Written by Amelia Jerden, Senior Staff Writer
Wooden bed frames are sturdy, durable, and ideal for many designed-focused buyers. Bed frames made of wood won’t rip or stain, like many of their upholstered counterparts, which may be nice for people who never want to buy a bed frame again (most of us!).
Now, looking for the best bed frame can be challenging – but that’s why you have us. We’ve reviewed countless bed frames and narrowed down the best ones to choose from. Read on to learn more.
Our Top Pick for Wooden Bed Frames
Our top bed frame pick is the Saatva Calais. It looks elegant and has a fortified design meant to prevent warping. You can also outfit it with two different upholstery options, adding even more luxury to your bedroom.
Best Wooden Bed Frames 2024
- Saatva Calais – Best Overall
- DreamCloud Claremont Bed Frame – Best Design
- Nectar Aurora Frame – Most Durable
- Helix Wood Bed Frame – Best Value
- Bear Summit Platform Bed with Headboard – Best for Heavy People
- Thuma The Frame – Best Luxury
Saatva Calais – Best Overall
Saatva Calais
Built with finished plywood slats and a reinforced construction, the Saatva Calais is luxurious and durable.
Expert Opinion
Saatva is well known for its luxury mattresses, but also creates high-quality bed frames. The Calais, named after the Coastal French town, is one such luxurious frame. According to their website, it uses all sustainably sourced wood. Furthermore, the wood foundation is treated to prevent warping over time, with finished plywood slats that are highly durable and built to last. The bed frame is available in four colors, all chosen to add to the bed’s “charming and refined” South-of-France aesthetic. In addition to treated wood and sturdy slats, the frame is fortified with bolts and brackets to keep things in place.
Beyond the wooden frame, two upholstery options are offered on the Calais: a stain-resistant vintage velvet made with a plush poly-cotton blend, and an eco-friendly flax linen. The Calais by Saatva combines efficient durability with elegant design, making it a great decorative addition to any bedroom and a reliable foundation for your mattress.
What Customers Say
The Saatva Calais had only one review on its website, which gave the frame a 5/5 score. The verified buyer wrote, “I really like the design of the wood matching with the linen. It looks very clean.”
Pros of the Saatva Calais
- Saatva offers free in-home delivery and installation of its Calais wooden frame.
- Saatva is committed to using only certified sustainable wood in their bed frames.
- The bed frame can be used with any type of mattress, Saatva or otherwise.
Cons of the Saatva Calais
- Like many Saatva products, their luxury status comes with a fairly high price. So it may not be your choice if you’re looking for a cheaper bed frame.
Stay tuned for our full review. And if you’re ready to buy the Saatva Calais, click here to find the best deal.
DreamCloud Claremont Bed Frame – Best Design
DreamCloud Claremont Bed Frame
A cozy yet modern design anchored by a sturdy 40-inch padded headboard.
Expert Opinion
The Claremont bed frame by DreamCloud is cozy yet sophisticated, demonstrating what the brand describes as a “mid-century modern decor that’s also durable.” Its minimal but modern design makes for a charming decorative addition to your bedroom.
The Claremont has soft cushioning upholstery and is available in a calm slate or linen color. A huge 40-inch padded headboard makes the bed a super-appealing place to rest and lounge while reading a book. Its minimal “mid-century modern legs” give you plenty of floor space underneath while still adding to its luxury hotel-like look.
Notably, the corners of the frame are also padded, making the Claremont a safer option for toddlers and anyone walking around the bed’s perimeter. The frame has simple slats supporting the mattress, offering breathability without compromising support. Moreover, DreamCloud claims to use eco-friendly dyes in its fabrics and natural wood in its construction.
What Customers Say
The DreamCloud Claremont has nearly 70 reviews on its official website, averaging a 4.2/5 score. One verified buyer recently wrote, “The Claremont bed frame is very stylish, and we are pleased with the quality. It was easy to assemble!”
Pros of the DreamCloud Claremont Bed Frame
- The DreamCloud Claremont offers free shipping and returns.
- The Claremont claims to use eco-friendly, non-toxic dyes in its upholstery fabric.
- All tools for assembly of the Claremont are included with your purchase.
Cons of the DreamCloud Claremont Bed Frame
- The DreamCloud Claremont only has a three-year warranty and 50-night trial, which may be shorter than some competing luxury bed frames.
Our full DreamCloud Claremont Bed Frame review is coming soon. In the meantime, click here to find the best deal.
