When you’re shopping for wood to build a bed, you don’t have to settle for anything less than the best, and you can find beautiful, high-quality wood right there in the U.S.
This guide will help you learn more about different types of wood and what you can use them to create when it comes to your home and your furniture, so check it out.
What’s the Best Wood for Bed Frame?
Common hardwoods, such as maple, cherry, mahogany, and teak wood, are considered the best types of wood for constructing bed frames. Although softwoods, such as pine and cedar, are easier to shape, they aren’t as strong as their hardwood counterparts thus might not last very long.
Quick Points
Wood For Bed Frame
There are many types of wood out there and it can be hard to figure out which is the best kind. If you are looking for one that will last a long time, look no further than oak.
It is strong, has a beautiful grain pattern, and doesn’t shrink or warp over time. Plus, this type of wood is great because it’s resistant to insect damage so you don’t have to worry about pests making their way into your home.
You should also consider using pine as your frame material because it is very inexpensive and comes in large lengths. It may not last as long as other woods but it does provide an affordable option that can suit any budget.
Pros of Wooden Bed Frames
Sustainable: Wood has the most important benefit over other bed frame materials in terms of sustainability. Unlike metal, which does not degrade, wood products break down readily and generate manure, which aids in the creation of new trees.
Style options: Wood is far more versatile than metal. This is important if you want to add delicate elements to your bed frame. It’s also much easier to drill through wood parts to embellish your bed frame.
Durability: Wood is extremely long-lasting. Yes, metal frames are durable. However, most hardwood materials do as well. For example, walnut wood goods may readily survive 70 years or more, and some can even last a century with proper care.
Practicality: Metal is an excellent alternative, but difficulties like corrosion and exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) make it less feasible for bed frames. According to studies, metal beds can cause sleeplessness, headaches, and nightmares.
Cons of Wooden Bed Frames
Cost: The greatest timber bedframes are, however, much more expensive than metal frames. In-demand hardwoods, such as oak, can cost tens of dollars per foot, making bed frames prohibitively pricey.
Weight varies according to the type of wood. The best woods for bed frames, on the other hand, are often heavier than metal frames. This may cause issues when relocating the bed or moving residences.
Below are the various types of wood for bed frames that you need to know.
1. Pine
Pine is a softwood that is relatively inexpensive and widely available. Pine’s natural color ranges from light yellowish brown to reddish brown.
It can be difficult to stain the wood because of its porous nature, but it can be painted or varnished without difficulty.
2. Oak
Oak is a durable, heavy hardwood that can last for years. Oak is used in a wide variety of applications from furniture to flooring to cabinetry. One downside of oak is that it tends to be expensive due to its durability.
But, if you are looking for a strong, long-lasting material then oak may be the right choice, especially when paired with another softer wood like pine or poplar. If you want a more affordable option, birch or poplar will work nicely as well.
3. Maple
Maple is a hardwood with a beautiful grain and can be found in several colors.
Maple is a strong and dense hardwood that has been used for furniture, flooring, cabinetry, musical instruments, and more. However, it is not the most popular choice because of its tendency to show scratches easily.
4. Mahogany
Mahogany is a great choice because it’s strong, durable, and beautiful. It has a reddish hue which darkens over time.
Mahogany can last up to 100 years if properly cared for and is one of the most expensive types of wood available. But that doesn’t mean you should shy away from it! The cost may be worth it in the long run.
5. Cherry
Cherry is a type of hardwood that’s dense, strong, and beautiful. It has a distinctive reddish-brown color with dark veins running through it.
It’s also one of the more expensive woods due to its rarity and difficulty in harvesting. Cherry is often used in furniture construction because it has such great durability qualities.
6. Walnut
Walnut is a beautiful and luxurious hardwood that is known for its striking appearance and rich walnut color. Walnut does not have the highest strength-to-weight ratio of all woods, but it certainly has a higher resistance to decay than many other species.
Walnut is among the most expensive hardwoods available on the market because of its rareness in North America.
7. Ebony
Ebony is a hard, dark-colored wood that can be quite difficult to work with.
While ebony’s hardness and rich colour make it an excellent choice for things like chess boards, it will not do well as a material for your bed frame.
You’re better off choosing another type of wood like ash or maple if you’re looking for something more versatile.
8. Bamboo
Bamboo is an excellent choice because it has some of the qualities of both hardwood and softwood. It is durable, yet flexible and springs back quickly.
Bamboo is also very lightweight which makes it easy to work with. While bamboo might be a little more expensive than other woods, it will last many times longer than those cheaper options.
Three ultimate choices of best wood for building bed frame
There are many different types of wood, but these three are considered the best:
Mahogany is a popular choice because it is both sturdy and beautiful. It also has a good resistance against termites, which can be an issue in humid climates. Mahogany builds up a nice patina over time, making it even more appealing.
Oak is another traditional choice, but it is harder than mahogany and therefore not as suitable in humid climates. In other environments, however, oak holds up well over time. It has a classic look and beautiful grain patterns.
