Bed Frames and Bunk Beds: Sizes, Slats and Materials

Mattress size, slats and bed frame type

Start with the mattress size. A twin measures about 38 by 75 inches, a full 54 by 75, a queen 60 by 80 and a king 76 by 80. Then check support. Slats should be spaced no more than about three inches apart for foam and hybrid mattresses, and queen and larger frames need a center rail with a leg. A platform frame needs no box spring. Loft beds raise the mattress to leave space for a desk, so allow 30 to 36 inches of head space between mattress and ceiling.

Wood, metal or upholstered frames

Pine, rubber wood and solid-wood frames are sturdy and can be refinished; frames that combine solid wood with MDF panels resist moisture less well. Metal frames are slim and strong, though loose bolts can squeak, so retighten them after a few weeks. Upholstered headboards add softness and a finished look, but fabric collects dust and needs vacuuming. Storage headboards, drawers and charging stations add features, and bunk and loft beds need guardrails and ladders built to safety standards, with weight limits on each level.

Questions about Bed Frames and Bunk Beds: Sizes, Slats and Materials

What is a Full XL bed?

A Full XL mattress is 54 by 80 inches, five inches longer than a standard full, suited to taller teens and adults who want a narrower bed. Check that the frame is sold for Full XL, since it is not the same as a standard full.

Are metal or wood bunk beds safer for children?

Neither material decides safety. Look for guardrails on both sides of the upper bunk, a sturdy ladder, a stated weight limit and a mattress thickness that leaves enough guardrail above it. Children under six should not sleep on the top bunk.

How do I stop a metal bed frame from squeaking?

Retighten all bolts first, then add washers or thread-locking compound where parts meet. A strip of felt or rubber between slats and rails, or a drop of lubricant on pivot points, quiets most noise.