By clicking on the product links in this article, Mattressnut may receive a commission fee to support our work. See our affiliate disclosure.

Platform vs Box spring, choose the right one for your needs

Mattresses alone cannot provide the perfect comfort and support your body deserves. For that, selecting any bed frame is always a better decision that will enhance the quality of your sleep and the life of your mattress.

This article will provide a complete guide on two of the most common bed bases; Platform Beds and Box Spring.

After reading this article, you will decide better about the mattress bases according to your requirements. As additional information, a brief product review of one of the leading bed foundations by Ghost bed is added.

Best Platform foundation

A foundation with smart design

Ghost-Bed is one of the leading mattress makers in town that provide premium quality mattresses with superb comfort and support. Alongside their key players, Ghost-Bed has a comprehensive collection of high-quality and stylish mattress foundations and bed frames.

In particular, the All-in-One bed foundation has a high market demand as it is a complete package for all your bed foundation needs. This unique product has completely changed the mattress foundation options with its smart design.

The All-in-one foundation is for easy packing/ unpacking and moving as you will receive your foundation in a box with all the nuts and bolts and the necessary tools. A complete assembly manual is inside the whole package. The assembly time is less than 10 minutes, and you can do it yourself.

The ease of assembly without any outside help makes this foundation a fun activity to prepare for use. A slide-resistant and slip-on grey and white cover is an additional feature of this foundation that provides complete support to your mattress without the risk of slipping away from the bed.

platform vs box spring comparison

The weight support option of this foundation is outstanding. You can easily place up to 2000 lbs. of pressure without considering the consequences. The foundation has a strong hold on all of your favorite activities.

Adjustable height legs are a standard package option with your All-in-one foundation by Ghost-bed. You can adjust the height of your bed to two levels, providing the perfect height for you. You might not need any additional box springs for more height.

In a nutshell The Ghost-bed All-in-one foundation is designed to make your life comfortable with a complete bed package (also check 10 amazing mattresses for platform beds). The metal frames with adjustable height and universal head and footboard adjustments will ensure lifelong support for your mattress.

Platform Bed Vs. Box Spring – A Comprehensive Comparison

What Is A Platform Bed?

A platform bed is a smart and unique option for your choice of base to place your mattress. Its low-profile frame and strong base make it ideal for any mattress. The usual options for material selection for bases are widespread, from wooden to slatted, which positions a mattress upwards.

Platform beds are more practical and efficient as they don’t need any other supportive layer, such as a box spring. The base is all in all. You don’t need to spend extra on getting other necessary accessories.

Unlike box springs or other bed bases, platform beds have a variety of styles to choose from according to your convenience and usage. The common designs are sleek and upholstered. The option for additional storage in the bed frame is available for modern smart apartments and studio living.

There are various options for the size of the platform beds. You can choose the perfect size according to the size of your mattress. In general, the options are between 5 to 20 inches. If your mattress is big, you might go for a lower-length platform bed and vice versa.

Pros

  • Can make an extra storage space inside your platform bed.
  • Various designs and styles
  • Modern, smart, and durable
  • Doesn’t need any further accessories, such as mattress foundations
  • Suitable for mattresses of all styles and designs
  • Easy to store and transport.
  • It can fit any head or foot board

Cons

  • Extra firmness might not be so much comfortable
  • No bounce may lack extra edge support
  • Low-profile bases can be hard for some users to get out of bed.

What Is A Box Spring?

A wooden or metal box with springs inside that box is a Box Spring bed base. The springs are metallic coils that provide extra bounciness to you. Every box spring is covered with a special breathable fabric to vail out the metal coils.

Typically, a box spring is placed between your bed and mattress to enhance the life of your mattress and bed. The purpose of springs is to enhance the quality sleeping experience by absorbing some of the mattress pressure with consistent airflow in the mattress to keep you cool. Since good support is given by a box spring, its life is directly proportional to that of an average mattress.

Apart from superb support, any box spring will elevate your bed’s height in a considerable manner. The only issue with a box spring is its general compatibility. Therefore, it is better to consult your mattress distributor or manufacturer regarding the suitability of usage with the selected mattress. Moreover, there are many types and sizes of box springs that you can choose according to your mattress size and desire.

Ideally speaking, box springs are best for spring mattresses such as hybrid or innerspring. You will get extra support and comfort with added motion isolation.

Pros

  • Give further elevation to your mattress
  • Good for extra support
  • Shock absorber and perfect motion isolation
  • Best for the extra bounciness
  • Perfect combination with an innerspring mattress (check the top rated innerspring mattresses).
  • Easy maneuverability

Cons

  • No option for extra storage
  • Limited compatibility

Platform Beds Vs. Box Springs What’s The Difference?

Platform bed and Box spring bed basses are certainly different in looks and size. However, the common function of both is to provide the utmost comfort and support. The important question is, which base suits you and is compatible with your mattress?

The obvious difference is the firmness level higher in the platform bed than in the box spring. With a platform bed, you can style your room according to your test and preference. On the other hand, a box spring base is more appropriate for bigger rooms, such as master bedrooms, due to its size and appearance.

Platform Beds Vs Box Springs difference

With a box spring, you will get an extra bounce on top of your mattress bounciness which is good for support in general and edge support. Platform bases lack extra bounce.

In the below sections, the differences between the platform and box spring are elaborated in detail with a clear verdict of who’s the winner.

Dimensions – Box Spring is Winner

Regarding dimensions, there is a similarity between the box spring and platform bed, which is the availability of size variations. In simpler words, you can find different sizes of bases according to your bed size. However, a platform bed can vary between 5 to 20 inches in dimensions.

