If you’re interested in learning how to build a memory foam mattress foundation, we have created the easiest three-step DIY guide! You only need hardwood and some essential tools to get started. And best of all, we included everything you need to know about memory foam foundations.
We also recommend that you check how long it takes to break in a memory foam mattress. The connection with the foundation and memory foam’s break-in period is that the latter dictates the actual structure of the mattress. Therefore, a good foundation is also necessary to break in a memory foam bed.
How Do You Make A Foundation For A Memory Foam Mattress?
Step 1. Prepare the materials
- Measure the length and width of your memory foam mattress to know the dimensions of the overall frame
- Opt for hardwood than softwood because it can withstand the wear and tear of daily use
- The wood you need for the frame depends on the fitting you want for the foundation
- Option one means you have the bed flush against the edges of the foundation, and option two has the mattress cradled within the border
- Measure three crossbars within the foundation as well for added stability
- Make sure that the outer frame has some allowance or longer than the crossbars in the middle
- Measure enough wood for the slats and feet of the mattress foundation
- Have some extra amount of materials in case of errors
Step 2. Construct the wooden frame
- Build the mattress foundation for memory foam by starting with the outer border or frame
- Attach the rectangular frame with wood glue and let it dry before working in the nails or screws
- Add the panels outside the frame if your foundation has a cradle
- Insert the crossbars lengthwise and attach them with wood glue and screws
- Add the slats widthwise with glue and screws so that the crossbars are in the middle and the slats are on each side
Step 3. Finish the memory foam mattress foundation
- Finish the bed foundation by adding the legs
- Find the corner where the sides meet and glue the legs before nailing them onto the frame you made
- Check for the existing nails or screws in place that you might hit when attaching the legs
- If the foundation has a cradle, flip it first to make the installation easier
- Gauge the size and stability of the foundation to know if you’ll add more legs on the sides and not just on the corners
What Type Of Foundation Is Best For Memory Foam Mattress?
There are different types of mattress foundations, and if you want to know more, here is a complete guide for mattress foundations. You want a supportive and solid base for a memory foam bed to prevent sinking and loss of structure. You can also use a slatted foundation with slats around half an inch thick, but you don’t want them to be more than three inches apart.
Otherwise, you need a bunkie board to provide a flat base for the memory foam. Avoid foundations with wide beams or even a box spring for a memory foam mattress because they won’t provide the ideal support to keep memory foam from sagging. A solid surface will maintain the integrity of memory foam, but you also want to promote airflow to prevent heat or moisture retention.
Do You Need A Foundation For A Memory Foam Mattress?
It’s unnecessary to have a foundation for memory foam, but its support is crucial for comfort and visual appeal. However, you don’t need a particular platform for a memory foam mattress as long as it provides ample support to prevent sagging. And if your current foundation fails to provide this, you can always modify it with slats or a piece of plywood.
Can I put a memory foam mattress on the box spring? Unfortunately, a box spring is incompatible with memory foam because the coils leave space that won’t support the bed.
Can I Put Plywood Under My Memory Foam Mattress?
A piece of plywood underneath the memory foam bed provides a solid base for better pressure distribution stability. But for added comfort and airflow, consider making several holes throughout the plywood. This can help solve one of the cons of memory foam mattresses: the tendency to sleep hot.
What kind of plywood is best for a memory foam bed? You want something at least half an inch thick. Furthermore, check the surface of the wood because roughness can damage the mattress.
Can You Put A Memory Foam Mattress On The Floor?
It’s okay to put a memory foam mattress directly on the floor because it’s a solid and flat surface. However, the resulting low profile can be awkward for most people. You still want a frame and foundation because of the elevation, unless you’re on a budget and don’t mind losing height for sleeping.
Conclusion
You can prevent sagging on your memory foam bed with the proper foundation. To recap this tutorial on how to build a memory foam mattress foundation, you’ll start with the outer frame, then the cradle, crossbars, slats, and finish with legs. Proper measurement and suitable materials will dictate the frame’s overall stability.
We hope you learned a lot, and we wish you good luck with this project!