Can You Put Plywood Under My Memory Foam Mattress?
- By Jessica
- Last Update: May 11, 2023
You can definitely place plywood under your memory foam mattress. It offers extra support because of its solid foundation to your foam for you to get a comfortable sleep.
Are you wondering whether it is okay to use plywood as a support base for your memory foam mattress? You’re not alone. Many people who own memory foam mattresses have pondered this question.
Memory foam mattresses have become increasingly popular in recent years because of their ability to conform to the shape of the user’s body, providing well-needed support and comfort. However, not everyone is comfortable with the traditional bed frame that comes with the mattress.
If you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional bed frame, plywood might seem like an easy solution. Nevertheless, is it really a good idea to use plywood as a support base for your mattress? In this article, we will explore the details using plywood as a foundation for your memory foam mattress.
Table of Contents
Can You Put Your Memory Foam Mattress on Plywood?
Yes, you can place your memory foam mattress on plywood. This material usually comes in different layers of wood veneer, which stay above each other to alter the wood textures. Afterward, they are merged to create a lightweight and solid material for you to place on your memory foam.
You can get plywood in different hardness and grades. This material has flexibility, strength, longevity, stability, and brightness, making it ideal to put under your memory foam.
One of the most outstanding plywood you can use is birch. The plywood type is durable, meaning it can serve for many years, and you can get it as veneered wood. It looks elegant and gives your bed a highly professional touch.
Putting memory foam on plywood can be challenging if you do not know how. However, it’s simple and can be done in minutes.
Here is a step-by-step process to place plywood under your memory foam mattress. Take a look:
1. Measure
You can begin by measuring your bed’s foundation surface area for the hardware store to cut a section of plywood to your desired size. The thickness should be at least ¾ inch thick to get durable plywood. When evaluating the plywood’s consistency, you must consider the height and weight of the cushion.
2. Install the Plywood
To successfully install the plywood, place it above the bed frame and ensure it is at the center and its edges are secured. You can use some screws to fix the plywood well. Then lift your mattress, full or half, and place it on your trimmed panel on the bed foundation. Ensure you reposition your mattress so that it fits well.
3. Test
Try to move around your bed or lie and detect any bending or creaking from your bed foundation. If there is none, you have successfully put your memory foam on plywood.
Always remember, when choosing plywood, quality should be the first consideration. Excellent plywood is straight and may contain a fresh woody smell or no smell. It also has smooth edges alongside a smooth surface. It is also clean.
On the other hand, bad plywood has the following characteristics:
- Buckled and entirely smells rotten, rancid or moldy. If you get it, the smell may remain on your mattress, which will be harder to eliminate.
- It is rough, sold with splinters and dents and has very unworked corners.
- It contains a dirty sheet
How Thick Should Plywood Under My Mattress Be?
Choosing the right thickness is vital to ensure your plywood frame does not break or provide you with uncomfortable sleep. The correct thickness of your plywood under a mattress mainly depends on the number of sleepers sleeping on that bed and the weight they carry.
Generally, plywood should be at least 19mm and can go as much as about 40 mm in thickness. If you use a single-sized bed and have only a mattress and a cat, then the plywood should be 19mm thick. Please do not use any measurement below that, even if you are light and small.
You want to use durable plywood rather than one that can crack after a few months. That’s why thickness is critical.
On the other hand, if you have a double-sized bed, you can use a 30mm or 40mm sheet of plywood. Even if you are the only person sleeping on the bed, your mattress still adds weight to the plywood. So, the thicker the plywood, the longer it will serve you.
Other than that, it is also vital you consider the mattress type you are using. If you love a medium-firm mattress, then a thick panel may incorporate more firmness which you won’t like. Also, thinner plywood can make your soft bed sag.
Can You Put Your Memory Foam Mattress on a Box Spring?
It is not a great idea to put a memory foam mattress on a box spring since it has springs or coils which can make your foam unevenly disperse your weight. It, in turn, usually leads to mattress sagging or makes your foam unattractive.
In addition, the springs or coils can act as shock absorbers meaning they can absorb the pressure of the mattress above them and add more weight instead of support. So, there are better options than a box spring for your memory foam. A box spring can perform better with innerspring mattresses.
Can You Put a Memory Foam Mattress on a Metal Bed Frame?
