Best Bed Frames for Heavy People (2025) 

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Sleepers over 230 pounds need both a supportive mattress and an equally supportive frame to back it up. Some standard frames unfortunately come with lower weight capacities and flimsy materials that won’t hold up for these folks. That’s why we’ve worked hard to separate the wheat from the chaff to find frames that are built to last and able to hold both you and your mattress comfortably aloft.

To find the best bed frames for heavy people, we relied on input from our chief medical advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta, as well as our over seven years of testing experience. Our team has tested more than 500 mattresses and 200 sleep accessories since we’ve started reviewing products, which has helped more than 35,000 people find their new mattress (5,919 of those happy customers being in 2024). 

In this expert-curated list, you’ll find a mix of platform, adjustable, and standard bed frames in a range of budgets to suit just about anyone’s needs and preferences. All of these have one thing in common, though: They should provide the quality and support that folks over 230 pounds need.

Our Verdict: What’s the Best Bed Frame for Heavy People?

We chose Big Fig’s Platform Bed as our pick for the best frame overall. Big Fig is known for making high-quality products for sleepers over 230 pounds, and the Platform Bed is no different. Our testers found this bed to be super sturdy, and it didn’t budge when two folks were on it.

The Best Bed Frames for Heavy People

What Matters Most in a Bed Frame for Heavy People

Our team put these frames to the test in our studio, evaluating their performance and construction from the moment they arrived. We timed how long they took to assemble and rated how well they worked with a mattress and someone on top. For sleepers over 230 pounds, we honed in on categories we felt would be most important to your needs and comfort.

  • Materials – A frame’s materials have a big impact on its support and structural integrity. Quality, heavy-duty wood and metal are usually the best options for sturdy bed frames, which also translates to a better frame for extra support. Our testers observed not only the quality of these frames, but also how stable their construction seemed during assembly and use. Based on our findings, we gave each a score out of 5 for the materials. 
  • Weight capacity – Another feature we looked into was the listed weight capacity of these frames. We want to ensure that your mattress, you, and anyone else in it can all fit comfortably on top of this frame without any structural issues. We looked for frames with weight capacities upward of 1,000 pounds.
  • Price – Finally, everyone should be looking for a deal on a quality product. Extra support needn’t cost extra dollars, so we worked to find the best deals. We compared the price to our experience with the product to ensure we (and you) get the best bang for our buck. Frames can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars, so we also tried to include both affordable and luxury options to suit every budget.

Our Testing Experience

Big Fig Platform Bed – Best Bed Frame for Heavy People Overall

Big Fig Platform Bed

Big Fig Platform Bed

Big Fig, short for “Bigger Figure,” makes products made for folks with larger bodies—and its Platform Bed should provide sturdy support for these sleepers.

Mattress Clarity Score
4.3 / 5
Pros
Durable and heavy-duty construction
Simple assembly with minimal tools required
No foundation needed for platform base
Cons
No returns or sleep trial
On the pricier side

Big Fig, short for “Bigger Figure,” makes a plethora of products designed specifically with plus-size sleepers in mind. Aside from mattresses, the brand also offers plenty of bed frames and foundations geared toward these sleepers. 

Our self-described heavyweight tester Matt Shickling took Big Fig’s Platform Bed for a spin. He thought this frame was super sturdy, and it can hold more than 2,000 pounds of weight. He gave the frame perfect scores in materials, assembly, and experience, leading to an overall score of 4.3/5.

This frame first arrived in the studio in three distinct boxes for assembly. Matt commented that the instructions seemed a bit weak at first glance, offering images of how to put the frame together but no text. “However,” he said, “the bed was still pretty easy to build with two people and did not require many tools.” After 25 minutes and some assistance from a drill to ensure the center support feet were in place, the frame was complete. Matt therefore gave the assembly a perfect score.

Once the frame was assembled, Matt evaluated the construction and quality. He called the bed “well-built and mega secure” thanks to its use of thick wooden components. “It is built for heavier sleepers, and it definitely delivers on that security,” Matt said. He thought this frame would last a long time based on the materials used, so he awarded the frame another perfect score.

