Written by Amelia Jerden, Senior Staff Writer
Everybody could use a sturdy, quality bed frame. However, most bed frames are constructed with weight limits, which aren’t always high enough to support heavier people. Maximum weights for bed frames can range from 200 pounds to over 1,000 pounds, so the right option for you will depend on your weight and whether or not you’re sharing the bed with a partner.
Bed frames for heavier people are out there, though — they’re durable and built for a certain maximum weight. Keep an eye out for durability based on a frame’s construction materials — hardwood, steel, and iron frames may be your best bet.
If sifting through all the bed frame options on the market sounds daunting to you, don’t worry, we’ve done the work. Our team researched all of the options, looking at construction materials, weight capacity, user reviews and even testing some of them ourselves. Ready to find your ideal bed frame? Let’s get into it.
Our Top Pick for Bed Frames for Heavier People
The Saatva Siena Leather Bed Frame is our top pick for heavier people because it supports up to 650 pounds and is made of high-quality, luxurious materials. Plus, it looks stylish, too.
Best Bed Frame for Heavier Person 2024
- DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame – Best Overall
- Saatva Siena Leather Bed Frame – Best Construction
- Nectar Adjustable Base – Best Support
- Helix Wood Bed Frame – Best Assembly
- Bear Summit Platform Bed with Headboard – Best Value
DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame – Best Overall
DreamCloud Adjustable Base
If you like to sit up in bed, raise your legs, or need an anti-snore feature, the DreamCloud adjustable bed could be a great choice.
Sleepopolis Score
4.60 / 5
Read Full Review
Expert Opinion
The DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame is a versatile, higher-tech bed base with a variety of benefits. With a remote control, you can elevate your head for watching TV, or raise your feet into a restorative zero-gravity position, making it great for people with chronic pain or an addition of comfort for bedroom lounging. The bed base can also be maneuvered through manual adjustment, or if you find a favorite or frequented bed position, you can customize settings into the remote and automatically change the bed’s position with the touch of a button. Notably, when it arrives, the remote is already programmed with positions for watching TV, anti-snoring, and the zero gravity position. And you can of course expand this pre-programming with multiple other options.
In addition to adjustability, the DreamCloud has multiple massage settings. While our testers found the massage settings quite comforting, restless or light sleepers should note that the DreamCloud was a little noisy when testing its massage features. And for heavy sleepers, the frame has zero clearance and is made with 100 percent sturdy steel. It can hold up to 750 pounds, making it ideal for heavier couples and people with children. In addition, the solid steel black frame acts as a non-intrusive piece of furniture in your bedroom, allowing you to decorate around it or embrace a minimal look that doesn’t distract from other decorate elements.
What our tester says: “If you’re feeling handy and decide to set everything up yourself, every base comes with easy-to-follow assembly instructions. The box arrives with all of the adjustable base’s parts inside, and once again, no tools are required, so once you get your package, you’re good to go.” – Sarah Riccio, former senior writer and bedding expert
What Customers Say
The DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Base has over 2,000 reviews on its official website, averaging 4.7 out of 5 stars. One verified buyer wrote on behalf of themselves and their partner: “This bed is comfortable. The ability to raise the head has made my sleep time longer. It is easy to assemble and use. Very happy with my choice. I would have loved the KING, but the queen is very good as well.”
Pros of the DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame
- The DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Base requires no tools to assemble.
- Testers found using the DreamCloud to be quite user-friendly and self-explanatory, making it a good pick for tech-wary sleepers looking for a higher-tech adjustable bed base.
- The DreamCloud has a soft nightlight underneath for late-night bathroom trips that won’t interrupt your sleeping partner.
Cons of the DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame
- Testers found that the bed base moved a bit slowly when changing positions.
- The DreamCloud may be a little pricey for shoppers looking for a cheaper bed frame.
- While easy to set up without tools, this solid steel bed frame weighs roughly 150 pounds, making it a little heavy and potentially requiring a second set of hands to move it around the home.
Does this sound like the bed frame for you? Click here to get the best deal. You can also read our full DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame review for more details.
