How to Pick a Platform Bed

Before you get swept up in the latest Asian furniture trend and pick up a platform bed, you can save yourself some money now and down the road by following these platform buying tips. Though everyone knows that furniture can vary dramatically in quality, few people know that not all platform beds work with all mattresses. In fact some platform beds even require additional box springs for support. So before you bring home a new platform bed make sure you follow these helpful tips and make the right selection.

The Slats Story

Some platform beds come with slats or bars to support your mattress and some do not. If you own a memory foam mattress, which do to their squared profile look great when used with platform beds, be advised that some memory foam mattress warranties are void if placed directly on slats. Not to fear! Just lay down a thin layer of plywood or heavy duty cardboard to protect your memory foam mattress investment. If you own a inner spring mattress you may also want to check your mattress warranty or lay down the plywood or cardboard just to be safe. This process is easy and will guarantee maximum life for your mattress.p>

Some platform beds come with no slats or platform at all. These bed manufacturers save money on materials this way and force you to use an unattractive box spring instead. Box springs are not designed to support your weight without slats and will sag with time. Do not purchase a platform bed without slats or solid platform..

The Wood Story

Most platform beds are made from particle board or veneer. We've even seen platform beds made from heavy duty cardboard that's covered in veneer. These beds won't last much more than a few years and should be avoided. So do yourself a favor before you make a purchase and be sure the platform bed you choose is made from solid wood! No composite woods.

Another common trick in the platform bed business is to sell beds with a “mahogany stain" or “oak finish". This does not mean the bed is made from mahogany or oak, rather that the bed has a wood like coloring. So to ensure that you get what you pay for, be sure to call the retailer and make sure that the platform bed you purchase is made from solid wood.


The Construction Story

Everyone has experienced wobbly chairs, desks, dressers and beds. These flimsy furniture pieces are most likely wobbly because they are held together with nails. With every vibration nails become looser and can not be tightened. Furniture fastened with screws is sturdier while furniture constructed with mortise and tenon joinery are even studier still. Mortise and tenon construction is similar to Lego toys in that an extension of one piece fits into a corresponding hole in another. Platform beds that incorporate mortise and tenon joinery will last for decades!

Follow these tips and your guaranteed to make a quality platform bed purchase.

Vist Tansu on the web for more information regarding platform beds or other Asian furniture styles.