a common type made using wooden slates. Even, some of them come with wire supports. This type will be highly durable and will offer highly sturdy support. In turn, it will prevent sagging on the bottom of the mattress and will stay longer with you.
Semi-Flex Grid Box Springs
This is the most expensive option as compared to the other two. However, the good thing about this type of box spring is that it offers a compelling combination of both support and flexibility. These box springs generally will have a wooden base. However, it is not covered in a meshwork of metal wire. If you feel that your mattress is on the heavier side, you can consider buying semi-flex grid box springs.
2. Consider the Size of Your Mattress
You should be careful about selecting a box spring that goes with the size of your mattress. Similar to mattresses, box springs are also sized like California King, King, Queen, Double, and Twin Sizes. If you do not remember the size of your mattress just measure it. In general, twin-size mattresses will be in the size of 39 inches x 75 inches, while the full-size mattress will be the size of 54 inches x 75 inches.
In the same way, if your mattress measures 60 inches x 80 inches, it is a queen-size mattress. If the measure is 78 inches x 80 inches, you have bought a king-size mattress. So, knowing the mattress size is important before you buy a box spring foundation for it.
3. What Type of Mattress Do You Have?
Do you know that only some specific type of mattresses need box spring, while others do not need? Here are certain things you will have to know concerning this: Does my bed need a box spring?
Most mattresses and to be more specific newer ones do not actually require a box spring to bring you the required comfort. Now, your question will be what purpose they serve.
The Types Of Mattresses That Need Box Spring
Here are some types of mattresses that need a box spring:
- A mattress that is made with double-sided older designs. It means that a flappable mattress needs a quality box spring.
- Any mattress, whose warranty will become void without using a box spring.
- Also, if your mattress comes with a collapsible metal frame that supports just the outer edges, you need a box spring.
The Types of Mattresses That Do Not Need Box Spring
A box spring is not essential for the mattress falling under the types given below:
- One-sided no-flip mattresses
- Mattresses are compatible with adjustable bases.
- Beds with platform frame
- Beds with platform frame with slats
- Beds with reinforced metal frame and adjustable frame.
4. What Height Do You Expect From Your Bed?
The facility to increase the height of the bed is one of the important reasons why people opt for box spring. It means that when you plan to buy a box spring, you will have to consider both the height of the mattress and the box spring. Box Springs generally come in two standard heights. They are a 9-inch and a low-profile 5-inch variant. With the increasing popularity of high-profile deluxe mattresses and memory foam toppers, the extra average 9 inches that you can get from a box spring can make your bed tall. So, do not forget to calculate the comfortable height for you when you shop.
Just in case, your mattress already has a considerable height, it is better to look for a low-profile box spring. Even though it will be of smaller size, it will continue to provide the same durability and support like a bigger one. The thing to remember here is that the box spring’s height will not affect the performance of your mattress in any way. It is just a thing of personal preference and aesthetic appeal.
5. Is It the Time to Replace Your Box Spring?
Just, in case, you plan to buy a new box spring as a replacement for your existing furniture, you should know whether this is the right time for a replacement. If you have bought it at least 8 years ago, you can consider replacing it now. However, if it is a low-quality box spring that you already use, it would have lasted only for a couple of years.
So, it is now time to replace it. Even, you can consider replacing it when you replace your mattress. If you are confused about whether or not your box spring is good, you can judge with some signs. For instance, if it is sagging and squeaking and if the steel grid is broken or bent, you can replace it.
6. Select a Material That Suits Your Lifestyle
In general, box springs are made using wood. Also, they contain a steel reinforcement to offer strength. Most manufacturers apply a thick fabric known as sticking to the sides of the box springs. Also, they add a skid-resistant fabric to the top along with covering the bottom with a fabric dust barrier.
They come with many options like the ones with densely packed boils and boxes with natural fillers, organic fabrics, and hypoallergenic fabrics. If you are allergic, it is better to choose the one with an allergen-blocking cover to bring down the chances of allergies.
7. Consider Shopping as a Package
Most manufacturers sell box springs and mattresses as a set. It is sold as a promotional offer based on consumer priority. When you find these combinations, you can save a lot on your shopping.
8. Does It Fit Your Bed Frame?
When you shop for a box spring, it is better to check whether it fits your bed frame. If your mattress as a rigid frame, you will have to check whether the box spring can rest on the top of it or slide. You should ensure that the bed frame is sturdy and should provide a tight fit for the box spring.
Wrapping Up
A box spring is a bed frame that sits under your mattress to support it. It usually consists of a wooden frame with metal slats and springs, covered with fabric (all-metal box springs are also common). Some modern versions contain a steel frame for added support, while traditional box springs may only have a wooden frame.
A box spring adds height to your bed, helps air circulate through your mattress to prevent dust buildup, and protects the bed from sagging.
Our overall best model is the Zinus OLB/ABS-9K Box Spring. It’s popular among sleepers for its ease of assembly and low cost. However, those who want the best quality will appreciate the practicality and sturdiness of the Zinus Bifold Box Spring.
Undoubtedly, a box spring can safeguard your mattress and can extend its life. Remember to check whether your bed actually needs a box spring before you shop. In turn, you can make shopping that will last with you for longer.
Do consider the warranty offered by the seller and without any doubt, price should also be considered. Doing comparative shopping by considering the factors mentioned above will help.