Saatva Siena Bed Frame – Best Construction
Saatva Siena Leather Bed Frame
Kiln-dried wood and several different color options make this a durable and luxurious bed frame.
Expert Opinion
The Saatva Siena is a luxury bed frame with a 650-pound weight capacity that can help elevate your room’s elegance. It’s made with responsibly sourced, eco-friendly rubber and acacia wood, giving it a sturdy and reliable foundation. The wood is actually kiln-dried to help prevent warping over time and enhance durability. And in a design choice that makes the Siena stand out from all the other frames on this list, it’s covered in high-end, eco-friendly leather upholstery. Saatva claims that the leather used is from free-range livestock and is produced using water-efficient methods, where recycling leather waste and ensuring a more eco-friendly standard in the production process are priorities.
Beyond Siena’s higher standard for materials used in its construction, this bed frame is built to last and should be a durable option for heavy sleepers. With a leather upholstery that “only looks better with age”, rigid slats, solid bolts and brackets, real wood, and an additional vertical center at the bed frame’s base for enhanced stability, the Siena should last a long time under additional weight and use.
What Customers Say
The Siena only has eight reviews on its official website, which resulted in an overall score of 5 out of 5. While the number of reviews is limited, one happy customer wrote, “It’s so beautiful and sturdy! My room feels so much calmer with this bed.”
Pros of the Saatva Siena Leather Bed Frame
- The Siena includes free home delivery and free assembly by Saatva with your purchase.
- Saatva offers its Siena bed frame with a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, reflecting its broader confidence in the product.
- The upholstery is available in four different muted color options.
Cons of the Saatva Siena Leather Bed Frame
- Like most Saatva products, the Siena is designed to meet a luxury standard. However, as a luxury bed frame, this status is reflected in its price tag, making the Siena a higher-end bed frame that may not be a responsible choice for people shopping on a budget.
Do you like this durable bed frame? Look for the best deal. Our full review is coming soon.
Nectar Adjustable Base – Best Support
Nectar Adjustable Base
If you like to sit up in bed or are in search of various features, like an anti-snore position or massaging, then the Nectar Adjustable Bed could be for you.
Sleepopolis Score
4.70 / 5
Read Full Review
Expert Opinion
If you’re looking for a supportive, durable adjustable base, then I recommend the Nectar adjustable base. This base is controlled via a remote control that comes synced and ready to use. The remote contains 19 buttons, and I found them very intuitive and easy to navigate. The bed can also be controlled using a mobile app. In addition to raising and lowering the head and/or foot of the bed, the remote also has presets for sitting in bed watching TV, reading, and lying flat. There’s also an anti-snore button that places the sleeper in a position that promotes better airflow and breathing. Finally, there’s a zero-gravity button. I found this position very interesting; it simulates the feeling of being weightless.
This adjustable base also comes with some unique bonus features. A massage feature targets the head and foot of the bed and offers three modes and three intensities. The remote is equipped with a flashlight, which can be helpful in the middle of the night. Last, there are four USB ports that can charge phones, tablets, and other devices.
What our tester says: “Assembling the Nectar adjustable base is relatively simple, and no tools are required. In total, it took two of us about 8.5 minutes to assemble it. However, because it’s mostly made of metal, it’s quite heavy, with a queen size weighing about 149 pounds. Because of that, we urge you to enlist some help from friends.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Out of 2,700+ reviews, the Nectar Adjustable Base has an average customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers tend to praise this base for its high-quality construction and ease of use. Some customers with chronic pain said they were able to find relief on it.
Pros of the Nectar Adjustable Base
- This bed comes with a 50-night trial period and a 3-year limited warranty.
- Nectar offers free shipping and returns within the United States (additional fee for Hawaii and Alaska).
- A queen-size base can support up to 750 pounds.
Cons of the Nectar Adjustable Base
- The bed does not come with a headboard and is not compatible with one,
- The massage setting is relatively noisy.
- The bed is only offered in twin XL, full, queen, and split king sizes.
