How to Build a Memory Foam Mattress Foundation in 3 Easy Steps

To obtain a good night’s sleep, you may need to invest in a new mattress. Most of us wake up with aches, pains, and restlessness because we sleep on something that is just too unpleasant. As most of you are aware, a foundation is a structure or basis that supports a mattress. Solid foundations are necessary for memory foam to function correctly.

That’s why it’s important to learn how to build a memory foam mattress foundation on your own. If you don’t know that then you will have to depend on a third party all the time, which isn’t a great option to have anyways.

How to Build a Memory Foam Mattress Foundation
How to Build a Memory Foam Mattress Foundation?

With this three-step DIY instruction, you’ll learn how to construct a memory foam mattress foundation in no time at all. To get started, you need hardwood and a few essential tools. Everything you need to know about memory foam foundations is contained in our guide.


What is the Best Bed Base for a Memory Foam Mattress? 

It is recommended that you utilize a slatted or solid mattress base when you have a memory foam mattress. If you decide on a slatted base, the slats should not be more than 2.75 inches apart from one another.

Bed Base for a Memory Foam Mattress
What is the Best Bed Base for a Memory Foam Mattress? 

To make your memory foam mattress more sturdy, you’ll need to purchase more slats or a Bunkie board to space them farther apart.

Having a solid surface, such as a plank of wood, may give the necessary support for a memory foam mattress, yes. However, they may also trap heat and moisture, which can lead to mold formation in some instances. The most significant disadvantage of a typical memory foam mattress is the propensity of the mattress to retain heat.

Many manufacturers include cooling gels into their products to improve heat dispersion. A properly slatted foundation may also assist in keeping your mattress cool by allowing air to pass through the bottom of the mattress and into the space underneath it.


How to Build a Memory Foam Mattress Foundation (Easy Guide)

Things needed to build Memory Foam Mattress Foundation:

🛠️ Hardwood.
🛠️ Measuring tape.
🛠️ Drill machine.
🛠️ Wood Screws.
🛠️ Crossbar.
🛠️ Wood glue.


I have been building my own mattress foundation for a decade now. The steps are not that difficult but if you don’t follow properly you won’t be able to achieve desired results. So I would suggest you to learn how to build a memory foam mattress foundation from the below section without much difficulty.

Make A Foundation For A Memory Foam Mattress
How Do You Make A Foundation For A Memory Foam Mattress?

The First Step Is Getting Wood

  • To get started on a project, you must have all of the wood you need. For this, you’ll need to take measurements of your mattress’s length and breadth. There are a few different techniques to lay a foundation.
  • You might begin by making the mattress as close to the edge of the frame as possible. The mattress may fall off, but it will be simpler to make the bed this way.
  • You may also make a cradle for the mattress by putting a border around it. Despite the fact that this will hold the mattress in place, it may not be easy to put sheets and mattress coverings on it.
  • Measure the entire frame, as well as the crossbars for additional support. As many as three cross beams are required to prevent drooping or breaking, depending on the width of the bed.
  • Be aware that the outside frame is somewhat longer than the center crossbars. ” Before having your woodcut, be sure you measure it many times. This will save you money in the long run since you won’t have to keep buying more.
  • You’ll also need wood for the slats that cover the frame and for the feet. Stability will be improved with more slats and higher feet, and you’ll be able to store stuff beneath the bed. As a result, consider this while designing your building.

Making The Frame Is The Next Step

  • You’ll need to make sure you have adequate room while constructing the foundation for your mattress. Make it either in the room where you want to keep it (if possible) or in a separate work area.
  • Attach the two end pieces to the side pieces to complete the frame. Using wood glue to secure the pieces together prevents the wood from moving while nails are driven in. Identify the drying time required so you can prepare ahead of time.
  • Wooden panels should be added to the exterior of the base structure when making a mattress cradle. It will be easy to assemble this way. As a result, fasten screws to the corners of the frame once the panels have been glued on.
  • Insert the crossbars once the outer frame has been put up and it’s ready to go. Your slats will span the width of the bed. Therefore they should be placed lengthwise. Set them in place once again using wood glue.
  • Screws or nails may be used once the adhesive has cured. You’ll want to drill a hole first if you plan on using screws. Nails are helpful, but they are prone to breaking or pulling away from the skin throughout.
  • The slats can be added once the frame has been secured with screws or nails. Attaching them to the side rails and the crossbars in the center will work best. They are more stable this way. Make sure you have enough slats to keep the mattress from sagging by adding extra, and as with the frame, gluing them in place before screwing (or nailing) can increase their stability.

The memory foam mattress base is now complete

  • Add the legs to the bed base to complete it.
  • Check for any nails or screws that could be in place before fastening the legs to the frame you’ve already created. Glue the legs before nailing them to the frame.
  • The cradle of the foundation should be turned over before installing it.
  • Check the foundation’s size and solidity to see whether you need to add extra legs to the sides rather than simply the corners.

frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Is it OK to put a memory foam mattress on a regular box spring?

I don’t recommend it. It would be best to never combine a box spring with an adjustable bed frame and a memory foam mattress. A mattress often requires a sturdy basis, such as a box spring or foundation board, to keep its structure intact. Some newer mattresses may need a sturdy metal frame to maintain their form and general firmness. A memory foam mattress on top of a standard mattress may work.

2. Can you use plywood under a foam mattress?

Memory foam mattresses should not be placed on top of a solid surface like plywood. To prevent mold growth, don’t place the foam on a surface that can’t allow it to breathe, such as a floor or plywood.

3. Do I need a boxspring if I have slats?

A box spring is not required in most cases when using a bed with wood slats built into it, such as those found in a platform bed, for example. In this case, adding box springs to your bed will raise the height and weight of your bed, not the amount of support it provides.

4. How far apart should slats be for a foam mattress?

Solid surfaces or slats no more than 2.75 inches apart must be used to support the weight of the Memory Foam Mattress. A flat foundation to set your mattress on is required if your bed frame does not have a solid base or if the slats are spaced wider apart than the standard spacing. A bunkie board might come in handy in this situation.

5. How thick should bed slats be?

Boards of pine or fir that are 3 or 4 inches broad are an excellent option for this project. In addition to being robust enough to hold your weight, they are frequently affordable as well.

6. What is the difference between a foam mattress and a memory foam mattress?

Because of the large number of small spring beads in the memory foam seems to be a cell structure. These are beneficial for increasing responsiveness when a lot of pressure is applied. On the other hand, the pure foam has certain qualities that are comparable to those of memory foam, but it is not much denser. 
Memory foam mattresses are quite popular because of their luxurious comfort and support. These mattresses are contoured to your body form and contain contouring elements to help you sleep better. When it comes to pure foam beds, there are various ways to make them. However, it does not provide the same level of service durability as memory foam.

Conclusion

Make sure you don’t strike any nails or screws already embedded in the wood while working. You may need to prepare ahead to ensure that your legs are properly connected. You can keep your memory foam mattress from drooping with the proper foundation. 

You’ll start with the exterior frame, then the cradle, crossbars, slats, and legs to complete the exact steps of how to build a memory foam mattress foundation. The overall stability of the frame will be determined by proper measurements and the use of appropriate materials.

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