When it came time to put the frame into use, Matt was again impressed. He first tried it out by himself, and then had a fellow tester get into bed with him. In both instances, there wasn’t a sign of wobbling, creaking, or instability. “I’m a heavier sleeper and I appreciated how sturdy and noiseless this mattress was,” Matt said. The frame unsurprisingly earned its third perfect score in the experience department.

But where this frame faltered most was the price. Matt explained, “This bed is really nice, though it is a little expensive for what it is.” A queen-size Big Fig frame will cost you nearly $1,900, which isn’t exactly budget-friendly. It has a relatively simple all-wood design, even if it is effective, so folks looking for more frills might be disappointed.

Big Fig tries to sweeten the deal with a 20-year warranty, which is fairly generous for bed frames, in my experience. However, there isn’t any free shipping or a return period for this frame, unlike other products from the brand. Matt was disappointed by this, though he did give the brand props for offering in-home setup and removal, albeit for a fee.

Looking for a more affordable option? Check out The Frame from Brooklyn Bedding.

Mattress Clarity Test Results: Big Fig Platform Bed

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Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
3.5
Price
5
Materials
5
Assembly
5
Experience
3
Customer Service

Nectar Premier Adjustable Base – Best Adjustable Bed Frame for Heavy People

Nectar Premier Adjustable Base

Nectar Premier Adjustable Base

This adjustable base provides a higher-end sleep experience at an affordable price, including preset positions, massage, and USB charging.

Mattress Clarity Score
4.4 / 5
Pros
Offers massage and USB charging alongside adjustability
Two-month trial is rare to see for adjustable bases
Adjustable legs and zero clearance design can work with almost any frame
Cons
Super heavy weight during assembly
Offered 2-year warranty is fairly short

Adjustable bases are a great way to level up your sleep experience. They allow you to change the position of the head and foot of your bed, a boon for watching TV, reading, or just finding the most comfortable position for your sleeping needs. The Nectar Premier Adjustable Base has all this and more. 

Aside from the typical presets for TV-watching, anti-snore, and zero gravity, this base features full-body massage, USB charging, and underbed lighting. It’s made from a sturdy steel frame and can hold up to 850 pounds (which, we’ll note, is the lowest on this list but still should accommodate most plus-size sleepers). It earned an overall rating of 4.4/5 in our tests.

Our expert tester made sure to test out every offered option on the wireless remote. It took some trial-and-error at first, as the buttons were labeled with pictures rather than words. There were preset options for anti-snore, reading, zero gravity, flat, and two programmable memory positions for any favorites you devise. 

The anti-snore and reading positions each elevate the head in different ways to make things more comfortable for these sleepers. The zero-gravity position also elevates the head, and allows the knees to bend by elevating the feet too, creating a valley for your midsection. 

This provided nice pressure relief on our tester’s lower back compared to the flat position, which should benefit heavy sleepers with back pain. You can also adjust this position further if you find any areas are still causing you discomfort. The massage function has three intensity options that can further stave off pain. Comfort is completely customizable with this adjustable frame, which earned it a score of 4/5 for experience.

The frame also didn’t jostle or jerk our tester too hard when moving positions, though sometimes the mattress struggled to properly conform. We always recommend moving your adjustable base once everyone is in bed, as the added weight will help it mold with the base.

As a heavy-duty metal frame with all this technology, you might expect it takes a lot to set up. This wasn’t the case, though. Our tester was able to assemble it by herself. She did note that she had to call for help when one of the legs was bent. This, combined with earlier struggles on how to first use the remote, led her to dock one point in the assembly category. 

Most adjustable frames are in the thousands of dollar ranges because of all their moving parts. However, Nectar’s Premier Adjustable Base is available at just $749 for a queen size, on par with some traditional bed frames. I would consider this particularly affordable for all that’s wrapped up in it. Sleepers over 230 pounds looking to tailor their sleep experience to their unique needs won’t have to break the bank for high-end, high-tech sleep.

Don’t need all the frills and just want a sturdy frame? Take a look at Big Fig’s Platform Bed.

Mattress Clarity Test Results: Nectar Premier Adjustable Base

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Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
5
Price
4
Materials
4
Assembly
4
Experience
5
Customer Service

Thuma Bed Frame – Best Platform Bed Frame for Heavy People

Thuma Classic Bed Frame

Thuma Classic Bed Frame

This solid-wood platform frame has a minimalist and sleek design and slots together with ease, saving you time and hassle.

