I've moved into a smaller room and would like to maximize my space. I've decided to build a new bed frame, but for that to work how I would like I would need to eliminate my box-spring as it would make the bed too high.
I currently have a standard mattress, with a box-spring, on a metal frame. If the new bed frame has a solid enough foundation, could I eliminate the box-spring?
Yes. You can use slats instead of a box-spring. It will be a LITTLE bit stiffer, but it's perfectly fine and you'll love how your bed squeaks less. Here's a pic from an Ikea bed frame assembly guide - just as an example:
Box springs help evenly distribute pressure on the mattress not just while laying but also when you're getting on/off the bed resulting in concentrated pressure points. They are for the most part, very firm and yield only the slightest bit. Most box strings don't even consist of springs at all. They normally consist of cheap flexible wood, thin upholstery batting, and cardboard. Without a box spring you run a higher risk of popping a spring in your mattress. The thickness of a box spring is only for decoration while the functional properties could be reduced to a much smaller design.
Slats are typically used with mattresses that don't have springs (coils). If you want to go the slat approach and have a mattress with springs, I'd strongly suggest using a thin yet strong sheet like material over the slats. Something like plywood or faux wood paneling.
Take these concepts into mind whilst building your new frame and you should be perfectly fine without a traditional box spring.
No you don't need one IF you have a foundation for the mattress to lay on, a thick sheet of plywood would do, since that is basically what a box spring us though you bed will lie 4-6 inches lower if you only have a 4 inch typical mattress.
I have a friend that has sold furniture for years. He has told me that box springs can change the firmness of a mattress drastically. So, if you want to buy a firmer mattress, just remove the box spring instead.
No one in Europe uses box springs. They use slats or wire mesh, and lay mattress on that. Box springs are just a nest for bugs ! Go and buy a Euro bed at IKEA, less cost, less space, and no bug nest !
My opinion is the best mattress is a quality air mattress, specifically designed for a bed and not the camping-quality air mattress. Only one company that I know if that makes them, but I won't mention the name. You've probably seen the ads. Been using one for over 20 years and it is great. You can adjust the firmness. Doesn't bounce at all. I use a sheet of plywood beneath it vs box springs. No dangerous chemicals as found in some of the "foam" type mattresses. Same firmness after 20 years as on day 1. Only ones that don't like it are the traditional mattress dealers because it takes their business away.
