The Best Metal Bed Frames and Mattress Foundations

By Amanda Lasater •

Jun 7th, 2022 •

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A bed frame helps maintain the overall health of your mattress. Not only does it keep your mattress in a secured position, but it also benefits your sleep experience by making it easier to get in and out of bed, as well as stay aligned throughout a night’s rest.

A metal bed frame adds a minimalist, modern design to your space, as well as holds up your mattress stronger than any other construction would.

Here are our top picks for the best metal platform bed frames and how to choose the right one for your bedroom.

The Best Metal Bed Frames

Best Overall – Zinus Michelle Compack 9-Leg Support Bed Frame
Best Low-Cost – Classic Brands Hercules Metal Bed Frame
Best Metal Frame with Center Support Legs – AmazonBasics Foldable Bed Frame
Best Bed Frame for Sex – Olee Sleep 14 Inch Bed Frame

Zinus Michelle Compack 9-Leg Support Bed Frame

Best Overall Metal Bed Frame

The Zinus Michelle Compack Bed Frame is supportive, durable, and safe. The frame is designed with a center bar support and nine-leg construction that provides optimal stability.

Designed for a box spring and mattress set, this bed frame is easy to assemble and requires no tools. It sets up in four simple steps with each leg constructed with a quick-lock system. This bed foundation comes in six different sizes and delivers straight to your door.

Pros:

Recessed legs help prevent stubbed toes
Least expensive option on this list
1200 lb. capacity

Cons:

No under-bed storage space

Classic Brands Hercules Universal Heavy-Duty Metal Bed Frame

Best Low-Cost Metal Bed Frame

The solid steel construction that makes up the Classic Brands Metal Bed Frame is designed to support all mattress types and provide maximum support. Unlike other bed frames, this mattress foundation can hold up to 550 pounds of weight at once.

For an affordable price, you can purchase a bed frame that requires little-to-no assembly. With the help of the interlocking frame system, no tools are required and each of the seven legs lock into place with ease. Designed on each leg are locking-wheeled rug rollers so you can easily move the frame without scratching the floors and lock in place once you find it in the perfect spot. It fits twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes and provides a seven-inch profile.

Pros:

Great low price
Lockable wheeled legs to allow for easy movement and stability once you get it into place
Easy headboard attachment

Cons:

Weight capacity is only 550 lbs.

AmazonBasics Foldable Metal Platform Bed Frame

Best Metal Bed Frame with Center Support Legs

It’s called AmazonBasics for a reason- it’s simple! The AmazonBasics Bed Frame is constructed of a raised, rectangular-shaped design with horizontal panels and rows of wires that support the mattress with no box spring necessary.

This frame is extremely compact and takes seconds to assemble. No tools are required and it can hold up to 250 pounds. The frame is made of durable steel with a sleek, black finish that sleeps noise-free. This platform bed frame provides under-bed storage with a vertical clearance of about 13 inches. It’s available in six different sizes.

Pros:

All sizes larger than Twin come with sturdy center support legs
13 inches of under-bed storage space
No tools required for set up

Cons:

Very limited weight capacity of only 250 lbs.

Olee Sleep 14 Inch Heavy Duty Steel Slat Bed Frame

Best Bed Frame for Sex

This bed frame offers convenience from delivery to assembly, all while providing an attractive design. Plus, it’s very quiet, for bedroom activities other than sleep.

The Olee Sleep Mattress Foundation is made of a strong steel structure that can hold up to 1,200 pounds. The structure of this frame is built sturdy enough to prevent any squeaks while remaining comfortable. All the tools necessary to assemble this foundation are included in your purchase and can be completed within a matter of minutes.

There is plenty of under-bed storage space with a 15-inch vertical clearance. You can purchase this simple, modern-designed bed frame in twin, full, queen, and king sizes.

Pros:

Frame encloses mattress to prevent slipping
Slatted design provides support, no box spring necessary
Not squeaky

Cons:

Most expensive option on this list

What Is a Metal Bed Frame?

A metal bed frame is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: it’s a bed frame for your mattress, and it’s made of metal. Basically, a bed frame is what keeps your mattress from lying flat on the ground, and it’s absolutely vital to both your own health and the health of your mattress.

