Memory foam mattresses are the recent favorites because of the health benefits. These mattresses are used for optimal support and comfort. They distribute the body weight evenly and it leads to better blood circulation.
But, can you put a memory foam mattress on plywood?
Yes, you can easily put a memory foam mattress on plywood. In fact, you will be happy to know that plywood acts as a cost-effective solution, providing reliable support for memory foam mattresses. However, there are better options available that provide better strength and stability.
Because in order to take full advantages of such mattresses you would need a good foundation. It is one of the most essentials factor to consider. And we all know that plywood offers great foundation. So you should know whether your memory foam mattress would go hand on hand with plywood or not.
Before getting to it, we should know what are the things a good mattress can provide you with.
A good mattress foundation has many benefits, like it adds height, increases airflow, and stops the mattress from sliding. Besides, it improves the lifespan of the mattress too.
Without a proper foundation, there is a possibility of sagging the mattress. As a result, sleep quality is affected, and it also causes body aches and pains. So, it is important to use a good foundation for perfect sleep for your mattress.
Can you Put A Memory Foam Mattress On Plywood?
A sturdy and solid foundation is important for a memory foam mattress. The foundation should work suitably to extend good support.
If you wonder if a memory foam mattress can be put on plywood, then the answer is a yes. Plywoods act as a cost-effective solution, providing reliable support for memory foam mattresses. But it is certainly not the best one.
Plywood sheets consist of thin timber layers, they provide better strength and stability. They have a smooth surface too. Plywood is also quite durable. Therefore, plywood is popularly used as a foundation for memory foam mattresses.
How thick should plywood be under a mattress?
The mattress needs firm support. The thickness of the plywood depends on the mattress type. 19mm is the minimum thickness recommended for the plywood for a single-sized bed. It can also be thicker if the mattress has more weight. For a double-sized bed, the minimum thickness of the mattress is 30mm.
Type of Foundation for Mattress
There are different types of foundation mattresses. Some of the common mattress bases are:
Box Spring
A wooden or metal framework, box springs are sturdy platform bases for mattresses. These are covered in fabrics and are traditionally used for innerspring mattresses. They can add height to the bed surface. Also, they help in the even distribution of weight and absorb pressure evenly.
Box spring foundations are not recommended for foam mattresses as they lack a flat solid surface.
Platform Bed/Slatted Foundation
Bed slats are solid wooden planks arranged across the bed frame. They are less expensive, and these can be moved around easily. They can be customized according to the size of the bed. As they have gaps, airflow increases too, making the bed more comfortable. Therefore, these are cheaper and more durable options for mattress foundation.
The spacing between the slats should not be too wide as it will lead to the sagging of the mattress. A 3 inch spacing between the slats is a good option to prevent sagging. Slatted foundation can be used for memory foam mattresses as well.
Metal Bed Frame
Metal bed frames cannot be used alone as mattress foundations. Metal slats can be used for additional support, and they are durable and offer sturdy support to the mattress. Box springs can be used in place of metal slats.
Metal bed frames can be easily assembled and moved. Another advantage is they are germ-free and do not promote the growth of bugs.
Solid Base
Solid platform bases are commonly made up of wood or metal. They form a supportive base for memory foam mattresses and are also durable. They add height to the mattress and help air circulation for a comfortable sleep. They can be dismantled easily. A sturdier solid base frame is preferred as it is long-lasting.
What bed base is best for a memory foam mattress?
A solid or slatted foundation is the best option for memory foam mattresses. Such mattresses need a stable surface for support. Solid wooden or metal bases are popularly used for memory foam mattresses as they are robust and steady.
Strong and good quality solid plywood frames can be used as mattress foundations. Slatted foundations with minimal gaps ensure airflow, helping in natural ventilation. They also help in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. As a result, you sleep comfortably.
Another option for the foundation of memory foam mattresses is solid divan bases. They also have ventilation holes that ensure airflow. Cheap and poor quality bases should be avoided.
Benefits of Good Bed Foundation
A proper bed foundation ensures the durability of the mattress and offers additional health benefits and aids in comfortable sleep. Therefore, proper attention must be paid while opting for a bed foundation. Here are some of the benefits of a good mattress foundation:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you use plywood as a bunkie board?
Bunkie boards provide extra support to the mattress; They are placed between the mattress and the bed frame. The height of these boards is about a few inches, and they can be customized as per the size of the mattress.
To protect the mattress from tearing, it is covered with fabric. Bunkie boards prevent the sinking of the mattresses, and it also helps protect the shape of the mattress. Plywood can be used as bunkie boards.
What is the difference between a bunkie board and plywood?
Both bunkie boards and plywoods are designed to boost the mattress. Bunkie boards are flat sheets of wood covered using a fabric, whereas plywood is thin wooden sheets that are placed together and glued. Bunkie boards are polished and covered in fabric.
They can be made using plywood, metals, particle wood etc. They can be slatted, as a result of which the airflow improves. But, plywood is a lightweight flat sheet and does not promote good airflow compared to bunkie boards. Also, bunkie boards are more expensive.
Can I replace bed slats with plywood?
Although bed slats promote breathability and increase airflow, the major disadvantage is the gap present. They are not the best options for memory foam mattresses. The mattress can push in between the slats.
As a result, the mattress can get damaged easily, and its lifespan may also be reduced. But, bed slats can be replaced by plywood to increase the strength of the bed as a whole. As the surface of plywood is flat and even, they extend better and firmer support to the mattress. Thus, slats can be replaced with an appropriate plywood sheet.
Will plywood make a mattress firmer?
Lack of proper sturdy support can lead to mattress sagging. This affects the quality of the mattress and also durability reduces. For a firm base, plywood sheets are very good options.
These sheets can improve the mattress’s durability, helping it stay in position without sliding off. Also, due to the firm surface of the plywood sheet, it can make the mattress firmer. They can also be used to support memory foam mattresses.
Conclusion
As discussed, memory foam mattresses are different from traditional mattresses. So, they need extra support to lengthen their lifespan and ensure that they remain firm and sturdy.
Plywood sheets can be an excellent foundation base for these mattresses and extend the necessary support. So, memory foam mattresses can be put on plywood to provide a strong foundation base for these mattresses.
