Types of Box Springs, Bed Frames, and Adjustable Foundations 

With many types of box springs, bed frames, and adjustable foundations out there today, it can be difficult to know what kind of support to purchase for your mattress. About box springs alone you may be wondering: Do I actually need a box spring? If so, what kind of box spring is best for me? Are all box springs the same?

The mattress experts at Texas Mattress are here to answer all these questions and more with this helpful buyers guide to types of box springs, bed frames, and adjustable foundations. 

Shopping for a new mattress as well? Check out our buying guide for How to Choose a Mattress. 

What Is a Box Spring? 

A box spring is a supportive base or foundation for your bed. Typically, box springs consist of a metal or wooden frame that’s covered in fabric. The original box springs were also made with springs on the inside (thus the name, box spring) but modern versions do not always include springs, and our boxsprings do not contain springs in them. At Texas Mattress Makers, we make all of our boxsprings at our on-site factory. Our boxsprings are made using hardwood and are built to be durable and supportive.

Box springs serve multiple purposes. The first and most obvious of these is to provide your mattress with a reliably flat, strong surface upon which to lie. The second is to reduce wear and tear on your mattress by helping to absorb your movement on the bed. (In these ways, the box spring acts much like the bottom layer of your shoes.) 

The third purpose is the most variable: adding height. Extra height makes it easier for individuals to slip in and out of bed, and box springs come in a variety of heights to answer these needs. 

How to Use a Box Spring

Most box springs are made to fit snugly inside of bed frames — a raised support system that “frames” the bed — which are made to keep both your bed frame and mattress off of the floor. Keeping your mattress off the floor increases minimizes wear and tear, reduces your exposure to dust, bedbugs, and other insects, and keeps you elevated above cold drafts.

It must be noted that some people prefer to place the box spring directly on the floor, typically for the aesthetic of a lower bed. For purposes of longevity, if you invest in a box spring, Texas Mattress Makers recommends using both a bed frame and a box spring. Box springs with less height can help you maintain that low-to-the-floor feel without sacrificing support or cutting short your mattress’s lifespan. 

Platform beds are often sold as having a built in mattress support system typically made up of wooden or metal slats. However, we still recommend placing a box spring on top of the slats in order to protect and extend the lifespan of your mattress. If you place your mattress directly on a platform bed with slats, it can cause damage to your mattress in the form of waves or lumps. Texas Mattress Makers does not sell this type of frame; the only frames we sell are standard metal bedframes and adjustable foundations which do not use slats (see above photo).

Are There Different Types of Box Springs, Bed Frames, and Foundations? 

Yes! Box springs tend to vary most by height, bed frames differ in aesthetic, and our adjustable foundations differ in terms of added features (positions, massage, wireless remote, etc.). 

Box spring height / box spring thickness 

Standard and low profile box springs

What Is the difference between a low profile and standard box spring? Low profile box springs are thinner than your standard box spring. Heights for both low profile and standard box springs differ across the industry; a Texas Mattress Makers Low Profile Box Spring has a height of 4.5’’ and our Standard Box Spring has a height of 8.5’’. Both our low profile and standard box springs are available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, and King sizes.

Bunkie boards 

At 2’’, these are thinner than your low profile box spring. A class of their own, bunkie boards are great for bunk beds, loft beds, and other situations in which it’s ideal to minimize the height of your mattress. Our bunkie boards are available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, and King sizes.

Acid reflux box spring

Our expert engineers collaborated with gastrointestinal doctors to develop this box spring. Measuring 9’’ at the head and 2’’ at the foot, our Acid Reflux Box Spring is designed to keep your head and upper body lifted, minimizing symptoms and providing relief from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also called acid reflux. It is available in Twin, Full, Queen, and King sizes.

Custom-sized box springs

We can also custom make box springs to fit different sizes, such as a California King Mattress or a custom mattress. Please just have the dimensions (L x W x H) and email us or call us to learn more about the cost and production/lead time (which should take 3-4 business days).  

Bed frames at Texas Mattress Makers 

At Texas Mattress Makers, we sell 100% steel bed frames made with an easy-to-use Insta-Lock design that come with four legs that prevent floor damage and keep your bed from moving. If you have your bed frame delivered by Texas Mattress Makers, assembly is included in the delivery fee. 

Our bed frames come in the following options that adjust to fit the size of your bed: 

• 190 Bed Frame: Twin – Full 
• 114 Bed Frame: Twin – Queen 
• 470 Bed Frame: Queen – California King 

Adjustable foundations at Texas Mattress Makers 

Texas Mattress Makers sells adjustable foundations, which are perfect for individuals or partners who like to sit up and read or watch TV in bed as well as those who struggle to get out of the bed in the morning. With an array of pre-set settings and other features, our adjustable foundations provide excellent comfort, support, and variety.  

Do I Need a Box Spring?

If you want to preserve the life of your mattress as well as reap the benefits of extra support, then a box spring or foundation is a must. At Texas Mattress Makers, we recommend using a box spring or investing in an adjustable foundation. Keep in mind that when you buy a mattress without a box spring, the warranty can be voided if you do not have the proper support for the mattress (such as on a platform bed). 

Not Sure Which Types of Box Springs or Bed Frames Will Work Best For Your Needs? 

Texas Mattress Makers has been providing Houstonians with top-quality mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and adjustable foundations, for over four decades. Since not all mattress types are ideal for all box springs, etc., we are here to help you find the combination of mattress and support system. 

You can explore our full selection online or visit any of our mattress stores in Katy, Downtown Houston, The Woodlands, Rosenberg, Humble, or Baybrook, TX.