Teak is an excellent option in areas that are prone to termite infestation. It has a classic look and like oak, it holds up well over time. Teak is also beautiful, with rich grain patterns and golden undertones.
READ ALSO: What Is A Woodworking Jointer Used For |Full Guide
5 things to note about strong wood for bed frame
1. Oak– One of the most popular and strongest woods for furniture, oak can be found in a variety of colours, but generally, it is light brown with dark brown streaks. It is strong, heavy, and durable.
2. Hard Maple– Strong and inexpensive, hard maple has a beautiful appearance that is often found in butcher block cutting boards. It’s light in color with faint grain streaks and looks almost golden when finished.
3. Ash– Solid and strong, ash is a very hard wood with a fine grain. It has a reddish brown color, but there are many variations ranging from light blonde to near black. Although not as durable as oak or maple, it will last longer than softer woods such as pine.
4. Beech– With an appearance similar to maple, beech is often found in furniture that blends dark and light colours together.
It’s very strong, close-grained, fine-textured, easy to work with, and fairly inexpensive. It will accept a nice finish without blotching or grain raise.
5. Soft Maple– Also known as rock maple, soft maple is found in many homes because it’s relatively inexpensive and easy to work with. It has a fine, uniform grain that makes it good for furniture, flooring, or cutting boards.
Wood for bed frame slats
Wood slats are what keep your mattress off the floor. Choosing the right material is a key factor in determining how long your bed frame will last and how comfortable you’ll be sleeping on it. Here are some of the best materials for slats, according to a lumber expert.
Pine: Pine is among the most affordable woods, so it’s great if you’re looking for a cheap but reliable option. It’s also not as heavy as other woods like oak or walnut which makes it easier to handle.
Oak: Solid oak is an excellent choice if you’re looking for quality bed frame slats with durability that lasts. It doesn’t splinter easily and is less likely to warp or twist over time. However, oak does cost more than pine so you’ll want to make sure this is the perfect fit for your budget before deciding.
Walnut: Walnut has been used in furniture making for centuries because it holds up well over time. Its colour changes from light brown to dark brown with age, adding to its beauty and character.
Poplar: Poplar is another hardwood with a relatively low price point. It’s strong and stiff, making it ideal if you like a firm sleeping surface.
Maple: Maple is a softer wood that’s not as durable as oak. But if you’re more concerned about comfort than durability, it’s a great choice.
READ ALSO: 13 Best Wood Floor Polish You Can Use Easily
FAQ
What is the best material to make a bed frame?
Materials made of oak, like mahogany, rosewood, hardwoods, or solid woods are typically chosen because they’re durable and tend to take stain well. Mahogany is a tough, hardwood, but not as tough as oak.
The real issue with this is that it doesn’t last as long if you want a hardwood that will last a lifetime. Instead, consider rosewood which has beautiful, natural color variations and can be cut into intricate designs.
What bed frames are strongest?
Metal or steel frames are the strongest option, but they’re also the most expensive, also the next best choice is a wooden frame.
You can find wooden frames in many different types of wood and with varying levels of durability. Pine, cedar, and oak are all good choices that will last at least a few years, and usually much longer if treated properly.
Other common woods like poplar, mahogany, and beechwood may not be as durable but still, make decent frames, and the best thing about these materials is that they won’t hurt your wallet as much as metal or steel models.
Which are the strongest bed slats?
The strongest bed slats are sprung bed slats. Springs provide support and keep your mattress in place, which is great if you have one of those mattresses that like to spring off the bed.
They also make it easier to change sheets by making it easier to get them on and off the bed, and they can reduce pressure points by distributing weight evenly across a larger area.
Spring beds also tend to be lighter and more durable than box springs or wooden slats with no springs because they use less material in their construction.
How thick should wood be for a bed frame?
The best types of wood for a bed frame are thick and sturdy. You want the frame to be at least 3⁄4 thick, this will provide plenty of support for your mattress.
You can also use thinner pieces if you have trouble finding thicker boards, but make sure you still have at least 8-10 inches on either side of your mattress or box springs so it doesn’t sag in the middle when you get in and out of bed.
READ ALSO: 13 Best Wood for Desktop with Pros and Cons| Expert Advice
What makes a bed frame strong?
A strong bed frame is one that uses a central support leg, and this supports the weight of the mattress and ensures that it does not tip over.
It also prevents sagging in the middle which could cause someone to roll out of bed in their sleep, also the best type of wood for these legs is made from solid pine or cedar as these woods will resist moisture, rot, and insects.
Another important factor for a sturdy bed frame is if it has cross members on all four corners of the headboard and footboard area, this allows for even distribution of weight across the whole structure and prevents bending in any specific spot, and then finally, you should use dowels with screws at both ends
Conclusion
There are many kinds of wood that can be used in the construction of a bed frame. Just be sure to consider strength, durability, and cost when selecting what type of wood is best for your project.
So, it comes down to what type of bed frame you want, your budget, and other factors, such as aesthetic preferences too.
If this article was helpful please subscribe to our email list by using the form below for more updates like this.
