{"id":25716,"date":"2021-09-30T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-30T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/bunkie-board\/"},"modified":"2024-12-03T16:16:01","modified_gmt":"2024-12-03T16:16:01","slug":"bunkie-board","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/bunkie-board\/","title":{"rendered":"Bunkie Boards: What They Are &#038; Why You Might Need One"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/the-right-support-for-any-mattress\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">right support system<\/a>&nbsp;will both help your mattress perform its best and increase its lifespan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve been looking for the right foundation or bed frame for your mattress, you\u2019ve probably encountered the term \u201cbunkie board\u201d at some point. What is a bunkie board, and what does it do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read on to learn what a bunkie board is used for and whether your mattress needs one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Learn more about bunkie boards and how they can improve your sleep setup:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"What is a Bunkie Board and When Do You Need to Use One? | Saatva\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/PMo7soP3iDU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a bunkie board?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A bunkie board is a flat piece of material (typically particleboard or plywood and sometimes covered in fabric), about 1 inch to 3 inches thick, that goes between your mattress and the surface it sits on.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It can be used with any type of setup\u2014a box spring, foundation,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/platform-bed-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">platform bed<\/a>, and so on\u2014to provide additional support for a mattress in cases where the foundation alone isn\u2019t enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bunkie boards got their name from&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/bunk-bed-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bunk beds<\/a>&nbsp;because they were originally used to provide the base for a bunk bed mattress.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>A bunkie board is a flat piece of material (typically particleboard or plywood and sometimes covered in fabric), about 1 inch to 3 inches thick, that goes between your mattress and the surface it sits on.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditional&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/innerspring-mattress-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">innerspring mattresses<\/a>&nbsp;needed a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/do-you-need-a-box-spring-or-foundation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">box spring<\/a>&nbsp;for support, but a box spring couldn\u2019t be used with bunk beds\u2014it wouldn\u2019t allow enough clearance for a person to sit up on either the top or the bottom bunk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A bunkie board came about as a solution to replace the box spring, so bunk bed mattresses could sit low and still have the needed support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, bunkie boards are widely available for all&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/guide-to-mattress-dimensions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mattress sizes<\/a>\u2014twin, twin XL, double, queen, king, and California king and can be used either instead of or in addition to a slatted foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits of using bunkie boards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bunkie boards are no longer just for bunk beds. Because they\u2019re available for all mattress sizes, anyone can put a bunkie board below their bed. They tend to help with mattress support and mattress durability.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the other biggest bunkie board benefits include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Low profile<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additional mattress support and durability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work for any size mattress<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Low profile<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bunkie boards mostly work for platform beds and allow a bed to sit lower than a traditional box spring would. Because the most common size on the market is a 2-inch bunkie board, they&#8217;re extremely low profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mattress support and durability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Wooden bunkie boards are the most common bed base on the market. The solid wood material makes these bunkie boards exceptionally durable and work for any size bed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wood bunkie boards are a great option for anyone looking to add additional durability and support to their platform bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Good for any size mattress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bunkie boards range from the standard twin all the way up to the California king mattress size. The large selection means that they\u2019re widely available to most people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, you can purchase split bunkie boards for split king-size beds or split queen-size beds. These are just two twin bunkie boards lying next to each other, but they can individually provide support for split mattresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bunkie boards vs. other mattress support systems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bunkie boards can be used on any type of platform bed to add an extra layer of support below your mattress. Let\u2019s compare them to some of the most commonly used mattress support systems currently on the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bunkie board vs. box spring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While both provide support for your mattress, these two aren&#8217;t the same thing. A box spring (sometimes just called a foundation) is a fabric-covered wooden box that your mattress sits on top of.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Originally, box springs were filled with metal coils that added cushioning to innerspring mattresses that were much thinner than the ones made today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today\u2019s box springs don\u2019t contain coils but simply provide support for the mattress while raising it to a comfortable height. If you\u2019re happy with the height of your bed, as long as it has adequate support (even on the floor), you don\u2019t actually need a box spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bunkie boards offer a simpler alternative to a box spring while providing the same sturdy support. They can also be put between your mattress and the box spring as a temporary way of strengthening a box spring that needs replacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bunkie board vs. slats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some platform beds or bed frames have a slatted surface. That can be enough support for some mattresses but won\u2019t be appropriate for others.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A solid bunkie board can be put between your mattress and the slatted base it sits on to provide additional support. Always check with your manufacturer to see if your mattress needs to be resting on a solid rather than a slatted base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind that using a bunkie board with a slatted base will reduce the airflow to the mattress, which could potentially result in you&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/why-do-mattresses-sleep-hot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sleeping hotter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bunkie board vs. plywood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your platform bed or bed frame has a solid plywood top rather than bed slats, there\u2019s no need for an additional bunkie board. A bunkie board can be made of plywood, so these two terms are often used synonymously.