Quck answer
1. Measure the size of your bed frame to determine the length and width of the bed slats you need.
2. Consider the material of the bed slats. Wood slats are common and provide good support, while metal slats are durable and long-lasting.
3. Decide on the type of bed slats you want. Solid slats are a single piece of material, while slatted slats are made up of multiple slats spaced evenly apart.
4. Research different retailers and online stores to compare prices and options. Read customer reviews to ensure quality and reliability.
5. Make your purchase, either online or in-store, and have the bed slats delivered or pick them up yourself.
6. Follow the instructions provided to install the bed slats securely onto your bed frame.
7. Enjoy a comfortable and well-supported sleep with your new bed slats.
Bed slats are essential for providing horizontal support to a box spring or mattress within a bed frame. While box springs can be supported by the metal L-frame of the bed frame, many people have experienced the inconvenience of their mattress slipping into the frame gap and falling to the floor during the night. By installing bed slats across the gap, the box spring is fully supported.
Bed slats are also beneficial for platform beds, either by offering additional support to the plywood platform or by forming the platform itself when the slats are closely spaced. In fact, some mattress manufacturers recommend closely spaced slats for better air circulation compared to a solid plywood platform.
Slat Options
There are several options to consider when purchasing bed slats:
- A commercial metal slat unit
- A commercial wood slat kit
- DIY slats made from lumber bought at a home center
Here are the steps to purchase slats for your bed:
Step 1: Measure Your Bed Frame
After assembling the bed frame and removing the mattress and/or box spring, measure the width between the side edges of the frame. Use this measurement to purchase the slats, whether it’s a commercial kit or boards that you cut yourself.
Step 2: Choose the Type of Slats
Consider these three types of slats:
Metal Slat Kit: Metal bed slats are adjustable to fit different bed dimensions and typically have a center support. However, they are more expensive than wood slat kits or DIY slats. Assembly is required for metal slats, but it is not difficult. These kits usually cost less than $100 and include all necessary hardware for attachment to the bed frame.
Wood Slat Kit: These kits come with a series of lateral slats connected by webbing or cords.
Wooden bed slats come connected with webbing, and are simply unrolled onto the bed frame.
Image Credit:
Rex Roof Flickr Creative Commons
Installation is easy as the slats are laid across the bed frame and unrolled. However, these kits are more expensive than cutting your own boards. Kits usually include the necessary hardware for attaching the slats to the bed frame sides.
DIY Slats: This is the most cost-effective option where you can cut your own slats from 1 x 4 pine lumber. If you have a box spring, three or four cross boards will be sufficient. If the slats will serve as a platform for a mattress, make sure to space them no more than 3 inches apart.
Step 3: Installing the Slats
Metal Slat Kit: Put together the kit between the side frame members, and adjust it to fit the space between the bed frame. Secure it to the bed frame using the hardware provided with the kit. If the kit has them, adjust the center legs so they provide strong support for the center of the slat unit.
Wood Slat Kit: Roll out the slat kit onto the bed frame cleats or L-irons. If desired, you can fasten the ends of the slats to wooden side cleats by driving screws, although they can also be left to fit loosely within the frame to facilitate future disassembly.
DIY Slats: Cut the slats to the appropriate length, about 1/4 inch shorter than the distance between the sides of the bed frame. Place the slats across the bed frame. If desired, you can attach the ends of the slats to the wooden cleats or L-irons with screws or bolts. Alternatively, leave the slats loosely fitted to make future disassembly easier.
