Best Wood for a Bed Frame and Slat

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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

sawing Ash wood

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. 

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2. Beech

Beechwood

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. 

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3. Bamboo

Bamboo mill

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!

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4. Birch

Birch grain pattern

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. 

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5. Cedar

sawing Cedar wood

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

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6. Cherry

milled Cherry wood

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. 

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7. Douglas Fir

Douglas Fir lumber

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. 

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8. Ebony

milling 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. 

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9. Mahogany

Mahogany lumber

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. 

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10. Maple (Hard and Soft Maple)

Hard 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.  

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11. Oakwood

Oak grain pattern

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. 

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12. Pinewood

Pine lumber

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. 

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13. Poplar Wood

Poplar

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. 

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14. Red Oak

quarter sawn 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. 

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15. Teak

Teak wood

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. 

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16. Walnut

Walnut wood texture

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! 

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17. White Pine

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.

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18. Yellow Pine

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

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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. 

mid-century bed frame

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. 

bedroom

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. 

Walnut and Silver Maple bed frame

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:

wood 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!

Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
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.
Robert Johnson

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