Metal Bed Frame Vs. Wood: Which is Right for You?

When purchasing a bed, most people focus on purchasing a new mattress, but after all, the mattress is what provides comfort, right?

Well, when it comes down to finding a bed that is both comfortable and sturdy the foundation — a wood or metal bed frame—plays a variable role in cost, stability, staying power, and yes, even comfort.

So, the question is, “is a metal or wood bed frame better for you?” Is it the wood frame, metal frame, or a combo of both?

At Just Wood Furniture, we’ll look at four factors most people consider when looking at bed frames to help you compare and decide.

 

The Cost of Metal Frames & Wooden Frames

For many people, their decisions are made based on their bank accounts. For a metal bed frame vs a wood frame, each has its own benefits.

For smaller beds and for metal bed frames with standard metal, the cost can be substantially less expensive compared to wood bed frames.

However, when dealing with larger-sized beds that may require a sturdier metal, or when preferring a sturdier metal on its own merit, wood bed frames can be a more economical option.

So, if the cost is your primary factor in choosing a wood or metal bed frame, it’s somewhat variable depending on your need or preference.

However, when dealing with smaller sizes and standard bed frames, metal typically will be the less expensive of the two.

If you are handy with woodwork or simply want to learn then check out these 16000 woodworking plans with easy to follow detailed drawings that include bed frames.

The Sturdiness of Metal Beds vs Beds of Wood

We can define sturdiness in several ways. For our case, we look at what holds up.

Similar to cost, a larger metal bed frame may be the sturdier option as it must be stronger to hold up to a larger mattress. That being said, even a standard-sized metal bed frame is less prone to physical damage than many wooden bed frames.

Still, wooden bed frames are generally considered the stronger option, made of thicker materials and sturdier stability systems, especially when done by a skillful tradesman specializing in custom-made wooden furniture. For more details on our design process check here.

Additionally, wooden bed frames are often constructed with slats, a structure that typically offers stronger support. Metal bed frames are rarely designed with this construction.

Wood is used purposefully for its sturdiness, making it the better option for support over time, especially if meant for your dreamy guest room.

How Noisy is a Wooden Bed vs One of Metal

You may not consider noise to be a huge factor when choosing a bed frame, however, for anyone who has owned a creaky bed, noise plays a big role in quality sleep.

Due to the sturdiness of wood and the fact that the frame is less likely to pull apart, wood bed frames are clearly the better option when it comes to noise.

Unfortunately, for people who prefer metal bed frames, whether a sturdy or standard frame, the likelihood that a metal bed frame will creak at some point is high.

The other consideration regarding noise is how you sleep and who you sleep with. For example, if you tend to move around a lot your bed or you sleep with a partner, your frame may begin creaking sooner than someone who remains still and sleeps alone.

Are Wooden Frames more Elastic Compared to Metal Bedframes?

The first option offers way more customization than number two. However, there are quite a few providers out there, who do offer metal frames you can adjust. If you don’t but want to put a headboard on, most models will have pre-drilled holes for you to use.

Which has Better Weight & Support

Most people think that it is wooden bed frames that are heavier but that’s not always how things turn out. Units made of metal are known to be space-efficient but especially with luxurious French bed sizes, weight can often top that of MDF and engineered wood bedframes.

According to the gentleman style guide, Joel Flynn, on many occasions, a heavy-duty queen size metal frame may outweigh a queen size frame, made of wood by far.

In terms of support, it mostly comes down to the actual design, rather than the material a frame is made from.

The funniest comment came from Fife Stonemasons Company, saying that there is nothing more sturdy than a good solid stone-brick base for your bed, which unfortunately is not what most can offer.

What are the Advantages of Metal Bed Frames

• Little to no maintenance
• Freedom of design
• Variety of colors and models
• Durability over the years
• Heat and fire are not a risk
• Child-friendly, because easy to paint

What are the Disadvantages of Metal Bed Frames

• Welding can be a weak point
• Less elegant than wooden frames
• Prone to rust if their paint sealing is damaged
• Difficult to recycle

What are the Advantages of Wood Beds

• Easy to customize
• Adding a unique touch
• Recycle-friendly
• Always trendy
• Glossy touch
• Additional support

What are the Disadvantages of Wood Beds

• Can cost a lot
• Often heavy
• Could rot

Preference

Regardless of how you compare wood and metal bed frames, the decision typically comes down to personal preference. Some prefer the stylish comfort and variable stains available for wooden bed frames, while others prefer the multitude of available styles and metallic finishes that metal frames can provide.

Choosing the right bed frame comes down to the factors which you value most. Wood is an excellent option for sturdiness, style, and limited noise. Metal bed frames are cost-efficient. With these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision about which is right for your sleeping preferences.