You can put a memory foam mattress on a metal bed frame. You only have to ensure the mattress is dense enough to support your body and maintain its shape. You can fit your queen, twin, complete, or king foam mattress. You only have to measure your frame to get the mattress size you can place on it. A metal bed frame can hold up to 250 pounds. But you can find other frames that hold more weight because they are more studier.
A metal bed frame is also strong, sturdy, and durable, which can hold your memory foam mattress appropriately and offer support but not add weight. It is also relatively lightweight, and moving it is much easier. Additionally, you can get a metal bed frame with a wide variety of features like customizable headboards, adjustable mattress heights, and storage solutions for your foam mattress.
It is also reliable, robust, and versatile, even if you have a foam mattress on top of it. A metal bed frame can last up to 30 years, depending on how you take care of it and the materials manufacturers use to design it.
Can You Put Your Memory Foam Mattress on a Slatted Base?
Yes, you can put a memory foam mattress on a slatted base. It does not add more weight but gives support. You only have to ensure that the slats are close to one another. They should not exceed 3 inches but 2 inches apart.
You can measure so that you ensure the slats are all together. It helps you get a solid and uniform bottom for your memory foam.
Besides that, you can place your memory foam mattress on a platform bed frame. This frame type comes with built-in support for your foam. It is also cheaper than your traditional bed frames. Another option is an adjustable bed frame. With this one, you can adjust your bed up and down to get optimal comfort.
The frame is also expressly made for foam mattresses. Meaning its quality is top-notch.
FAQs
Can I replace bed slats with plywood?
In most cases, you can replace bed slats with plywood as long as you choose a plywood that is the same thickness or slightly thicker than the original bed slats.
It’s important to note that some bed frames are designed to require slats for proper support and airflow, so replacing them with plywood may lead to problems with the mattress and the overall stability of the bed frame. It’s also important to ensure that the plywood you use is smooth and doesn’t have any sharp edges that could damage your mattress.
Additionally, you may need to add additional support and reinforcement to the bed frame to compensate for the lack of slats. Ultimately, replacing bed slats with plywood can be a viable option in some cases, but it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks and properly assess the needs of your specific bed frame.
Will plywood help a soft mattress?
Using plywood as a base for a soft mattress can provide additional support and firmness. Plywood acts as a barrier between the mattress and the bed frame, helping to distribute weight evenly and prevent sagging in the mattress. This is particularly useful for older or worn-out mattress that have lost their original firmness
It is important to note that plywood alone may not solve all the problems of a soft mattress. It is recommended to consider other options such as adding a mattress topper or changing the mattress entirely if the softness is causing discomfort or pain.
Does plywood absorb moisture?
Yes, plywood does absorb moisture. It is made from thin layers of wood veneer glued together, and the glue and wood fibers are susceptible to expansion and warping when exposed to moisture. This can lead to problems like delamination, increased weight, and decreased strength.
To minimize moisture absorption, it’s important to properly seal and finish plywood surfaces. Additionally, using waterproof or marine-grade plywood can provide added protection against moisture damage.
Also see: How to Prevent Moisture Under Mattress?
What size plywood do i need for a twin bed?
The size of plywood needed for a twin bed depends on the dimensions of the bed frame. A standard twin bed frame measures 39 inches wide by 75 inches long, so a sheet of plywood that is at least these dimensions would be suitable.
Generally, a 3/4-inch thick sheet of plywood is recommended for use as a bed base to provide adequate support. However, it’s always best to measure the bed frame beforehand and consult with a home improvement expert to ensure you get the right size and thickness of plywood for your specific needs.
Summary
It is okay to put plywood under your memory foam mattress. How to do it is simple; first, measure the plywood, install it and then test the mattress. The process is quick and straightforward. Always ensure your plywood is at least 19mm thick, which is ideal for a single bed and mattress.
You can use 30mm or 40mm of thickness, depending on the weight and number of people on the bed. Remember, putting your memory foam on a box spring is inappropriate. However, you can opt for metal bed frames and slatted bases, provided you use the guide in this article.
Jessica is a lover of both life and gardening. She loves to share his passion for both on social media. He often posts about his latest gardening projects, as well as tips and tricks for others who might be interested in starting their own gardens. She also frequently posts about the different aspects of his life that he enjoys, from spending time with friends and family to exploring new places.
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