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You may never have heard of bunkie boards unless you own a platform bed and would find one very useful.
Have you noticed that the space slats on the platform that create gaps in the mattress may not be inevitable? That is exactly the problem! You can spare bunkie and mattress boards.
So what is a Bunkie board? This article will help you become familiar with this useful bed accessory and how to use it.
Image source: NDC Homes, Inc.
You may be wondering, “What is a bunkie board?” In general, full bunkie boards are flat boards made of wood that are cut to the exact size of your mattress and then placed directly under it. You can find all types of bunkie boards in all sizes, thicknesses and types of wood. You can even make your own DIY bunkie board if you have to.
Buying an IKEA bunkie board would be a good idea because the company offers them in all sizes and heights and still charges a moderate price that everyone can afford. You can even find memory foam box spring beds, two bunkie boards, and other cool widgets for a comfortable bed there. An IKEA bunkie board is a popular choice.
Image source: Macral Design Corp.
How is Bunkie Board used?
At this point, you may be wondering, “What is a bunkie board?” A bunkie board essentially replaces a box spring bed. Choosing a bunkie board versus box spring is often for minimalist homeowners. A bunkie board would suit owners with mattresses that depend on such springs. Its basic and minimalist design maintains the unobtrusive appearance of the mattress, but protects and supports the mattress.
They find it particularly useful for a mattress that cannot sit on a slat and instead needs a flat and firm surface. Bunkie board vs. slats is a choice to preserve the mattress. People are also buying the Bunkie Board platform bed to help arrange bunk beds and save some space.
Image source: TheBedroomSets
Will a bunkie board work with your memory foam mattress?
You may be wondering, “Do I need a bunkie board for my memory foam mattress?” The answer is a simple yes! A stable foundation is even better for memory foam mattresses, as these are heavy and could always require additional support.
In this case, we recommend the thickest board you can find (two to three inches) or a slat bed frame, provided the slats are slightly wider than usual. Remember that the weight must also be evenly distributed. So if you have a queen-size mattress, prop it up with a fifth leg in the middle.
Will plywood work for a DIY bunkie board?
A plywood bunkie board is a great choice for home improvement. It’s solid and cheap, and you can get it at any local homeware store. With the right tools, you can make a bunkie board instead of buying one. However, be sure to use the correct thickness and measurements. If you’re not sure, we’ll provide you with information on how to make bunkie boards later. Bunkie Board DIY is a great option to keep your mattress alive.
Image source: BD Residence by Via Builders Inc.
Do bunkie beds replace slats?
In most cases it will, but with a mattress that can’t do without a spring box, bunkie boards won’t exactly save you the hassle. Instead, you need a foundation with no springs and, ideally, nothing to bend.
Getting / making a bunkie board instead of a box spring is a great way to go, considering that these boards are strong enough to support both the mattress and the people who will be using it. At the same time, they offer inconspicuous and simple support. A bunkie board can easily be adjusted to the height of bunk beds and similar sleeping areas. You can use your bunkie board on slats to support your bunk beds.
Image source: Briggate House Interiors
Having a firmer surface under your mattress not only gives you extra support, but also restricts the flow of air under your mattress, reducing serious problems in certain environments.
Because of the support they provide to your body, slatted surfaces are always a smart idea, and worth building a bunkie board even if you don’t think you need one.
Are bunkie boards and spring boxes the same thing?
Bunkie beds, as mentioned earlier, are large boards made of plywood that we can put under our mattress. You don’t have to choose between a Bunkie board or box spring beds, however. People sometimes use a solid bunkie board with older box spring beds or other platforms and foundations that previously supported their heavy mattresses. If you put your bunkie board on box spring basic sets, this support is retained.
Image source: Nina sobiNina design
Box spring beds are actually entire pieces of furniture – their height is 6 inches so that they can give the mattress the extra support and comfort it needs.
owner of Casper-like foam mattresses are the target customers of more stable bed foundations, including bunkie beds, that provide additional support and keep the body in the correct position.
Image source: Macral Design Corp.
To support spring mattresses, designers came up with box spring beds to push back the weight on the mattress and support the body, but with a series of pressure points. However, these points are not the most comfortable, which is why people are given bunkie beds to eliminate such an effect and still ensure adequate shock absorption. You don’t have to use a board instead of a box spring support, but a combination.
Bunkie boards and twin bunkie boards may not help you build the bed of your dreams, but they will surely complement and enhance the bed you have. A bunkie board for choosing memory foam mattresses provides additional support for easy weight distribution.
Image source: KellyBaron
The role of bunkie boards is to replace an uncomfortable spring box foundation and keep the mattress flat and in place. Note, however, that the bunkie boards won’t necessarily outlive your mattress.
DIY Bunkie Boards – How to Make One?
Step 1
Take off the mattress. Next, measure the area of the bed frame (both side to side and rail to rail) to get an idea of the space your mattress will take up. Then subtract a few inches from the length and width (basically an inch for all sizes) and you will get the ideal proportions for your bunkie board.
The fact that your bunkie board is shorter than the edges of the bed only helps you as you can wrap padded fabric / padding around it to make it softer and less risky for your expensive mattress. Remember: the thicker the padding you choose, the smaller the board you will need.
Image source: Colin & Justin
step 2
If you have a ¾ inch sheet of plywood, cut it to the correct size. To do this, you can use a circular saw and a carbide blade (designed specifically for plywood). For bunk beds and double beds with 38 x 75 inch frames, consider cutting a 36.5 x 73.5 inch piece or an extra inch on the spans for thicker padding. This is the start of your bunkie board construction.
step 3
Use medium-grain sandpaper to sand the edges of our boards as well as any bumps or roughness you see on them. A good sander will get the job done in no time, and you have a smooth and smooth board that won’t wear as much over time.
Image source: Clarke Muskoka Construction
Step 4
Bed boards benefit from the cover. Take the quilted padding and carefully spread it on the floor (or any other surface of appropriate lengths) by turning it upside down. Cut it in two pieces – one should go up and the other go down on the bunkie board.
We recommend a base that measures the exact length and width of the board and a slightly longer and wider top that you can wrap around the sheet of plywood and overlap for easier stapling.
Image source: Caroline Sharpnack
Step 5
Imagine a 53 “by 74” bunkie board to give you the idea. You’ll need to cut a piece of fabric the exact size for the bottom and 59 x 80 inches for the top to make sure that there are a few extra inches left for the fabric to stretch properly. Adjust your measurements to the size of your bunkie board.
Image source: Clarke Muskoka Construction
Step 6
Turn the plywood upside down and spray it with fabric glue. Choose a perfectly fitting padding for the floor, smooth it out, clean the dust, then center it in width and length. Flip the plywood over again and spray the current side with the same glue. Next, place a slightly larger piece of the fabric over it and fold and baste each of the corners to hold it in place.
Image source: Modern life LA
Step 7
Instead of cutting it, fold it over and pin the extra quilting to the board. That way, your overlapping corners and edges will be secured and you will get a more padded finish.
And let’s go. You now know how to make your own bunkie board.
Image source: H. Gary Frank Architects
End thoughts
The ideal use of bunkie boards is on bunk beds, and there are several reasons for this. The first is the ceiling height in an average room where people need enough space between their bed and the ceiling.
As a bunk bed that needs spring boxes to support it, the overall height would be too high once the mattress is in place. Bunkie boards come in handy because they’re thinner and give the mattress roughly the same amount of support without lifting it up.
However, you can use queen size bunkie boards, a king bunkie board, or a twin bed board to improve the life of your mattress and the quality of your sleep.