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Best Metal Bed Frame
Metal bed frames are available in a wide variety of styles and price-points. Typically made of steel, or sometimes iron or brass, they are popular for their versatility, durability, and ease of care.
Shoppers can choose from minimalist designs or more sophisticated models with intricate headboards and footboards. Depending on the construction, a metal bed frame may or may not require a box spring or foundation, and the frame may also be designed to offer underbed storage space.
There are many factors to consider when shopping for a metal bed frame. We’ll provide information about how to choose a metal bed frame, and take a look at some of the best metal bed frames on the market today.
In-Depth Reviews
Best Overall
Helix Frame
20% off sitewide + 2 free Dream Pillows with a mattress purchase. Code: cybersale20
$175 at Helix
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Who it’s best for
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Customers seeking a frame with easy assembly for a guest room
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People who own box springs or foundations
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Value seekers
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Highlights
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Sturdy hardened steel construction
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Can withstand up to 2,500 pounds of evenly distributed weight
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100-night sleep trial
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Price
$175
Sizes
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
A metal frame that’s easy to assemble can be a good investment if your spare bedroom frequently accommodates overnight guests, but quality is an important factor to consider. The Helix Frame is a budget-friendly option that is sturdy and requires no tools to assemble.
The frame is made from hardened steel and fiberglass-infused resins to create an exceptionally sturdy base that can bear up to 2,500 pounds of evenly distributed weight. Since there are no slats, you must use the frame with a box spring or foundation to support your mattress. The 7.25 inches of underbed clearance is great if you want storage space for smaller items or clothes. You can also attach a headboard to the frame to match the rest of your bedroom decor. On its own, the frame has a modern look that should blend in with most rooms.
Along with the affordable price-point, Helix ships free to customers in all 50 states. You can test the frame for up to 100 nights and return it for a full refund if you wish. The Helix Frame is backed by a 5-year warranty against structural defects.
Best Value
Brooklyn Bedding High Rise Platform Bed
25% off storewide/sitewide. Code: GIFT25
$179 at Brooklyn Bedding
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Who it’s best for
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Sleepers in heavier weight categories
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Those with cramped bedrooms
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People who do not use a box spring or foundation
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Highlights
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Nearly 14 inches of under-bed clearance
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Supports up to 1,500 pounds
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Optional head and footboard brackets add-on
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Price
$179
Sizes
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Brooklyn Bedding’s High Rise Platform has an extra-sturdy tubular steel construction that can support up to 1,500 pounds of evenly distributed weight. The platform of the bed frame is 14.5 inches high, with 13.75 inches of under-bed clearance.
A center support system prevents mattress sagging and caters to sleepers in heavier weight categories. Setting up and putting away the frame is easy thanks to its retractable design, and it comes fully assembled. Customers can add two brackets to the frame for an additional fee, which allows them to install a headboard and footboard. Since the frame is slatted with steel bars, no box spring is required for the High Rise Platform. The size options include twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king.
Brooklyn Bedding ships free to the contiguous U.S. The company does not permit returns for the High Rise Platform, but all purchases come with a 10-year warranty.
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Who it’s best for
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Customers seeking a lightweight bed frame that’s easy to move
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Those who want extra storage space
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People who don’t own box springs
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Highlights
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Heavy-duty steel construction bears up to 1,000 pounds of evenly distributed weight
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Slatted design and center support beam help prevent mattress indentations
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101-night sleep trial
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Price
$220
Metal bed frames are some of the most sturdy options on the market, but they can also be quite heavy. The Puffy Foundation is a notable exception, weighing just 41 pounds for a queen size. This makes it a great option for those seeking a lightweight frame to easily move from room to room.
The foundation is made from heavy-duty steel that can withstand up to 1,000 pounds, provided the weight is evenly distributed. Steel slats and a center bar help support your mattress and prevent it from sagging or forming indentations over time. Thanks to the slatted design, you can use the foundation without a box spring. The foundation also has 15 inches of underbed clearance, making it a great choice for people in smaller homes seeking storage space. Headboard and footboard brackets are included with foundation purchases, as well as a non-slip pad that prevents your mattress from shifting.
Puffy offers free shipping to customers living in all 50 states and a 101-night sleep trial to test the foundation. The Puffy Foundation is backed by a generous lifetime warranty against structural defects.
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Who it’s best for
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Shoppers seeking a bed frame that is quick and easy to assemble
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Those wishing to attach a headboard to their bed frame
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Customers who use a box spring or foundation
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Highlights
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Sturdy recycled steel construction
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8 inches of under-bed clearance
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1-year sleep trial
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Price
$169
Sizes
Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
Metal bed frames sometimes come with tedious assembly instructions that can be particularly frustrating for inexperienced builders, but the Avocado Metal Bed Frame is a notable exception. This product requires no tools, and assembly should take just a few minutes.