Nectar Aurora Frame – Most Durable
Nectar Aurora Bed Frame
Expert Opinion
If you’re looking for a durable bed frame, the Nectar Aurora Frame is a great choice. This bed is made from pine wood and reinforced steel to create a solid, long-lasting foundation. The wooden slats help support both the sleeper and the mattress, so you won’t have to worry about your bed sagging. With a simple design and construction, the Nectar Aurora Frame is a no-frills option that gets the job done without sacrificing quality and support.
The bed comes with everything you need for a quick setup — no need for a box spring. You can choose between a natural, tan color or a walnut color depending on your aesthetic preferences. The low profile positions your bed relatively close to the ground, but there’s still enough room to store some items underneath.
What Customers Say
With 91 customer reviews, the Nectar Aurora Frame has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers report zero creaking from the bed frame when moving around on the mattress. They also praise the bed’s modern design that brings a room together.
Pros of the Nectar Aurora Frame
- This bed is very reasonably priced and could be a good choice for shoppers on a budget.
- The Nectar Aurora frame comes with a 60-night home trial and a 2-year warranty.
- Nectar offers free shipping and returns on this product.
Cons of the Nectar Aurora Frame
- This bed is only offered in full, queen, and king sizes.
- The low profile offers some room for storage, but you may not be able to fit larger items.
Think the Nectar Aurora Frame is for you? Click here for our best deal.
Helix Wood Bed Frame – Best Value
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
Made with natural materials, the Helix Wood Bed Frame only sources wood from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified locations. It’s available in a discreet “natural” and white wood finish, making it easy to match many bedrooms’ aesthetics. Notably, the frame requires no tools to assemble and is designed using Japanese joinery, making assembly quite easy and straight to the point. Our testers did agree that setting up is a piece of cake.
Despite its more affordable price tag ($546.75 for a queen) for being a luxury bed frame, it’s quite sturdy and notably capable of supporting upwards of 1,500 pounds (the queen-size and up models). However, the bargain price doesn’t mean cheap wood, with the rails, slats, and entirety of the wooden frame made with only 100 percent Appalachian poplar, maple, and Southern Yellow Pine wood. The bed frame doesn’t include any decorative upholstery or a backboard, but will save space and get the job done without putting a hole in your wallet.
What our tester says: “The Helix Wood Bed Frame is a great pick for people with a minimalistic aesthetic. The use of hardwoods and Japanese joinery gives this frame a simple and elegant look.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
What Customers Say
At the time of writing, the Helix Wood Bed Frame had 485 reviews, with an average score of 3.8/5. One verified customer who bought the twin frame option wrote: “I took a chance and bought the twin frame. I’m a first-time buyer, and I’m so glad I bought it. The frame is easy to set up and perfect. I highly recommend it.”
Pros of the Helix Wood Bed Frame
- The Helix offers its Wood Bed Frame with free delivery.
- Financing options are available when purchasing the Helix Bed Frame.
- All wood is finished on the Helix Bed Frame with water-based finishes that do not include VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).
Cons of the Helix Wood Bed Frame
- Testers found the bed to have a fairly “low profile,” meaning there isn’t as much storage space underneath as similar bed frames.
- The bed frame isn’t compatible with box springs.
Do you like this bed frame? You can click here to get the best deal. Or check out our Helix Wood Bed Frame review to learn more.
Bear Summit Platform Bed with Headboard – Best for Heavy People
Expert Opinion
If you’re a sleeper who weighs over 250 pounds, you’ll want a bed that’s very durable and supportive. Allow me to introduce the Bear Summit Platform Bed, a bed frame designed to support up to 900 pounds. This beautiful bed frame is offered in two colors: walnut and grey. The frame has a wooden grain design that brings a clean and modern vibe to any bedroom.
The Summit is equipped with a matching headboard, so there’s no need to purchase one separately. The bed frame contains 14 pine slats that are sturdy enough to support both you and your mattress. It’s compatible with any type of mattress, including all-foam, innerspring, and hybrid beds. The assembly is quick and easy, and any required tools are included in the setup.
What Customers Say
This bed frame has limited reviews on the Bear website; however, existing reviews are all positive. Customers seem to enjoy the solid, sturdy construction, as well as the authentic-looking wood.
Pros of the Bear Summit Platform Bed
- This bed comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
- Bear offers free shipping and returns for this platform bed.
- The bed is offered in two colors, so you can choose the style you prefer.
Cons of the Bear Summit Platform Bed
- This platform bed is only offered in queen, king, and California king sizes.
Interested in the Bear Summit Platform Bed with Headboard? Click here to get our best deal.
