Building your bed in the comfort of your own home can help you ensure comfortable rest and sleep. Wood is one of the best materials for this, but due to its wide selection, it can sometimes be confusing to choose.
To help you out, our woodworkers will share and elaborate which is the best wood for a bed frame or slat for you.
Top 18 Wood Types for Bed Frames & Slats
1. Ash
Ash wood is considered a very versatile type of wood. It can be used to construct various pieces of wood furniture for different purposes. It has a light color, which makes it pleasing aesthetically. Also, it aligns with different room decors.
What We Like
- Easy to work with
- Stylish aesthetic
- Strong
What We Don't Like
- Susceptible to insects and fungal attack
- Not suitable for outdoors
2. Beech
Beechwood is a crowd favorite. It’s popular among craftsmen, especially those that make high-end slats. Many manufacturers find this wood as a more reliable one compared to other hardwood slats. Each piece of this wood has an accurate thickness.
What We Like
- Strong
- User friendly
- Beautiful wood
What We Don't Like
- Not advisable for outdoor use
- Expensive
3. Bamboo
Bamboo is a popular choice among woodworkers, as its lightweight. Furthermore, due to its biology and fast-growing properties, it can be found anywhere. Bamboo wood is very strong and sturdy.
But do you want to know how strong bamboo is? Read this article next!
What We Like
- Strong
- Durable
- Easily accessible
What We Don't Like
- Difficult to work with
- Expensive compared to other woods
4. Birch
Birchwood is considered light wood. It is used to construct slats that have a medium thickness. It is considered to be stronger than oak. And it can support heavy weights for a long period.
What We Like
- Strong wood
- Attractive
- Durable
What We Don't Like
- Unusual color
- Expensive
5. Cedar
Cedar is considered a softwood, generally softer than pine. In terms of Janka hardness, pine is 420, and cedar is 320. This type of wood is very durable and can last a long time with proper care and attention. Besides, this species is workable and has a uniform grain pattern.
Read More: Is Cedar Really a Softwood and Not a Hardwood?
What We Like
- Durable wood
- Lightweight
- Good thermal insulator
What We Don't Like
- Color tends to fade with time
- Flammable
6. Cherry
Cherry wood is used as a source of bed frame materials and can also be used for outdoor furniture. This type of wood is very durable, and its heartwood is rot-resistant. Natural ones have a light pink tone, and it oxidizes into a reddish-brown color. But you can stain cherry wood to achieve the final look you desire.
What We Like
- Durable
- Attractive
- Strong
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Does not resist water
7. Douglas Fir
Douglas fir wood is produced from the Douglas fir tree, sourced from plantations of timber located across North America. This specific type of slat is common and easy on the pocket. Furthermore, this wood type has a natural beauty if this is your preference.
What We Like
- Solid
- Durable
- Pest resistant
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Scratches easily
8. Ebony
Ebony wood is one of the most sought-after wood species due to its premium quality and striking appearance. This wood is known to be very durable and stable and is considered one of the top choices when making wood frames and slats.
What We Like
- Resistant to insects and termite attack
- Stable and durable
- Attractive
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Difficult to work with
9. Mahogany
Mahogany wood is one of the in-demand hardwoods when constructing bed frames. It is known for its wonderful grain pattern and rich colour. The resulting lumber from this wood can be sanded and stained easily. However, mahogany dust can cause allergic reactions.
What We Like
- Naturally resistant to weather
- Durable
- Beautiful wood
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Many fakes and copies
10. Maple (Hard and Soft Maple)
Maple wood (hard or soft) is one of the best wood for bed framing constructions. It is generally easy to work with and possesses a unique straight-grain texture. This wood type can be stained and painted over however, it is not as easy as other types.
What We Like
- Strong
- Durable
- Polishes well
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Not pest-resistant
11. Oakwood
Oak wood is an excellent choice when making bed frames. It has a very grainy hardwood and a tiger stripe grain pattern. This wood type is strong and sturdy enough to survive everyday use. You can choose between red oak or white oak.
What We Like
- Highly durable
- Resistant to warping
- Resist fungal and insect attacks
What We Don't Like
- Staining can darken the hue
- Expensive
12. Pinewood
Pine wood is another wood type considered one of the best wood for bed framing construction, especially when you’re on a budget. You can customize it easily since it can be stained and painted on.
What We Like
- Sturdy
- Easy to work with
- Easy on the budget
What We Don't Like
- Soft
- Easily scratched
13. Poplar Wood
Generally, Poplar wood is a good material for constructing slats, making it a good wood for bed frame assembling. It is generally easy to work with and can be stained and painted, just like other wood types. Besides, it’s a good alternative to pine wood.
What We Like
- Strong
- Durable
- Easy on the budget
What We Don't Like
- Too soft
- Hard to stain
14. Red Oak
Oak is a common material used when constructing bed slats. This wood species is known to resist wear and tea, and it is non-yielding and stiff. This wood for bed frame is widely available, which you can easily purchase from local hardware stores.
