Bed slats are easy to overlook when choosing a new bed, but they deserve as much attention as the frame itself. They form the platform beneath your mattress, and their construction, spacing and condition all matter.
So, which bed slats are best?
Solid slats provide a flatter, firmer foundation, while sprung slats flex beneath the mattress for a more responsive feel. The right choice depends on your mattress, the feel you prefer and how the whole bed has been made.
At Revival Beds, we use solid pine slats to create a substantial platform for the mattress. Here’s what to consider when comparing the options.
What is the difference between solid and sprung slats?
Solid slats
Solid slats are straight pieces of timber fitted across the bed frame. They provide a relatively rigid foundation, leaving the mattress to provide the cushioning above.
They can be a good choice if you prefer less movement from the base. However, the finished feel still depends on your mattress: a soft mattress does not automatically become firm simply because it sits on solid slats.
Look beyond the description “solid wood”. The dimensions of the slats, their spacing and the way they are supported and secured are worth checking too.
Sprung slats
Sprung slats have a curved shape and flex under weight. This introduces some give beneath the mattress and can make the bed feel softer or more responsive.
They are commonly arranged in two sections, supported by the sides of the frame and a central rail, although designs vary.
Neither type is automatically better made than the other. A useful comparison starts with the complete base and whether it suits the mattress you intend to use.
How far apart should bed slats be?
Follow the requirements supplied by your mattress manufacturer. There is no single maximum gap that is suitable for every mattress.
Check whether the instructions specify:
- A maximum gap between the slats.
- A minimum slat width.
- A particular type of base.
- Any additional support or mattress pad.
When measuring the gap, measure the clear space between the edges of neighbouring slats, rather than from the centre of one slat to the next.
This distinction matters: slat width and slat spacing are two different measurements.
Revival Beds uses gaps of approximately 40–45mm between its slats. If you are keeping an existing mattress or buying one separately, compare its base requirements with the bed specifications before ordering.
What slats do Revival Beds use?
Our solid wooden beds use 18 solid pine slats, each measuring 70mm wide and 17mm thick.
The slats are cloth-webbed to keep them positioned together, with gaps of approximately 40–45mm. Pre-drilled holes allow them to be secured to the bed’s supporting bearers and to a centre bar where required.
These details help explain what sits beneath the mattress. When comparing beds, ask how the slats are held in place and supported, as well as what they are made from.
Can you use a memory foam mattress on slats?
Yes, provided the mattress manufacturer approves the base and its specifications.
A memory foam mattress should not be ruled out simply because a bed has slats. Check the permitted gaps, the required support and the ventilation guidance for the particular mattress.
The same approach applies to other mattress types. Choosing a suitable combination is more useful than assuming every foam mattress or every pocket sprung mattress needs exactly the same base.
Are pocket sprung mattresses suitable for slatted beds?
They can be, but check the instructions for your chosen model.
Some manufacturers specify maximum slat gaps or recommend a protective mattress pad between the slats and mattress. Follow those requirements rather than adding a board or another layer without checking.
If you are considering one of our pocket sprung mattresses, speak to us about pairing it with your chosen bed.
What should you check before choosing a slatted bed?
Start with the mattress you plan to use, then ask the bed supplier for the details needed to check compatibility.
Find out the slat dimensions, the clear gaps between them, how they attach to the frame and what support is provided underneath. If you are comparing beds in a showroom, ask which base is beneath the mattress you are trying.
For an existing bed, check the condition of the base too. Cracked slats, loose fittings or damaged supports should be assessed before placing a new mattress on top.
So, are solid or sprung slats best?
Choose solid slats if you prefer a more rigid foundation beneath your mattress. Consider sprung slats if you prefer some additional give from the base.
In either case, mattress compatibility and the quality of the complete bed should guide your decision.
At Revival Beds, solid pine slats are part of our approach to building substantial wooden beds. Explore our handmade bed collection or request free wood samples to start choosing your preferred finish.
