How to Choose a Mattress Foundation

With many types of foundations, bed frames, and adjustable foundations out there today, it can be difficult to know what kind of support to purchase for your mattress.

The mattress experts at Texas Mattress are here to answer all these questions and more with this helpful buyers guide to types of foundations, 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 mattress foundation? 

A foundation is a supportive base for your bed. Typically, foundations consist of a metal or wooden frame that’s covered in fabric. The original foundations were also made with springs on the inside, but modern versions do not always include springs.

At Texas Mattress Makers, we make all of our foundations at our on-site factory using hardwood and are built to be durable and supportive.

Foundations 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.

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

How to use a mattress foundation

It must be noted that some people prefer to place the foundation directly on the floor, typically for the aesthetic of a lower bed. For purposes of longevity, Texas Mattress Makers recommends using both a bed frame and a foundation (or a bed frame and an adjustable base). Foundations 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 foundation 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).

Do I need a mattress foundation?

Yes, you need some type of support system underneath your mattress. Good sleep starts with a good foundation — and while we typically mean a good mattress itself, we also mean a literal foundation for that mattress.

A foundation evenly distributes weight and promotes structural integrity, which means it can prevent sagging and maintain the mattress’s form. Without proper support, your mattress is at risk of early wear and tear — or worse, developing dips, dents, or sagging which can render the mattress useless.

Are there different types of bed frames and foundations? 

Yes! Foundations 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.). 

Foundations

Standard and low-profile foundations

What is the difference between a low-profile and standard foundation? Low-profile foundations 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 Foundation has a height of 4.5’’ and our Standard Foundation has a height of 8.5’’. Both our low profile and standard foundations are available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, and King sizes.

Bunkie boards 

At 2’’, these are thinner than your low-profile foundations. 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 foundations

Our expert engineers collaborated with gastrointestinal doctors to develop this foundation. Measuring 9’’ at the head and 2’’ at the foot, our Acid Reflux Foundation 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 foundations

We can also custom-make foundations 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 

Upholstered bed frames

At Texas Mattress Makers, we sell upholstered bed frames made by our sister company, Living Designs Furniture. These frames are built to fit your mattress, are made with top-quality performance fabrics, and are adjustable-compatible. Create a cozier sleep space with a sturdy and stylish upholstered bed frame.

Metal bed frames

We also 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.  

At Texas Mattress Makers, we call adjustable bases “Lifestyle Bases” because they do more than simply raise or lower your mattress — they enhance how you experience your bed every day. A lifestyle base can improve sleep quality through better positioning and pressure relief, while also making everyday activities more comfortable.

Note that if you choose an adjustable lifestyle base, you don’t need a foundation, as it provides a flat, sturdy surface for your bed. Lifestyle bases are compatible with upholstered bed frames for the look and feel of luxury.

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

Texas Mattress Makers has been providing Houstonians with top-quality mattresses, foundations, metal and upholstered bed frames, and adjustable foundations for over four decades. Since not all mattress types are ideal for all accessories, 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 Houston today.