What We Like
- Its reddish brown color is aesthetically pleasing
- Strong
- Durable
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Heavy
15. Teak
Teak wood is a popular and one of the highly favored wood types for a variety of wood projects. It’s strong and can be used for indoor and outdoor wooden furniture. It is known to be strong, beautiful, and durable.
What We Like
- Versatile wood
- Resistant to rot and decay
- Resistant to termites
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Hard to source
16. Walnut
Walnut is a popular choice among woodworkers, especially for making a wood bed frame. It is very durable and stable, and it is shock resistant. Besides, not just bed frames, you can make headboards with walnut, too!
What We Like
- Has several colors
- Durable
- Attractive
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Color variations can be unpleasant
17. White Pine
White pine is another common wood used for wooden bed frames. It is common and widely available. It can be distinguished by its light, whitish color accompanied by a medium texture. Furthermore, it has a closed-grain pattern.
What We Like
- Beautiful grain pattern
- Easy to work with
- Strong
What We Don't Like
- Prone to scratches
- Requires regular maintenance
18. Yellow Pine
Yellow pine wood is considered a high-quality wood that can result in durable, strong, and sturdy bed slats. Its firm grain results in the wood having a large amount of weight.
It is recommended for the construction of king-sized beds. Be careful when purchasing yellow pine. Do not confuse it with Ponderosa pine and the sugar pine
What We Like
- Available in the local store and online
- Comes in different sizes
- Lightweight
What We Don't Like
- Prone to dents and scratches
- Difficult to stain
Why Opt for a Wooden Bed Frame: Pros and Cons
Using the finest wood for the frame of your bed can help you get a comfortable sleep. However, opting for a wood bed frame has its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
Here are some pros of using wooden bed frames.
Sustainability
One of the most important pros of using wood is that wooden bed frames are sustainable. Wood will not easily decay, nor will it rust, unlike metal. In addition, it can be turned into manure to help fertilize the growth of new vegetation.
Practicality
In terms of practicality, wood for bed frames is more practical than metal ones. Especially since metal ones are prone to rust and can expose humans to electromagnetic fields (EMF).
Durability
Wood is a very durable material. Metal frames may last a lifetime, but some species of wood products also last a long time. Some wood species, like walnut wood, can persist for as long as 70 years, and others can last a century with proper care.
Styling Options
In terms of styling options, wood is highly versatile and can be easily styled compared to metal. This can bring additional value to the bedframe, especially if you plan on engraving intricate designs on it.
Cons
Here are some cons of using wood in making bed frames.
Price
One of the major disadvantages of using wood for your bed frame is the price point. Wooden bed frames cost more compared to other bed frame materials. For example, oak which is a solid hardwood species can cost up to ten dollars per board foot.
Weight
The specific type of wood will influence the resulting weight. A heavier wood for bed frame construction is generally better compared to metal ones. This can become a challenge, especially when moving beds or moving residences.
Should You Opt for a Softwood or Hardwood for a Bed Frame?
Both kinds of wood should be okay for a bed frame, but there are certain situations where softwood is better than hardwood.
One main difference between the two is that solid hardwoods are more durable and water resistant. Hardwood lasts longer and requires minimal maintenance. Hardwoods tend to have distinctive grain structures and deeper colors.
Furthermore, hardwood wood bed frames cost higher compared to softwoods. Softwoods are known to be more affordable than their hardwood counterparts.
Other Factors to Consider When Picking the Right Wood For Bed Frames
There are certain factors to consider when choosing the right wood for bed frames. Here are a few of these factors to bear in mind.
Size and Weight
A bigger size and heavier frame can support more weight. However, heavier frames make it difficult to move around. Make sure to get the right size of a wooden frame that can help you get a comfortable sleep.
Assembly/ Simple Setup
Make sure to choose wooden frames that are simple and easy to work with. It is best to choose one that can be assembled easily.
Noise
Woods tend to expand and contract, which can result in creaking noises. So, we suggest you always consider the stability of the wood.
Finish
Consider the final finish of the wood when considering this material for making bed frames. Here are some wood recommendations you might like to consider:
- Red oak has a tight grain pattern and can be stained, darkened, or just have a natural finish.
- Maple has a unique look, but you can also stain this wood
- Cedarwood has a light brown finish
FAQ
How can you make the bed frame stronger?
You can make the bed frame stronger by installing box springs [1] or plywood over the slats. You can also add more slats to support the center beam.
See Also: Recommended Wood for Making Birdhouses
Conclusion
You spent a lot of time sleeping and taking your rest. Thus, it is a wonderful idea to consider solid and durable indoor furniture such as bed frames and slats.
Being mindful and knowing the best wood for bed frames will save you time, energy, and money.
- Echo CS-490 Review (2023) — Horsepower, Chain, and Specs - June 4, 2023
- Eggshell vs Satin Paint — What are the Differences? - June 3, 2023
- What Is The Best Wood For A Garden Shed? - June 2, 2023
