How thick should a mattress be for a platform bed?

Solid Custom Heirlooms handcrafts platform beds in all shapes and sizes, from simple low beds to tall loft beds and uber-organized storage beds.

While we don't make or recommend specific brands of mattresses, we do work closely with our customers to help determine what mattress dimensions fit the best for their specific custom bed order. This blog will share what we have learned about mattress thicknesses and choices over the last 10+ years of building custom beds.

Why don't platform beds need box springs?

Before we dive into mattress thickness, lets talk about platform beds vs box springs.

A platform bed is a type of bed that eliminates the need for a traditional box spring and replaces it with wooden slats as the mattress base. Any thickness of mattress can be placed on a platform base, from a low profile 8 inch mattress to a 20 inch or larger luxury memory foam mattress.

A lot of people ask: "can you put a regular mattress on a platform bed with slats?" Even though its not needed, a box spring can in fact be placed on a platform base if desired. Just keep in mind that the addition of the box spring base layer will significantly change the height of your bed!

The best platform bed mattress thickness

The best mattresses for platform beds is 12 inches thick, but even thicker - at 14 to 20 inches - can be even better.

While most mattresses are between 8 and 16 inches thick and an average mattress is 12 inches thick, there are a huge number of other options in marketplace! Thin mattresses can be 4 inches thick or less while extra thick mattresses can be 24 inches or larger. And don't forget that thick mattress toppers can add several inches to your your finished bed.

Can any mattress go on a platform bed?

Almost any mattress can be placed directly on the wood slats of a platform bed.

A platform bed is a very versatile bed base that can accommodate almost any mattress thickness, but not all mattress will work well with every bed. Our advice is to plan ahead for what size mattress you plan to use in conjunction with picking out and or designing your new bed. This will make sure that the best mattress thickness used is perfect for your bed choice.

Here are the factors that you should consider when picking out your mattress:

Mattress comfort

Mattress preference is a very personal choice! Most high quality mattresses come in a variety of firmness levels and mattress companies offer what seem to be a dizzying variety of options.

Over the years our customers have taught us that the right mattress is different for everyone, and that thicker mattresses do not necessarily lead to more comfort. Some people prefer a firm, supportive mattress while others prefer an ultra plush sleeping surface.

We strongly encourage you to try as many mattresses as possible before making a decision. It also can help to check on which mattresses Consumer Reports recommends before heading out to your local mattress showroom to try them out.

Finished mattress height is critical to comfort

Calculate your finished bed height by adding the height of your bed + mattress + topper + bedding. Much like mattress comfort, height is a very personal choice.

Traditionally the ideal finished bed height is approximately at knee level, generally 16 to 24 inches from the floor. This gives an average sized person the ability to put their body weight and both feet firmly on the floor and stand up with ease.

Why people like low platform beds

A lower bed height makes it easier for shorter people, kids and pets to get in and out of bed. Some people love to "roll out of bed" with a short bed frame and slim mattresses. A low bed can also help to make a small bedroom look bigger.

We have a growing group of customers who sleep on Japanese platform beds such as Tatami Mats, Futons and Shikibuton. Although many of these types of beds were originally designed to be used on the floor, the addition of a simple, low profile platform bed frame can make the sleeping position on the bed more comfortable, stylish and hygienic.

Consider your nightstands

The ideal height for the top of a nightstand or bedside table is 2 to 4 inches from the top of the bed. If the top of a nightstand is significantly lower than the mattress it can be difficult for the sleeper to reach items placed on the table surface while laying in bed. A higher table surface is less problematic - but if you choose a low profile mattresses and low bed, a traditional nightstand will likely be too high.

In this example, we worked with a customer to place the built in nightstands at the same height as the top of the mattress - a perfect fit.

What kind of mattress goes on a platform bed?

Almost any mattress can be used on a platform bed, and some types such a memory foam and hybrid mattress are specifically designed to be used with a platform bed base. This is because the wood platform bed slats provide a firm yet forgiving base that supports the full mattress yet also provides air circulation to all sides of the bed.

Will a platform bed make my mattress firmer?

A platform bed does not change the firmness or comfort level of most modern mattress types such as memory foam, poly foam, latex foam and hybrid mattresses.

Innerspring mattresses designed to be used with a box spring can sometimes be made firmer when used on a platform bed. If you are currently using a box spring base and want to test if your mattress will be made firmer by a platform bed, we suggest that you try out putting your mattress on the floor. While its not a good idea to use your mattress on the floor in the long term, this short term test will help you judge how firm your innerspring mattress will be on a platform bed.

Best platform bed for hybrid mattress

A hybrid mattress combines several layers of high tech latex and memory foam with traditional innerspring coils to give the the benefits of comfort layers of both. Hybrid mattresses such as Wink and Leesa are also known as a "bed in a box" as they ship direct to the buyer in a compact shipping carton.

A platform bed with hardwood slats spaced 1 to 2 inches apart is the ideal base for a hybrid mattress - providing both strong support and ample air circulation.

Solid Custom Heirlooms

Solid Custom Heirlooms is a custom furniture builder based in Appalachia USA. We use American hardwood to craft a wide variety of beds from simple platforms to more elaborate luxury beds. If you don’t see what you are looking for, or want to talk more about achieving a specific look or type of bed, please contact us and we would love to help you make your dreams a reality.