Interested in the Nectar Adjustable Base? Click here for the best deal or head to our full review for more.
Helix Wood Bed Frame – Best Assembly
Helix Wood Bed Frame
The Helix Wood Bed Frame comes in two colors and is made with hardwood and pine slats. It assembles easily without tools, thanks to Japanese-style joinery.
Read Full ReviewExpert Opinion
This sturdy bed frame can support over 1,000 pounds with little noise. It’s a great option for heavy individuals or couples looking for a bed frame that won’t give them issues. This frame is made from Appalachian maple and poplar wood, hardwoods that are known for their strength and durability. And the slats are made from 100 percent yellow pine. The Japanese joinery works so that the wood fits together instead of using metal metal hardware, which can easily break or come loose. Keep in mind that there’s not much storage space under the bed and that the design is quite minimalistic.
What our tester says: “I think the Helix Wood Bed Frame offers a great value for the price. It uses Appalachian hardwood and pine slats, and clocks in under $1,000 for a queen size frame.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
What Customers Say
Customers often talk about this bed frame’s durability and sturdiness. They also note in their reviews that it is easy to put together, but that some of the pieces aren’t flush when fitted together. Some also noted the frame creaking.
Pros of the Helix Bed Frame
- It is very durable.
- It is easy to assemble, thanks to its simple design.
- It is made with hardwoods, which Helix says are sustainably sourced.
Cons of the Helix Bed Frame
- There’s not much room for storage under the bed.
- It doesn’t come with a headboard.
Does this bed frame catch your eye? Find our exclusive deals. Or check out our full Helix Wood Bed Frame review for more information.
Bear Summit Platform Bed with Headboard – Best Value
Expert Opinion
If you’re a budget shopper, the Bear Summit Platform Bed with Headboard is an excellent option. This platform bed costs $1,200 for a queen size, but you can likely get it for even cheaper after discounts and coupons. This bed is able to support up to 900 pounds, so it’s perfect for heavy sleepers. You won’t need a box spring or foundation with this bed – simply place your mattress on the 14 wooden slats and start sleeping. This base comes in two color options: walnut and gray. The design is compatible with many different room aesthetics. Even better, it’s extremely easy to assemble and doesn’t require any tools.
What Customers Say
This bed frame doesn’t have many reviews yet, but the existing ones on Bear’s website are all positive. Customers love the “authentic looking wood” and “beautiful grain pattern.” They were also impressed by its easy set up.
Pros of the Bear Summit Platform Bed
- The platform bed is equipped with a headboard, so you won’t need to purchase one separately.
- This product comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
- Bear offers free shipping for this platform bed.
Cons of the Bear Summit Platform Bed
- The platform bed is only offered in queen, king, and California king sizes.
- This bed has limited customer reviews.
Think the Bear Summit Platform Bed is for you? Click here for the best deal.
What to Look for in a Bed Frame for Heavier People
Buying a bed frame is an important decision that greatly affects your sleep quality – so you probably don’t want to purchase it on the fly without thinking about materials, price, weight capacity, and more. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is the primary factor heavy individuals or couples should look for in a bed frame. Your frame must be sturdy and capable of supporting your weight with little or no stress. Otherwise, the frame won’t last long. When looking at weight capacities, remember to also include the weight of your mattress.
Ideally, look for a frame with a considerably higher weight capacity than the weight of you and your mattress, especially if you have one of the best mattresses for heavy people as they tend to weigh more. If you are too close to the weight capacity, the frame may not hold up for as long.
Materials
Your bed frame should be made of strong, durable materials. Metal bed frames are stronger and usually last longer than wooden ones. However, they tend to have less interesting design and quality than wooden frames. If design’s important to you, you’ll want to strike a balance between durability, design, and quality.
Slats
Slats are the foundation attached to the bed frame to support the mattress. If your bed frame comes with slats, check that the slats are made of durable materials that can support your weight without hassles. If it doesn’t come with slats, ensure you look at durability and material quality when buying a separate box spring or foundation.
Size
Look for a bed frame size you’re comfortable with. If you have limited space in your bedroom, a compact bed frame is your best option. If you have ample space, you can choose a large bed frame that won’t cramp your bedroom space.
