Did you know that you can learn how to make a mattress in just two steps? You don’t even need to be a pro to succeed in this project! However, knowledge of these materials is critical to ensure that you’ll end up with a satisfying outcome.
This article will teach you not just the process but also with the materials you’ll need to make a mattress. Perhaps you can use an old one to create a new mattress? Without further ado, here is a beginner’s guide for a DIY mattress!
Can I Make My Own Mattress?
Step #1. Construct
The key to a smooth mattress-making project is to construct everything beforehand. Allocate a space where you can work as a mattress tends to be bulky. It would be best if you also had some rubber cement at hand and a tape measure for constructing your foam.
Your first layer will be polyurethane foam because it is firm enough to become your base. At this point, you’re going to build your mattress structure, so you can choose the number of layers and firmness levels to achieve your ideal form. Your middle layer could be latex or memory foam so that it’s a tad softer but is still supportive enough for weight distribution.
You’ll use softer materials as you reach the top stack, but remember the tips mentioned to make a mattress that won’t develop dents. With the middle layer over the base, your mattress will be around 8 inches thick. The top layer will also add 2 inches, and it will be the softest using either memory foam or gel foam since it’ll be the part that’s in contact with you.
Step #2. Attach
When attaching your mattress layers, you want to place the rubber cement three inches from the edge of your material. The application can be around an inch wide, and you shouldn’t press the pieces when you’re attaching them. The mattress’s finished height can be around 10 inches, depending on how many layers you’ve used for the top.
Another useful tip to remember is that you must aim to keep your mattress to a maximum of 12 inches high only. This is because a very tall bed will feel hot; after all, you’ll sink when lying on it. Once you’ve finished attaching the layers, you can place the slipcover.
Your fabric could be anything durable yet soft, like bamboo or rayon. It’s even more convenient to place a zipper on the slipcover. To make it, line the fabric on the mattress and adjust the fit before installing the zipper.
What Materials Are Used To Make A Mattress?
As you have just learned, making a mattress simply means constructing layers with a firm base and a softer top part. Therefore, it will be useful to know what materials you can use to make a mattress. You can simplify the knowledge by categorizing every mattress type.
A mattress will also need something to bond each layer, and some manufacturers use quilting as reinforcement. In the United States, mattresses even have flame retardants as required by the flammability laws for flame resistance.
Polyfoam and memory foam mattresses
The most common mattresses are polyfoam and memory foam. Memory foam can either be synthetic polyurethane or organic by using plant-derived oils. On the other hand, polyfoam also uses polyurethane, but it’s not a construction of tiny cells like memory foam.
Latex mattresses
Another mattress that you might see often uses latex. Unlike the previous materials, latex is more natural as it comes from rubber trees. This also makes it possible for some manufacturers to market their mattresses as organic.
Innerspring mattresses
Compared to the previous mattresses, an innerspring mattress has a more complicated mixture of materials. It uses different types of coils for the coil core and has a so-called comfort layer made of the materials mentioned earlier. Nowadays, you might also find innerspring mattresses that use micro-coils and column gel for the comfort layer.
Airbeds and waterbeds
Airbeds and waterbeds are more straightforward. They use air or water as the main structure, but what keeps them intact are tough polymers. The top layer is also something comfortable since it’s where you’ll lie.
Organic mattresses
Organic mattresses use latex foam as their base, and the next layers will be plant or animal-based. They include wool, cotton, or a combination of both. However, be mindful of the tag organic as this can be used too loosely.
Conclusion
Are you a fan of DIY? You can quickly learn how to make a mattress using different types of materials and rubber cement! The main idea is to start with a firm base layer followed by something less firm. The closer you reach the top, the softer your material can be.
When attaching the layers, be mindful not to apply pressure on your materials. You can also make the slipcover yourself according to the dimensions of your mattress. Finally, aim to reach only to a maximum of 12 inches high as the ideal height of your finished mattress.
Overall, there are different materials to choose from if you opt to make your own mattress. Just remember to start with a firm base and a middle layer that’s not too soft to prevent dents from forming later on.