Related: Best mattress foundations

When your mattress lies flat on the floor, it is more likely to get mold, mildew, dust mites, and dirt. Plus, when mattresses are flat on the ground, they are far less breathable, which can make your sleeping experience hot and uncomfortable. A metal bed frame raises your mattress off the ground while providing support to prevent sagging.

Pros and Cons of Metal Bed Frames

A bed frame is one of the most important pieces of furniture in your house, but is a metal bed frame the right option for you? There are definitely advantages and disadvantages to buying a metal bed frame. One of the best parts about choosing a metal bed frame is the upfront cost. Metal frames are very inexpensive, with the high-quality options on this list ranging from just over $50 to right around $100.

Another great benefit of using a metal bed frame is that they are relatively lightweight, especially when compared to large, wood bed frames. This is great if you tend to move around a lot.

However, metal bed frames aren’t perfect. Many metal bed frames are very squeaky, which can wake you up throughout the night if you tend to toss and turn. Another issue with metal bed frames is their style. They usually aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing, especially when compared to wood bed frames.

How to Choose the Best Metal Platform Bed Frame

There are a few things you should consider when selecting the best metal platform bed frame for your bedroom.

Size

Size is the first factor you should consider when looking for a metal bed frame. You’ll want to buy a frame that is the same size as your mattress. It’s also important to consider the size it will be upon purchase or delivery. Can you fit it into your vehicle or through the doors in your house to get it to the correct room?

Support

The purpose of a bed frame is to support you and your mattress. Consider the materials that make up the bed frame to ensure that it’s durable and long-lasting. You’ll also want to be mindful of the distance between slats if it is a slatted metal bed frame. Some warranties require the slats to be no further apart than 3 inches to prevent voiding the warranty.

Weight

Weight plays an important role in selecting the proper bed frame for you. Consider how much you weigh, as well as the weight of your partner to determine the best platform frame for you. Some bed frames have lower and higher weight capacities.

Assembly

Most bed frames require little-to-no assembly or include all the necessary tools to set up. Some companies will offer expert assembly so you don’t have to lift a finger. Consider what kind of challenge you’re up for before making your initial purchase.

Additional Features

There are additional features that can help you decide which bed frame is the best fit for you. Consider whether you need a bed frame that offers under-bed storage, a high or low profile, or the potential to interlock with your headboard. Most metal bed frames will include caps underneath each leg of the frame to prevent scratching on the floors and maintain a secure grip.

Aesthetic

Lastly, you need a bed frame that is going to look aesthetically pleasing to you. Metal bed frames offer a minimalist, modern touch to your overall look.

FAQs

Are metal bed frames good?

It really depends on the bed frame. Many metal bed frames are sturdy, supportive, easy to assemble, and aesthetically pleasing. But of course, not all of them are. Generally, metal bed frames are a great choice for anyone who needs a sturdy bed frame on a budget.

Do metal bed frames squeak?

Many metal bed frames squeak, but not all of them do. One thing you can do to reduce the amount of squeaking in your metal bed frame is make sure all of the screws are tightened completely during assembly.

Is a wood or metal bed frame better?

Metal bed frames are generally more affordable, more low-profile, and squeakier, while wood bed frames are usually more expensive, more stylish, and don’t require a box spring the way metal frames do. Which one is better really depends on your needs.

Is it good to sleep on a metal bed frame?

As long as you have a box spring between the frame and your mattress, sleeping on a metal frame is completely fine for your sleep health. Without a box spring, however, your mattress might sag or dip, and this could cause trouble sleeping or morning discomfort.

Summary

Compare the best metal bed frames below:

Product	Material	Best for	Customer Rating
Zinus Michelle Compack 9-Leg Support Bed Frame	Steel	Best Overall	4.6/5
Classic Brands Hercules Universal Heavy-Duty Metal Bed Frame	Steel	Best Low-Cost	3.8/5
AmazonBasics Foldable Metal Platform Bed Frame	Steel	Best Metal Frame with Center Support Legs	4.7/5
Olee Sleep 14 Inch Heavy Duty Steel Slat/ Anti-slip Support/ Easy Assembly/ Mattress Foundation/ Bed Frame	Steel	Best for Sex	4.5/5

When it comes to creating an ideal space for great sleep, your bed is in the spotlight. With the right metal platform bed frame, you can showcase a simple, sleek design while offering extra support to your mattress and yourself during sleep.

The Best Metal Bed Frames and Mattress Foundations

Helpful Resources

The Best Metal Bed Frames