The bed frame is made from recycled steel, sourced from old railroad tracks. This construction makes the product very durable, and it can support up to 800 pounds of evenly distributed weight. The 8 inches of under-bed clearance also provides owners with extra storage space. Assembling the bed frame is simply a matter of dropping the tabs on the side rails into the legs on the cross rails. Brackets are included and easily attach to the frame if you wish to add a headboard. Note there are no slats on the frame, so it must be used with a foundation.
Five standard sizes are available – twin, full, queen, king, and California king. Depending on the size you choose, the frame weighs between 31 and 46 pounds, making it a lightweight option that is easy to move. Avocado ships free to the contiguous U.S., and it offers a 1-year sleep trial. Metal Bed Frame purchases are backed by a generous 10-year warranty, protecting against structural defects.
How to Choose a Bed Frame
Metal bed frames come in various designs to suit the diverse needs of different shoppers. The wide range of options may seem overwhelming at first. However, having basic knowledge about what’s important in a bed frame can help you identify the styles that best match your personal needs.
What to Look For in a Metal Bed Frame
As with any bedding product, shoppers should consider general qualities like materials, price, weight, design, and size. Bed frame shoppers may also need to consider qualities that are more specific to bed frames, such as ease of assembly, noise, frame type, and weight limit.
Quality Materials
Most modern metal bed frames are made primarily of steel, though more expensive models may have wrought iron detailing or brass components. When evaluating the quality of the materials used, look at the thickness of the frame, the craftsmanship, and the composition of the metal. Also, check to see if it has non-metal elements such as plastic, which may wear down more quickly.
Price
Metal bed frames vary in price from less than $100 to more than $1,000 depending on factors like construction, materials, and weight capacity. In general, metal bed frames are less expensive than solid wood bed frames, though frames with specialty designs or metals may cost a little more.
Design
Design elements to consider when shopping for a metal bed frame include the style, the color, and whether it has a headboard, footboard, or other elements such as posts. Metal bed frames run the full gamut of styles, from basic bed frames that are hardly visible underneath the mattress to models with intricate metalwork.
Weight
Many metal bed frames are relatively lightweight compared to their solid-wood counterparts, making them more portable and easier to set up. Despite not weighing very much, metal bed frames often have a high weight capacity. Still, shoppers should be sure to check the manufacturer’s website to ensure the frame can support the weight of a foundation or a box spring if needed, plus the mattress and sleepers.
Ease of Assembly
Most metal bed frames are designed to be assembled in a few steps. Some frames come with tools, while others simply require customers to open the box and unfold the frame. Consult the manufacturer’s website for information on assembly. If you’re interested, you may also inquire about expert in-home assembly, which is sometimes available for an additional charge.
Noise
When assembled correctly, metal bed frames are designed to be silent. However, as the joints loosen over time, sleepers may start to hear the bed frame squeak or creak. Tightening or oiling the bolts may help diminish these sounds so you can sleep more soundly.
Size
Be sure to choose the correct bed frame size for your mattress and foundation. Most bed frames are designed to match up with the standard mattress sizes, but the exact dimensions can sometimes vary by an inch or two. Some manufacturers offer metal bed frames that can be adjusted to fit different mattress sizes.
Type
From simple metal bases that require a box spring or foundation to ornate sleigh beds with a headboard and footboard, metal bed frames come in a multitude of different types. Shoppers can also find metal platform beds that have slats to support the mattress, or canopy beds with four posts and a canopy from which to hang curtains. While you’re not likely to find an all-metal design with drawers, it’s common for metal bed frames to leave plenty of room for underbed storage. These higher-profile beds may also be more convenient when getting in and out of bed.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Metal Bed Frames?
While there are always exceptions, many metal bed frames share some common advantages and drawbacks.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Bed Frames
Metal bed frames typically cost between $90 and $350, though there are less expensive models as well as models that can cost upwards of $1,500. Materials, design, and construction can all influence the price-point.
Proper tightening and regular maintenance of a metal bed frame's joints can help to reduce squeaking. This includes adding washers and caster cups where necessary, or oiling the joints to minimize the metal-on-metal sounds that can result from movement. Bed frames that incorporate non-metal materials such as plastic or rubber in the joints may be less prone to noise.
To stabilize a metal bed frame, first remove the mattress and box spring and look for the cause of the wobbling. Tighten all the bolts and screws, and consider adding plastic or rubber washers. If the floor is uneven or one of the legs is too short, try inserting a rubber cap to even it out and prevent unnecessary stress on that leg.
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Jeremy is a sleep product tester with a passion for methodology and data collection.