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"saatva-product-slider bg-fuscous-gray text-white\">\n            <p class=\"bg-makara p-4 text-center\">Upgrade your sleep setup with the Saatva bunkie board<\/p>\n    \n            <div\n            class=\"focus:!outline-0\"\n            data-flickity=\"{&quot;wrapAround&quot;:true,&quot;pageDots&quot;:true,&quot;adaptiveHeight&quot;:true,&quot;prevNextButtons&quot;:false,&quot;autoPlay&quot;:5000}\"\n        >\n                            \n                <div>\n                    <a\n                        href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/furniture\/foundation\"\n                        class=\"block\"\n                    >\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"604\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/bunkie-board-new-1200x604.jpg\" class=\"w-full aspect-video object-cover wp-post-image\" alt=\"saatva bunkie board\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/bunkie-board-new-1200x604.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/bunkie-board-new-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/bunkie-board-new-768x386.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/bunkie-board-new-1536x773.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/bunkie-board-new.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\n                    <\/a>\n\n                    <div\n                        class=\"rich-text-level p-8 lg:text-base\"\n                        style=\"--spacing-rhythm: 0.75em\"\n                    >\n                        <h4>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/furniture\/foundation\">Bunkie Board<\/a>\n                        <\/h4>\n\n                        \n<p>Complete your sleep setup with our low-profile bunkie board. Compatible with standard bed frames, slatted platform bed frames, bunk beds, loft beds, and day beds. <br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n                        <p>\n                            <a\n                                href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/furniture\/foundation\"\n                                class=\"btn\"\n                            >\n                                Shop Now\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do you need a bunkie board?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether or not you need a bunkie board depends on the kind of mattress you own. Traditional innerspring mattresses needed a box spring\u2014however, the way these mattresses are made today, a box spring isn\u2019t always necessary.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An innerspring mattress can rest happily on support slats or a solid base such as a platform or bunkie board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Where bunkie boards really help is with foam mattresses, such as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/memory-foam-mattress-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">memory foam mattresses<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/latex-mattress-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">latex mattresses<\/a>, as slats often don\u2019t provide enough support for those.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A bunkie board that rests between the slats and the mattress will provide additional support and prevent the mattress from sagging, ultimately prolonging its lifespan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A bunkie board can also help prevent your bed from squeaking. Here\u2019s more on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/how-to-fix-a-squeaky-bed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how to fix a squeaky bed<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bottom line: Always check your warranty to see if your mattress needs solid support or if slats placed close enough can provide enough support for it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your mattress necessitates solid support, then a bunkie board can help you achieve that and keep your mattress in great condition for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the purpose of a bunkie board?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A bunkie board is meant to provide additional support for a mattress in cases where the foundation alone isn\u2019t enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do you need a bunkie board if you have slats?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need a bunkie board if you have a slatted surface that provides good support. However, if you feel your slatted surface could be more supportive (or the slats are more than 4 inches apart), you can place a bunkie board between your mattress and the slatted base it sits on to provide additional support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is a bunkie bed just plywood?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A bunkie board can be made of plywood, so it\u2019s pretty similar to a solid plywood top on a platform bed or bed frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Find the best bunkie board for you at Saatva<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After deciding that a bunkie board is right for you, it\u2019s time to find a high-quality bunkie board for your bedroom. We offer a bunkie board to help upgrade your sleep experience.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our <span data-id=\"33522\" data-title=\"Bunkie Board\" data-text=\"2-inch bunkie board\" class=\"tooltip\">2-inch bunkie board<\/span> pairs well with slatted platform beds, bunk beds, loft beds, and day beds. It can also be placed on our universal metal frame for\u00a0a minimal, low-profile bed setup.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In particular, our bunkie board is a great option to use alongside our <span data-id=\"27715\" data-title=\"Zenhaven\" data-text=\"Zenhaven\" class=\"tooltip\">Zenhaven<\/span> latex mattress (which requires solid support due to its dual-sided design) and any of our slatted upholstered bed frames.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Every mattress needs the right support system, as it will help the mattress both perform at its best and last the longest. Here&#8217;s how to decide if a bunkie board might be right for your bed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":165,"featured_media":34129,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[386,397],"tags":[],"coauthors":[421],"guest":[],"host":[],"class_list":["post-25716","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mattresses","category-foundations-frames"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25716","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/165"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25716"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25716\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34135,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25716\/revisions\/34135"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34129"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25716"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25716"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25716"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=25716"},{"taxonomy":"guest","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guest?post=25716"},{"taxonomy":"host","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/host?post=25716"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}