As far as the weight is concerned, a platform bed is heavier than a box spring. The reason is the selection of construction materials, such as wood or metal, to make a durable product. Generally, it is hard to move a platform bed due to its weight. However, the modern platform beds come in boxes to be DIY’d at home.

On the other hand, a box spring alone is lighter than a platform bed, and it is easy to move. However, if you add the bed weight below, there is a positive change in the bed, with the box spring being heavier than a platform bed.

For the dimensions point, the win has to be given to the box spring subject to the product over product review.

Price– Platform is Winner

Price is a variable factor for both the platform bed and box spring, as every brand charges its price for these products. The core price determinants are the quality and selection of base material and the product’s overall size.

However, box springs, in general, are less expensive than platform beds. The average market price of box springs varies between $100 and $600.

On the contrary, the platform beds fall as low as a couple of hundred bucks to several thousand dollars depending upon the size and make of the final product. However, you won’t need further accessories expenses compared to a box spring.

In the end, since box springs are used in a full package (i.e., box springs and the bed), they become more expensive as a unit than a platform bed. So, from the budget perspective, the points go to platform beds compared to a combo of bed and box springs.

Comfort – Platform is Winner

The design dynamics of a platform bed are made to provide optimum comfort and support without considering the type of mattress. The wooden or metal bases in a platform bed are placed so that a continuous flow of breathability is always active, keeping you dry and cool throughout the night.

The slats inside the frame come in different sizes, so keep in mind the slat distance before buying a mattress because usually, the closer the slats higher the comfort.

On the contrary, box springs are also designed for comfort and support; however, it is limited to specific mattresses. If you have or want a box spring base, the ideal option for you is any hybrid mattress (check the best selling hybrid mattresses) or innerspring mattress. You will get additional support, precise weight distribution, edge support, and reduced muscular pressure from people who suffer from it.

From a comfort point of view, platform beds are more dynamic than box springs’ limited usage, so the winning point is for platform beds.

Storage Space – Platform is Winner

We will compare the storage space aspect of the platform and box spring in two ways. One is the space each requires in the room and the extra storage space you might get underneath the bases.

Regarding the space for placing your platform bed or box spring, it primarily depends on the size of your room and the mattress. For instance, if you have a queen-size mattress, the supportive platform or box spring will be bigger, and vice versa.

On the other hand, platform beds have a huge lead when it comes to storage space. Now a day, most platform beds have additional storage space underneath them, which is perfect for people living in smart apartments with limited space.

Moreover, many platform designs have built-in bookshelves where you can place your favorite books while sitting in the comfort of your bed.

However, extra storage space is minimum to none in box springs. Unless you have a higher box spring, you might not get enough space to organize your belongings. Once again, storage space takes the lead.

Compatibility – Platform is Winner

This point summarizes all our discussions on defining the difference between platform beds and box springs. It is safe to say that platform beds are the most compatible option for your mattresses. You can use it with latex, memory foam, bamboo, and hybrid mattresses.

On the other hand, box springs are compatible with limited mattresses. So, ideally speaking, this kind of base is perfect for innerspring mattresses.

The platform beds have a leading edge over the box spring mattress base for high compatibility.

Key Takeaways: Platform Vs Box Spring

Ghostbed’s All-in-One Foundation

The Ghostbed All-in-One foundation stands out in the market due to its smart design, easy assembly, and exceptional weight support capacity. It offers adjustable height legs, eliminating the need for additional box springs for height adjustments.

Platform Beds Explained

Platform beds provide a low-profile frame with a strong base suitable for all mattress types. They eliminate the need for extra support layers like box springs and come in various styles, including options with storage for modern apartments.

Box Springs Demystified

Box springs are wooden or metal boxes with metallic coil springs inside, placed between the bed and mattress. They enhance the mattress’s lifespan, provide bounce, and elevate the bed’s height. Box springs are especially suited for spring mattresses like hybrids or innersprings.

Differences Between Platform Beds and Box Springs

While both aim to offer comfort and support, platform beds are generally firmer and more stylish. In contrast, box springs provide extra bounce and are often better suited for larger rooms due to their appearance.

Key Comparisons


When it comes to dimensions, box springs often edge out platform beds. However, platform beds are more cost-effective, versatile in comfort, offer more storage space, and are compatible with a wider range of mattresses.

Conclusion

There you have it; we have compiled a comprehensive guide for you regarding Platform Beds Vs. Box Spring. Both have specific benefits and limitations that you are now aware of.

We have cleared any confusion regarding the perfect choice choose a box spring or a platform bed.

Platform vs Box spring FAQs

Can You Use A Box Spring On A Platform Bed?

Generally, it is not required because a platform bed provides sufficient height when combined with your mattress. However, if you like additional height, you can use a box spring on a platform bed.

Is Platform Or Box Spring Better?

Both of them have specific benefits for their users. Platform beds are more dynamic when the type of mattress and storage space are concerned. On the other hand, box springs are a perfect choice for your innerspring mattress.

Does The Platform Bed Feel Different From Than Box Spring?

Certainly, a platform bed is a bed frame on which you can place your mattress without needing an additional mattress foundation or a box spring. Comparatively, a box spring is a mattress accessory that can be used alone or on a bed frame to support your spring mattress.

Can I Use A Platform Instead Of A Box Spring?

Yes, you can. A platform bed will cover all your needs for a mattress base without needing additional support accessories.