Mattress Clarity Score
4.4 / 5
Read Full Review
Pros
Tool‑free assembly keeps setup quick and hassle‑free
Generous trial and warranty offered
Platform base means no need for box spring or foundation
Cons
Shipping and returns will cost you
Heavy components may require extra set of hands

Platform frames bring the support without the need for a box spring or foundation, but sleepers over 230 pounds might want to take extra care in ensuring these frames can accommodate them. If you’re looking for peace of mind, take a look at Thuma’s Classic Bed Frame, which has a weight capacity of more than 1,500 pounds.

More than that, the Thuma Bed Frame has a sleek, all-wood design that’s not only heavy-duty, but modern and trendy. It’s put together with Japanese joinery, with the pieces slotting and clicking together without the need for tools. Despite this, we found this frame remained rock-solid, and ultimately gave it a final score of 4.4/5.

Our in-house expert tester took care of the assembly and testing for this frame in our studio. It arrived disassembled in multiple boxes. “I think this bed took a little longer than normal because it had one person to assemble it,” she noted, as the final assembly time for the Thuma Frame was 45 minutes. A helping hand might cut this time in half.

The pieces were heavy, which spoke to the frame’s quality, but were a bit unwieldy for one person to slot into place. Still, everything managed to fit together, and there were only six places where a bolt was necessary for additional securing. “One thing really nice about the bolt is it has a large head so it’s easy to turn on your own without any tools,” our tester explained.

After everything was put together, it was clear that this frame wasn’t going anywhere. Our tester found that the frame “locked in” once everything was put together, offering no wiggle room for instability. “The frame is extremely solid and does not make noise with one or two people,” she said, rating her overall experience with the frame at a perfect 5/5, alongside another 5/5 score for the materials. “I love the finish of the bed and you can tell it’s solid wood and of sound construction.”

Our tester didn’t have any qualms with the price, either, despite it being on the higher end. A queen-size Thuma frame will run you a little over $1,000 without a headboard, but if you add one of the many options (or even drawer inserts) offered on the site, the price will increase. “This is definitely a pricier bed to purchase but it is miles ahead of competitors in terms of quality and I believe the price is worth it,” our tester said. “Where the value really comes in is the design and quality of the materials.”

The main qualm our tester found with this frame, though, was the company’s customer service. Though the brand offers a generous 100-day return period and lifetime warranty, she found it difficult to get in contact with a live customer service representative. There’s only options to email or leave a voicemail, which can be frustrating if you encounter any issues or questions. 

Looking for top-notch customer service? Check out Saatva and the brand’s Santorini Platform Bed. You can also read more about this frame in our Thuma Classic Bed review.

Mattress Clarity Test Results: Thuma Bed Frame

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Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
5
Price
5
Materials
4
Assembly
5
Experience
4
Customer Service

Brooklyn Bedding The Frame – Best Affordable Bed Frame for Heavy People

Brooklyn Bedding The Frame

Brooklyn Bedding The Frame

Brooklyn Bedding’s The Frame is an affordable option for folks looking for an easy-to-set-up, no-frills frame that’s made of quality metal.

Check Price
Pros
Extremely affordable
Sturdy metal construction
Click-in assembly
Cons
Requires foundation or box spring
No headboard

If you’re looking for a sturdy frame on a budget, you want to make sure you don’t choose one that cuts corners. This isn’t the case with Brooklyn Bedding The Frame. Though this frame only costs $175 for a queen size, it’s a high-quality yet simple metal frame that can hold 2,500 pounds (the largest weight capacity on this list).

It doesn’t come with a headboard or any other frills, and you’ll need a foundation alongside it, but it’s great if you need something in a pinch to reinforce your current sleep setup. It earned an overall score of 4.4/5, impressive for such a low pricepoint.

The price is obviously the main star of this frame. Some of the other frames on this list break the $1,000 mark, and The Frame seems like a dream in comparison. Coupons and sales can bring down this frame to just a little over $130. “I think this is a great price for someone just looking for a way to elevate their bed off the ground and be able to install and break down quickly,” said our expert tester who evaluated this frame. She also gave it a perfect score for its value.