Installation
Who wants to spend a whole Saturday trying to install their new bed frame? Nobody, which is why we recommend looking for one that’s as easy to install as possible. Many of the frames on our list can be assembled in under five minutes.
Noise
Look for a bed frame that doesn’t squeak or make high-pitched noises under heavy weight. Unfortunately, metal frames are more vulnerable to noise than wooden frames, but you can still find some metal frames with little noise.
Type
Bed frames come in different variants. Some come with slats, while some don’t and instead require a box spring. Some have headboards, while some don’t. Some are sleek-looking, and others are simple and minimalistic – what’s right for you will come down to your overall style and preferences.
Wood vs Metal Bed Frames
Most bed frames are made of either wood or metal. Each type of bed frame has its advantages and disadvantages, which we’ll examine below.
Pros of Wood Bed Frames
- Aesthetically pleasing for many shoppers: Wooden frames are more likely to look sleek and attractive in a bedroom.
- Durability: Wooden frames are usually durable and long lasting.
- Variety: You can find more varieties of wooden bed frames than metal ones.
Cons of Wood Bed Frames
- Can be more expensive: Wooden frames are usually more expensive than metal ones.
- Can be heavy: Wooden frames are heavier than metal frames, making them harder to assemble and disassemble.
- May need more maintenance than other frames: Wood cracks and wears out more easily than other types of frames, making it require more maintenance.
Pros of Metal Bed Frames
- Durability and weight: Metal frames are very durable despite their light weight.
- Price: Metal frames are more affordable than wooden frames because of the cheaper cost of materials and production.
- Convenience with easy assembly and care: Metal frames are easier to assemble because of their light weights and modular design.
Cons of Metal Bed Frames
- Fewer design and style options: You’ll find fewer options and varieties for metal frames than wooden ones.
- Can be noisier: Metal frames make more noise under heavy weight than wooden frames.
- May require a box spring or foundation: Many metal frames don’t come with slats, meaning you’ll have to pay extra for a box spring or foundation.
How We Chose These Bed Frames for Heavier People
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 220 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
To select these bed frames, we evaluated the weight capacity, materials, ease of use, and customer reviews to determine our selections. Click here to learn more about our methodology.
FAQs
What type of bed frame is best for a heavy person?
A strong metal bed frame is best for a heavy person because they are more durable and can withstand greater weights than other types of frames.
Are platform beds good for heavy people?
Yes, platform beds are good for heavy people because they spread the weight around a flat surface, unlike beds with individual slats that can easily break under heavy weight.
What is the maximum weight a bed frame can hold?
Bed frames have no standard maximum weight. It depends on the materials used in making the frame and how well-built it is. The manufacturer will usually list the frame’s maximum weight capacity. The frames on our list range from 1,000 to over 4,000 pounds in maximum weight.
How can I make my bed frame hold more weight?
You can make your bed frame hold more weight by adding a center support, using bolts instead of screws to join it together, and adding more bed slats than the standard recommendation.
Best Bed Frames for Heavier People 2024
| Bed Frame | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
| DreamCloud Adjustable | Overall | $1,598 | DreamCloud Coupon | Read Review |
| Saatva Siena Leather Bed Frame | Construction | $2,995 | Saatva Coupon | Review Coming Soon |
| Nectar Adjustable Base | Support | $1,598 | Nectar Coupon | Read Review |
| Helix Bed Frame | Assembly | $729 | Helix Coupon | Read Review |
| Bear Summit Platform Bed with Headboard | Value | $1,200 | Bear Coupon | Review Coming Soon |
Amelia Jerden
Senior Staff Writer
About Author
Amelia is a Senior Staff Writer for Sleepopolis. She primarily covers bedding and sleep accessory products in reviews, how-to guides, and more. You can also find her over on the Sleepopolis YouTube channel. Amelia is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with double majors in media and journalism and in dramatic art. Outside of work, Amelia can usually be found on a hike, traveling to a new city, or at her local thrift store.
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