If you’re on the hunt for a new mattress, you might have realized you’ll need a box spring or foundation, too. The two often get confused, as a box spring is a mattress foundation, but there are differences you need to know.
Box springs and foundations both provide an extra layer of support under your mattress. They add a little height while absorbing some of the weight, keeping your bed in peak condition.
Box springs — though a little outdated — add more airflow and give. Foundations — made for most modern mattresses — are durable and provide firmer support.
But there’s a little more to it than that. Read on for our complete box spring vs. foundation guide to give your mattress the right support it needs. We promise, you’ll never confuse a box spring for a foundation again.
Though box springs and foundations serve a similar purpose, they aren’t quite the same. Here’s an overview of the main differences.
| Box Spring | Foundation | |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Frame with steel coils inside | Box with wooden slats across top |
| Cover | Fabric | Fabric |
| Support | More bounce and give | Firmer support |
| Durability | Less durable, coils can break | More durable, slats last longer |
| Breathability | More airflow | Less airflow |
| Compatible Mattresses | Innerspring | Innerspring, latex, memory foam, hybrid |
| Average Price of a Queen Size | Less expensive | More expensive |
A box spring is a wooden or metal frame containing steel coils. It’s usually covered in a breathable fabric.
A foundation, on the other hand, is a frame of any material with wooden panels, or slats, laid across the top. This is also usually covered with a light fabric.
Best option: Depends on preference
Because it’s made of coils, a box spring allows for a little more give. That can be good for those who like bounce, but not the best for support. A foundation is designed for firmer support, so it wins out on this one.
Best option: Foundation
Over time, the coils in a box spring can break, leading to even less support. If coils are broken or old, they can also start to make a squeaking noise that some may find annoying.
Foundations are the more durable option. They have a strong construction that tends to last much longer than box springs.
Best option: Foundation
Aside from the coils, a box spring is quite empty and light. That lends way to lots of airflow and breathability for your bed — great for those who sleep hot.
A foundation isn’t quite as lightweight as a box spring, but the evenly spaced slats and breathable fabric still allow it to stay cool.
Best option: Box spring
Box springs were all the rage when most mattresses were produced with springs. Therefore, they’re compatible with innerspring mattresses. However, box springs do not do well with foam or latex mattresses. Those mattress types need something flatter and more solid to keep their support and prevent sagging.
Thankfully, a foundation is compatible with most mattress types, including innerspring, latex, memory foam, and hybrid mattresses. A foundation is designed to hold up just about any mattress and keep it firm for years.
Best option: Foundation
The price of a box spring or foundation will vary depending on size, brand, and material. A box spring fitted to the size of a queen mattress will cost an average of $100 to $300. A queen-sized foundation is slightly pricier, costing anywhere from $200 to $500.
Best option: Box spring
A box spring is a type of mattress foundation that is a wood or metal frame that includes coiled springs inside. It’s usually covered by cloth. The frame is similar to the size of your mattress, and the coils add some bounce and help absorb shock.
So, do you need a box spring? When most mattresses were designed with coils, box springs were essential. Nowadays, coil mattresses are going out of style in favor of options like memory foam and hybrid mattresses, which alleviate stress on pressure points, create better spinal alignment, and keep you cooler at night.
While different types of box springs still work well with traditional spring mattresses, they’re not as compatible with more modern foam and latex ones.
Though box springs might be phasing out, they still have their benefits. Here’s an overview of the pros and cons.
Pros:
Cons:
A foundation is a wood or metal bed base that sometimes includes slats lying across the top. This is also usually covered in fabric. The slats are spaced apart to provide air circulation and add strong structural support. A foundation makes for a durable, protective base for your mattress.
As memory foam and latex mattresses have risen in popularity compared to spring mattresses, so have foundations. Bed foundations have largely replaced box springs because they are compatible with modern mattresses, add better support, and last longer.
While there are many types of foundations out there, the Casper Foundation provides excellent support under any Casper mattress and can be assembled in minutes. Engineered with solid wood, the foundation has been rigorously tested for durability and proven to stand up to years of sleep.
Let’s delve deeper into the various types of bed foundations and unravel their unique characteristics and benefits.
As mentioned, box springs have long been the traditional choice, especially for innerspring mattresses. Comprising a wooden or metal frame encased in fabric and containing springs, they provide a bouncy, supportive surface, elevating your mattress to an ideal height. However, with the advent of memory foam and hybrid mattresses, box springs are becoming less common, giving way to more versatile foundations.
Platform beds are the modern-day heroes of mattress support. With a sleek design and sturdy slats, they offer a solid base, making them compatible with a wide range of mattresses, including memory foam and hybrids. Plus, their elevated design opens up a world of under-the-bed storage opportunities, marrying functionality with style. Learn more about a platform bed vs box spring for additional insight.
For those seeking personalized comfort, adjustable bases are a game-changer. With the ability to elevate the head and foot sections, an adjustable bed frame allows you to find your sweet spot for reading, watching TV, or alleviating health concerns like acid reflux and sleep apnea. It’s like bringing the luxury of a recliner to your bed!
Bunkie boards are the unsung heroes for those seeking a low-profile foundation. Typically one to three inches thick, these boards provide a solid, flat surface without adding much height, making them ideal for platform beds, daybeds, and bunk beds. Despite their slim design, bunkie boards offer proper support, especially for foam mattresses, ensuring stability and preventing sagging.
If you’re looking for an easy mattress base option, the Casper Platform Bed Frame offers stylish, direct support for your mattress — no foundation or traditional box spring necessary.
Foundations might be compatible with more mattress types, but they aren’t without shortcomings. Here’s a look at the perks and drawbacks.
Pros:
Cons:
While you could place a traditional box spring on the ground, it’s not advisable. Most people choose to place them on top of a bed frame. This added height and support lets you get in and out of bed with ease. Plus, a bed frame adds storage space underneath the bed.
We don’t recommend putting the Casper Foundation directly on the floor, as it can wear away at the upholstery. Instead, an existing bed frame or platform base will seamlessly lift the foundation off the ground at an ideal height and keep it in good condition.
Ideally, a foundation should be between six and 12 inches . Combined with the bed frame and mattress, the whole bed comes out to be around two feet thick. We’ve found the best bed height to be around 25 inches, but it’s all a matter of personal preference.
The Casper foundation is seven and a half inches high, so it’s compatible with most beds out there.
A bed base like a box spring or foundation adds crucial support for your bed. It can help keep your mattress in its best shape by preventing sagging and absorbing shock.
Make sure you’re supporting your mattress with exactly what it needs. If you’ve decided to make the move from an old box spring and coil mattress to a modern mattress and foundation, we’ve got you covered. Check out our award-winning foam mattresses, bed frames, and foundation to start snoozing better.