Setting up the frame once it arrives at your door should be hassle-free. It’s an easy assembly with a few simple clicks into place, then you’re good to go. “This frame only took five minutes to install,” our expert tester said, calling it “very easy design overall.” This earned the frame another perfect score in assembly.

The actual materials of the frame seemed sturdy, per our tester. “The metal does not clang or shift and feels really solid,” she said. However, she docked some points in the materials category because, well, this is a simple frame. You’ll need to have a foundation or box spring on hand to use it, which can be an issue for folks who don’t—it might mean extra hassle and extra cost. But if you need a simple rejuvenation and extra support treatment for your current sleep setup, this frame should deliver.

This also means that the overall support of this frame partly depends on what foundation you use with it. With its generous weight capacity, though, plus-size sleepers should have plenty of options for heavy-duty foundations and mattresses alike. You can rest assured that this frame won’t collapse under any extra weight. To further test its stability, our tester tried shaking the frame and aggressively moving it to try and get it to make noise or fall apart—to no avail.

If you want to try this frame out but aren’t quite sure it’ll work with your setup, note that Brooklyn Bedding offers a 30-night trial. While it’s shorter than most, it’s nice to have the option for returns. It’s also backed by a 3-year warranty. Brooklyn Bedding is also responsive should you have any questions or concerns.

Want a frame with a headboard and support slats? Check out the Silk & Snow Bed Frame with Storage.

Mattress Clarity Test Results: Brooklyn Bedding The Frame

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Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
5
Price
3
Materials
5
Assembly
4
Experience
5
Customer Service

Saatva Santorini Platform Bed – Best Luxury Bed Frame for Heavy People

Saatva Santorini Platform Base

Saatva Santorini Platform Base

Saatva’s deceptively simple Santorini Platform Base is covered in soft upholstery, backed by a sturdy wooden frame for a base that speaks to quiet luxury.

Mattress Clarity Score
4.4 / 5
Check Price
Pros
Soft upholstery and sturdy frame
Generous year-long trial and lifetime warranty
In-house assembly available for some shoppers
Cons
Higher price point
Headboard costs extra

If you’ve got the money to invest in a high-end, durable, and stylish bed frame, let me direct your attention to the Saatva Santorini Platform Bed. I tested this bed out in our studio and found it as luxurious as I expected, if not more. I sleep on a Saatva mattress every night, so I know firsthand that quality is the name of the brand’s game.

The Santorini Platform Bed costs a pretty penny, but it’s more than worth it for luxury shoppers who weigh more than 230 pounds. It’s an upholstered frame with a sturdy all-wood base, comfortable and heavy-duty. I gave it 4s and 4.5s in every testing category for a final score of 4.4/5.

Livvi DiCicco puts together a Saatva Santorini Platform Bed

When it comes to assembling the frame, Saatva offers white glove delivery and in-home setup to select addresses. When the frame arrived in our studio, though, we had to put it together ourselves. Our assembly team of two didn’t have any issues to complain about when putting it together. It took only 12 minutes, with the most difficult part being lining up the headboard with the slats, which took some finagling. Since not everyone might be able to get in-home setup, I docked half a point in the assembly department, giving the frame a score of 4.5/5 in this category.

As for how it looked and felt when put together, this frame was sturdy. The hardwood frame was both thick and durable, down to the slats on the bottom. The actual upholstery was surprisingly soft, rather than the scratchy linen I expected to see. 

The only part of the frame that wobbled was the headboard, but this was with me actively trying to shake and move it. I don’t think it’s at risk of falling apart for any sleeper, let alone those over 230 pounds. With all this in mind, I gave the materials another 4.5/5 score.

Based on the fact that the frame as a whole didn’t wiggle when I moved around on it, I think it will work great for sleepers over 230 pounds. I will note, though, that Saatva doesn’t give a specific number for a weight limit. Instead, the brand recommends adding a flat wood plane over the slats if you’re worried about additional support. This is more recommended than compulsory, so it’ll depend on your budget and preference.

The only gripe I can find with this frame is the price. Saatva is a luxury mattress brand, so it’s only natural that its products are in a higher price range. The queen-size will run you almost $1,600 before any sales. The frame is also available without the headboard for half of the price, though this will obviously be a simpler design. 