Thuma The Frame – Best Luxury
Thuma Bed Frame
The Bed by Thuma is the company's platform bed frame. It's gained popularity for its sleek, modern design and how easy it is to assemble. It comes in multiple colors in either a PillowBoard or Headboard model.
Sleepopolis Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full Review
Expert Opinion
Looking for a wood bed frame with a high-end aesthetic? Look no further than Thuma’s The Frame. This frame is made entirely of rubberwood, with slats for support. You can choose between a wooden headboard or a plush PillowBoard, as well as choose between multiple wood finishes. And as luxurious as this frame looks, it’s also super easy to assemble at home, as it uses Japanese joinery for a simple set-up and a beautiful, minimalist aesthetic.
What our tester says: “You can tell the wood is durable and high quality based on how thick it is and how nice it feels.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Customers note how easy it is to set up the Thuma bed frame, as well as complimenting the design and overall look of the frame.
Pros of the Thuma Bed Frame
- It’s easy to assemble.
- Thuma provides a 100-night sleep trial period.
- Using eco-friendly and recycled materials, Thuma has prioritized sustainability with this frame. It even has a GREENGUARD Gold certification.
Cons of the Thuma Bed Frame
- It is pricier than some other wooden bed frames.
- The Thuma bed frame has a somewhat unsightly black screw on the front.
Think the Thuma bed frame could be right for you? Click here to find the best deal. Or check out our Thuma Bed Frame review for more details.
What to Look for In A Wooden Bed Frame
Choosing the right wooden bed frame will depend on your design preferences, your space, weight and height, and budget. Here are some of the main things to consider:
Design
What do you want your bed frame to look like? Some people like minimal, sleek designs, while others like stylish, detailed designs. It all comes down to what you love. But overall, look for a bed frame with solid wood quality, supportive slats, and a well-built headboard and footboard that keep you comfortable at night.
Size
The size of your bed frame might just be the most important factor. You’ll need the right size for your mattress but also for your space. If you live in a small apartment, you should be looking at compact — possibly foldable — bed frames. If you have a large space, you can use bulkier bed frames without the inconvenience.
Another factor with size is how far off the ground the frame is. This might matter more for people who are shorter or who have difficulty getting in and out of bed. Add together the height of your mattress and the height of your frame for the total height of your bed.
Price
Price is usually on the minds of shoppers, especially for big purchases like a bed frame. You’ll find frames in price ranges across the board, from as low as $200 to several thousand dollars. Higher prices usually come with better quality, but this isn’t always the case. Take your time to shop around and consider reviews before making any decisions.
Weight Capacity
How much weight can your bed frame hold? Most bed frames will state the maximum weight they can support, so use this information while shopping. If the total weight on the frame (including the mattress) is well above the capacity, this can quickly lead to damage like splitting and squeaking.
Installation
How easy is it to install your wooden bed frame? Some frames are easy for anyone to install, while some require specialized tools and handymen to set up. Consider whether or not you’re handy or know someone who is and is willing to help you out. Hate the idea of tools and instruction manuals? Opt for a bed frame that’s super easy to set up.
How We Chose These Wooden Bed Frames
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 materials, value, and customer reviews to determine our selections. Click here to learn more about our methodology.
FAQs
Which brand of wooden bed is best?
Helix is our top pick of wooden beds we’ve reviewed because of its ideal balance of comfort, elegance, compactness, affordability, and ease of installation. However, there are many great options out there.
What is the best bed frame wood material?
Mahogany is the best bed frame wood material because of its long-term durability and strength.
What type of bed frame is the most sturdy?
Metal bed frames tend to be the most sturdy. They are not susceptible to cracking and breaking like wood. The tradeoff is their tendency to rust and squeak due to body movements, which may impact your sleep quality.
What are the best bed frames?
We think the best bed frames include the Helix Wood Bed Frame, Zinus Linda Wood Platform Bed, Avocado City Bed Frame, Thuma’s The Frame, and Floyd’s The Bed Frame. That said, the best bed frame for you will ultimately come down to your budget, design, and preferences.
Best Wooden Bed Frames 2024
| Bed Frame | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
| Saatva Calais | Overall | $1,995 | Saatva Coupon | Review Coming Soon |
| DreamCloud Claremont Bed Frame | Design | $928 | DreamCloud Coupon | Review Coming Soon |
| Nectar Aurora Frame | Durable | $595 | Nectar Coupon | Review Coming Soon |
| Helix Wood Bed Frame | Value for Money | $729 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear Summit Platform Bed with Headboard | Heavy People | $1,200 | Bear Coupon | Review Coming Soon |
| Thuma The Frame | Luxury | $1,095 | Check Deals | Read Our Review |
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.
Back Sleeper