Crafting a bed right within the sanctuary of your home promises the kind of restful slumber we all yearn for. And when it comes to choosing the ideal material, wood stands out as a top contender.
But with such a vast array of options, where do you even begin? Fear not! As a wood expert, I’ll break down the best wood types for your bed frame or slats. So, let’s dive in, and let’s find that perfect match 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 I Like
- It's easy to work with
- I like the stylish aesthetic
- This wood is strong
What I Don't Like
- Susceptible to insects and fungal attack
- Not suitable for outdoors
2. Beech
Beechwood is widely favored, particularly among skilled craftsmen who specialize in creating top-notch slats. This wood variety is highly sought after by manufacturers due to its reputation for reliability, surpassing other hardwood slats in terms of quality.
Moreover, it offers precise and consistent thickness, ensuring uniformity and precision in the construction of slats. This attribute makes it a preferred choice for craftsmen who prioritize accuracy and consistency in their work.
What I Like
- This is a strong wood
- It's user friendly
- It's a beautiful wood for various applications
What I Don't Like
- Not advisable for outdoor use
- This wood is 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 I Like
- This wood is strong
- I like the durability
- It's easily accessible
What I 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 I Like
- This is a strong wood
- It has an attractive appearance
- It is proven to be durable
What I Don't Like
- The color is unusual
- It's 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 I Like
- It's a durable wood
- This is a lightweight wood
- It has good thermal insulator
What I Don't Like
- The color tends to fade with time
- It's 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 I Like
- This is a durable wood
- The wood grain is attractive
- I can rely on its strength
What I Don't Like
- This is expensive
- It 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 I Like
- This is a solid type of wood
- It makes for a durable bed frame
- It's pest resistant
What I Don't Like
- This wood is expensive
- It 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 I Like
- It has resistant to insects and termite attack
- It's stable and durable
- I like the atractive wood grain
What I 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 I Like
- Naturally resistant to weather
- This wood is durable
- It's a beautiful wood
What I 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 I Like
- The strength is reliable
- It has proven durability
- It polishes well
What I Don't Like
- Expensive
- It's 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 I Like
- This wood is highly durable
- It's resistant to warping
- It can resist fungal and insect attacks
What I 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 I Like
- This wood type is sturdy
- It's easy to work with
- It's Easy on the budget
What I Don't Like
- It's kind of soft
- It is prone to scratches
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 I Like
- Poplar is strong wood
- Its durability suits bed frames and slats
- It's easy on the budget
What I 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 I Like
- Its reddish brown color is aesthetically pleasing
- Strong
- Durable
What I 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 I Like
- Versatile wood
- Resistant to rot and decay
- Resistant to termites
What I 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 I Like
- Has several colors
- Durable
- Attractive
What I 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 I Like
- Beautiful grain pattern
- Easy to work with
- Strong
What I 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 I Like
- Available in the local store and online
- Comes in different sizes
- Lightweight
What I 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
Wood naturally expands and shrinks with changes in its environment, leading to those pesky creaking sounds. For a lasting, noise-free experience, always choose stable wood varieties. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Finish
Consider the final finish of the wood when considering this material for making bed frames. Here are some of my 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 spend a significant chunk of your life sleeping and recharging, so it’s only wise to invest in sturdy and long-lasting bedroom furniture like bed frames and slats.
Trust me, knowing your woods and picking the best one for your bed frame not only saves you time and energy but also your hard-earned money. Choose wisely!
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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