As a whole, though, I find Saatva products to be well worth the investment, especially if you’re looking for a product that’ll last you a lifetime. That’s why the frame is also backed by a lifetime warranty.

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you might like the Silk & Snow Bed Frame with Storage.

Mattress Clarity Test Results: Saatva Santorini Platform Bed

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Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4
Price
4.5
Materials
4.5
Assembly
4.5
Experience
4.5
Customer Service

Silk & Snow Bed Frame with Storage Best Storage Bed Frame for Heavy People

Silk & Snow Bed Frame with Storage

Silk & Snow Bed Frame with Storage

The Silk & Snow Bed Frame with Storage is an upholstered frame with under-bed storage accessed through the footboard, so you can have all your clutter out of sight and out of mind.

Mattress Clarity Score
3.8 / 5
Check Price
Pros
Smooth and sleek upholstery
Hidden storage design
Relatively affordable price
Cons
No in-home assembly offered
Drawer can be a bit sticky

Maybe you’re wanting something that’s both supportive and functional. I’d take a look at the Silk & Snow Bed Frame with Storage. It’s an upholstered model that features a footboard drawer that blends seamlessly with the rest of the frame for a clean, modern look.

This Canada-made bed frame combines a mix of wooden and metal components for added stability, and my fellow tester Cait Giddings called its support “rock-solid.” It also has a 1,100 weight limit, which should accommodate plus-size folks and their mattress with ease.

When this frame arrived in the studio, Cait encountered some issues with assembly. There weren’t any instructions included, so our assembly team had to look at a photo and reverse-engineer a way to put the frame together. “That said, the assemblers said it was intuitive once they started going,” she said. They did have to use a power drill for some parts, including the under-frame drawer, which took the longest to put together. The assembly took a total of 35 minutes, which isn’t too bad, but might have been sped up with instructions.

Once assembled, Cait found that the frame seemed to be of high-quality overall. She called the cover fabric “smooth,” and the wood base was thick and sturdy. “The base doesn’t seem like it will show signs of wear very quickly,” she said. When it came to the drawer, there was a bit of an issue when pulling it out. “It jumps out at an uneven angle,” she said. “It generally gives the sense that it wouldn’t hold much weight before becoming too unwieldy to slide out.” Just be careful with what you put inside. Despite this, Cait still found the materials to be of sound quality, rating them at an overall 4/5 score.

The materials didn’t just look and feel sturdy, but they also performed up to par when Cait put this frame into practice. “The bed felt extremely secure and like it was in no danger of moving or budging while I bounced on it,” she explained. There also wasn’t any noise. Overall, this is great news for sleepers over 230 pounds seeking stability. She gave her experience on this frame a 4.5/5 score.

Cait also found the price to be an added bonus. The frame comes in at $700 for a queen, and this includes a headboard. I’ve rarely seen upholstered frames at this pricepoint, let alone those with storage. 

On top of that, Silk & Snow offers free shipping, a 30-day return period, and a 5-year warranty, which Cait called “excellent.” She did wish that the brand offered in-home setup for a fee, especially since the instructions were left out of our shipment. 

Want a frame that’s easy to set up with or without instructions? Check out the Thuma Bed Frame.

Mattress Clarity Test Results: Silk & Snow Bed Frame with Storage

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Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4
Price
4
Materials
2.5
Assembly
4.5
Experience
4
Customer Service

Other Bed Frames for Heavy People We Considered

DIdn’t see what you were looking for on the list above? Here are some other frames we’ve tested:

  • Helix Madison Frame – The Madison Frame by Helix is a sleek, no-frills wood bed frame that is easy to assemble and install. It’s a low-profile platform bed that didn’t wobble when we moved around on it. However, it’s a bit pricey for its simplistic design, (and the headboard is sold separately) so we didn’t put it on this list. 
  • DreamCloud Claremont Frame – Most frames don’t come with a headboard, but if you’re looking for an affordable option with one built-in, you might like DreamCloud’s Claremont frame. This upholstered bed frame is relatively sturdy and stable, though our testers noted that the wooden slats in the center weren’t as durable as other options we’ve tested, so your mattress might be more likely to sag through the gaps.
  • Nectar Bamboo Platform Frame – Like the Thuma Frame, the Nectar Bamboo Platform Frame is a wooden bed frame that slots together with tool-free joinery. It’s a more affordable option that retains the same simplistic and modern design. However, it may not be the best option for heavyweight sleepers, as we didn’t find it as heavy-duty as the Thuma.

How We Tested These Bed Frames for Heavy People

When it comes to sleepers over 230 pounds designing their sleep setup, Dr. Raj Dasgupta has this to say: “Plus-size sleepers need a firmer, more supportive mattress and frame that won’t sag or fail over time.” I’ll dive deeper into what we looked for in testing to ensure that each of these frames met these parameters. 

Materials

thuma bed edge
The Thuma frame is made primarily of wood, but other frames may incorporate metal, upholstery fabric, and other materials.

The materials that make up a bed frame greatly contribute to its overall performance. You may have noticed that the list above includes both metal bed frames and wood bed frames, as these are the most common materials—for good reason. Both of these materials make for heavy-duty bed frames that excel in sturdy, stable support. 

To make sure these frames lived up to our expectations, we jumped around and shook the frames with the intent to rattle them. If we noticed any wobbling or otherwise cause for concern, we made sure to note it. As a whole, though, the frames on this list should all remain steadfast when it comes to supporting you, your mattress, and whoever else joins you in bed. 

Weight Capacity

Your frame has to hold both you and your mattress, and most frames unfortunately may not accommodate sleepers of all sizes. The average frame (or mattress) probably accommodates about 500 pounds, which may be too little for sleepers over 230 pounds, especially if they share the bed. 

That’s why we looked for bed frames with weight limits close to or above the 1,000-pound mark. This should give you ample wiggle room for a heavy-duty mattress, too.

Price

A queen-size bed frame can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the type, material, and overall quality. Regardless of size, most shoppers are looking for a great deal, and that’s why we’re here. We made sure to scrutinize these frames and how they performed. We also factored in freebies like shipping, sleep trials, or warranties into our final price score, which some brands might toss in to sweeten the deal. 

Our final score out of 5 doesn’t just reflect affordability, but rather, overall value. We want to make sure you’re getting the most bang out of your buck.

What Else Is Important When Buying Bed Frames for Heavy People?

Buying a new bed frame is a lot more than ensuring you pick the right size (though that’s certainly part of it). Aside from the categories we focused on in testing, here are some other areas that I’d recommend exploring if you’re having trouble narrowing the field. 

Type of Frame

The type of frame that best suits you can depend on everything from aesthetic concerns to storage space. Here’s an overview of the most common types you’ll see out there (and on our list):

Standard

Standard bed frames, like Brooklyn Bedding’s The Frame, are perhaps the most bare bones. These simply provide an outline for any mattress foundation or box spring and act as a starting point to get your bed off the ground. Standard frames will rarely come with add-ons like headboards or storage, but if you already have all of the working parts and are looking for an affordable, straightforward way to refresh an existing sleep setup, they might be the best option. 

Platform

Our tester puts slats into a Helix Madison Bed Frame
Placing the slats on a platform bed frame.

Platform bed frames are some of the most common. These frames have either slats or a solid sheet that provides support for your mattress without the need for a box spring or foundation. They can come with or without headboards, and in a variety of configurations, colors, and materials.

Slatted platform beds are the most common. Most mattresses should work with these frames, but always check the manufacturer details. Some have specific spacing requirements you’ll need to pay attention to. Generally, I wouldn’t recommend a platform base with more than five inches of space between each of the slats. You might want to add another layer of support (like a bunkie board) to be safe. 

Storage

Silk & Snow Bed Frame with Storage Product Pic
The Silk & Snow frame has a pull-out drawer for storage at the very end.

While most lofty bed frames give you storage space to shove everything you need underneath, maybe you’re looking for something a bit more elegant. Storage bed frames, as the name implies, have built-in storage underneath the mattresses. Some might include drawers along the side, headboard, or footboard, while others might have you lift up the entire mattress to reach a compartment underneath. What you want will likely depend on your aesthetic preferences, space, and physical capability. For the latter configuration, I’d make sure that your mattress isn’t too thick and unwieldy to make it difficult to access your precious cargo.

Adjustable

A woman inspects the gap between the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex mattress and an adjustable base
A tester examines the gap between a mattress and the adjustable base below.

Adjustable bases allow you to independently move the head and foot of your bed to a preferred position. This can help ease discomfort for folks who like to read or watch TV in bed, as an example. Studies have shown that adjustable bases, particularly in positions like “zero gravity” (where the head and legs are slightly elevated) can also take pressure off sensitive areas that would otherwise dig into the mattress—like the hips, knees, and shoulders. 

Adjustable bases might also be good for sleepers with back pain. Dr. Raj Dasgupta noted, “Small tweaks can make a big difference in comfort and pain management, as an adjustable base can help with spinal alignment.” 

Aside from these purported benefits, adjustable bases can come with a swath of other nifty features. Some might have full-body massage options for total relaxation. Some offer more practical add-ons like USB charging and underhead lighting. It’s a great way to level up your sleep experience. 

Just always be sure to check that your mattress is compatible with an adjustable frame. These bed bases also tend to be more expensive than traditional frames, but most come with removable legs so you can put them atop any existing base.

Mattress

You’ll want to ensure that your mattress and your frame are compatible, whether you have an existing mattress or you’re looking to buy a new one. First, make sure that you get the correct mattress size for your frame; it might help to measure both your mattress and your space to help decide which should work for your needs. You should also consider the height of your mattress and how high the frame will come off the ground. The last thing you want is to need a stepladder to get into bed each night.

The type of mattress can also determine what type of frame should work best. As an example, hybrid mattresses usually don’t need the extra support of a box spring. “They work well with platform beds, adjustable bases, and slatted frames,” said Dr. Raj Dasgupta. The coils underneath provide extra stability and support, which could also be an added bonus for sleepers over 230 pounds. A memory foam mattress, on the other hand, might need more support underneath to keep it from sagging through the slats.

Overall, it’s important to read the fine print. “Check the mattress manufacturer’s guidelines and your bed frame design to make the right choice,” Dr. Raj Dasgupta added.

Assembly

A man places a plank of wood down on the Birch wooden bed frame.

Assembly is also an important part of buying a new bed frame. No one wants to struggle for hours over a labyrinth of instructions that might as well be written in runes. Some frames require the use of handheld tools, and others simply slot together. 

When rating assembly, we made note of how long it took to set up each frame, how many people were needed, whether tools were required, how clear-cut the instructions were, and whether anything was forgotten when the pieces arrived. 

Easy assembly got a perfect 5/5 score, while points were deducted for any hassles we encountered along the way. We’ll also let you know if the brand offers in-home setup, though I’ll note that this is rare to see.

Durability

The best bed frames for heavy people shouldn’t just be supportive, but also built-to-last. Luckily, the same material and structure that gives these frames this heavy-duty support also helps to keep them from falling apart. If you’re wanting a particularly durable frame, opt for materials like hardwood and steel. You might also want to look at any warranty offered by the manufacturer, as this can be a testament to how long the brand expects the frame to last (and is willing to cover any issues that arise).

FAQs

What type of bed frame is best for heavy people?

The best bed frame for heavy people should have a high weight capacity and be made of durable materials like wood or metal. Platform frames might be a good option because they don’t require a box spring, which means more available weight capacity.

Are platform beds better for heavy people?

Platform frames may be a better choice for heavy people as you won’t need to add a box spring under your mattress, which could affect the frame’s overall weight capacity. Most platform frames can support up to (or more than) 1,500 pounds, which should be plenty for a mattress and two extra sleepers.

References

  • Call, E., & Baker, L. (2008). How does bed frame design influence tissue interface pressure? A comparison of four different technologies designed for long-term or home care. Journal of Tissue Viability, 17(1), 22–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtv.2007.09.007

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Livvi DiCicco

Livvi DiCicco

Staff Writer, Certified Sleep Science Coach

About Author

Livvi has been writing and researching sleep-based content for over a year. This, alongside her penchant for napping and extreme tossing and turning, has made her something close to an “expert” in the realm of sleep science, sleep products, and sleep accessories.