When it comes to furniture, beds are one of the most essential parts of our homes. This is where we seek the comfort of relaxation after an exhausting day. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the build of your bed is durable, long-lasting and functional. In this article, we will help you choose the perfect material for your bed frame by doing a comparative analysis of all the available options.
See also: Types of wood for furniture
Things to keep in mind while choosing wood for bed
Before choosing a suitable option for your bed frame material, there are some factors that you need to consider for a well-informed choice. Here is a concise checklist for your perusal:
Wood type
When it comes to bed frames, hardwoods like oak, maple or walnut are better alternatives than softwoods like pine or cedar. They possess properties of greater durability and longevity and also show greater resistance to scratches and dents.
Strength and durability
The density of the wood is a reliable indicator of strength and durability. Therefore, it is recommended to go for the denser varieties of wood. For more information about the wood, you can refer to its Janka rating that measures its resistance to wear and denting. Additionally, go for woods with low moisture content to avoid warping, cracking or splitting.
Style and aesthetics
The grain pattern is a natural property of the wood that impacts its appearance. While choosing a suitable type of wood for your bed frame, keep in mind the decor of your bedroom and choose a variety with matching grain pattern and colour. While oak offers a rich grain pattern, maple is the go-to for smooth finishes.
Budget
While hardwoods are more suited to bedframes when it comes to quality, they are more expensive than softwoods. Budget considerations might be a deal breaker if the cost is not balanced with the desired quality.
Assembly and joinery
The technique used to assemble the bed frames at the joints are indicators of the stability of the bed. Some quality joinery techniques to look for to ensure optimal durability include dovetail or mortise-and-tenon joints.
Finish
Bed frames generally come with applied finishes that affect their appearance and durability. Finishes like lacquer or polyurethane are ideal choices to ensure protection against scratches and stains as well as maintaining aesthetics.
Size and thickness
Thicker boards are better choices to ensure sturdiness of the furniture. Thoroughly check the thickness of the wood used in critical areas of the bed such as legs and support beams.
Allergies and sensitivities
If you have any allergies, make sure to double check the type of finish applied to the wood and if it is suitable for you.
Weight capacity
It is also important to keep in mind the weight that is to be put on the bed. Ensure that the wood and engineering of the bed is sturdy enough to support the weight of the mattress, the sleepers and additional factors without compromising stability.
Ease of maintenance
At the time of looking through your options, also consider the kind of maintenance required by each type of wood and finish over time. Some varieties of wood require minimal maintenance while others need greater care to maintain their appearance.
Customisation
In case you have specific aesthetic preferences, it is recommended to choose a variety of wood that allows for customisation so that you can stain or paint it as per your taste.
Types of wood suited for bed frames
So what are the available options for bed frame materials? Which one is the most suitable? Well, here is a brief analysis of all the options available for you to go through before deciding which one suits you best.
| Description | Pros | Cons | |
| Oak | This type of wood has superior durability and moisture resistance properties; red oak has a more prominent grain while the white one is smoother | This wood is super durable and has an attractive grain pattern; is available in varieties of red and white | It is more expensive than most other alternatives |
| Maple | This is a light-coloured hardwood with fine, even grain for a sleek finish | This provides optimal hardness and durability to the bed frame; ideal choice if looking for light colours and smooth finishes | It is priced higher than most softwoods |
| Cherry | It is known for its reddish-brown hue, fine grain and lustrous finish | It comes in a gorgeous ebony, reddish-brown colour, fine grain and smooth finish | This type falls in the higher price range; the colour can darken with age |
| Walnut | This type of wood sports a dark and rich colour and patterns ranging from straight grains to spirally waves | This variety comes in a rich and dark colour, perfect for a luxurious appearance | It is slightly on the pricier side while not being as strong as most hardwoods either |
| Mahogany | This is known for its deep red-brown colour and fine grain | It combines elegance and durability with its red-brown appearance | It falls in the higher price range |
| Pine | This sports a pale colour with a soft, uniform grain | This variety is affordable, lightweight and super easy to work with | This is a a softer variety that can scratch and dent easily |
| Ash | This hardwood has a light colour and straight grain pattern | This variety is hard and durable, is available in a light hue with an attractive grain pattern | It might be expensive as it is not as commonly available |
| Birch | This is a light coloured wood with fine grain similar to maple | It is hard and sturdy with a light colour and smooth grain | This type of softwood is more expensive than its counterparts |
| Teak | This is a tropical hardwood of royal hues ranging from golden to medium brown | It is available in a warm hue and provides superior resistance to moisture and insects | It can be expensive due to high demand |
| Hickory | This wood sports contrasting light and dark tones and pronounced grain pattern | This hard and durable wood type comes in a unique grain pattern for a rustic look | It is challenging to work with and its look might not be agreeable to all tastes |
Read also: What are natural woods? What are its types and advantages?
FAQs
Which is the best hardwood for a bed frame?
When it comes to hardwood, oak is an ideal choice for its superior durability and longevity. It is available in red and white varieties and possesses excellent strength and wear-resistant qualities.
Is there a major difference between prices of hardwoods and softwoods for bed frames?
Hardwoods like oak, cherry and walnut are priced considerably higher than softwoods like pine since they provide greater hardness, durability and aesthetic qualities.
Is it possible to customise my bed frame to match my bedroom aesthetic?
Woods available in lighter colours such as maple and birch provide more flexibility for customisation since they can be easily painted or stained to achieve the desired colour. You can go for these options if customisation is a priority.
Which wood is best for a bed frame in humid environments?
Teak has natural moisture and insect resistance properties and durability, making it an excellent choice for humid environments.
How does the finish of the wood affect the bed frame?
A protective layer of finish on the bed frame is crucial to make it resistant to scratches and stains and simplify the maintenance process. You can go for a lacquer or polyurethane finish to serve this purpose.
How do I ensure that the bed frame is sturdy enough to support the required weight?
Before choosing, check the bed frame’s load-bearing capacity related specifications provided by the manufacturer. It is also recommended to opt for thicker wood for greater durability in critical areas like the leg and support beams of the bed.
What type of wood should I use to ensure easier work and customisation?
Softwoods are generally easier to work upon than hardwoods and come in lighter shades, thereby allowing greater versatility of customisation. If this is your priority, you can go for pine wood, which is lightweight and adaptable to stains and finishes.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |