Yes, in most cases slats are needed under a mattress. They do two things: they let air reach the underside of the mattress, and they spring slightly under the weight of the body, taking part of the load on themselves. You can do without them, but then you will have to look after ventilation yourself.
What slats do
Slats are curved strips fixed in the frame of a base with gaps between them. They are most often made of beech: it is strong and springs well.
- Ventilation. Overnight a mattress takes in moisture. Through the gaps between the slats it escapes, and the mattress dries from below.
- Springy support. A curved slat bends under load and returns. A mattress on such a base works more gently than on a rigid board.
- A level plane. A sound slatted base keeps the mattress level along its whole length.
And without slats?
A solid bottom. A mattress can be laid on a level solid base, such as the wood base of a bed with drawers. The feel may be firmer, and natural ventilation from below will be weaker. In that case pay more attention to airing and lift the mattress from time to time so that the underside dries.
The floor. Not suitable as a permanent arrangement. There is no movement of air below, moisture lingers, and the mattress collects dust from the floor.
An old mesh or a worn-in sofa. Any base that sags will pass its shape on to the mattress. A new mattress on such a base will lie unevenly.
What to look for when choosing a frame
- The number and width of the slats. There are two approaches: fewer wide slats or more narrow ones. The closer together the slats stand, the more evenly they support the mattress.
- The gaps. For springless mattresses and mattresses with independent springs, wide gaps are undesirable: the mattress can dip between the slats. If in doubt, ask a consultant whether the base suits your model.
- The frame. It has to be rigid and not rock. In Veneto bed frames the frame is made of metal tube.
- Firmness adjustment. In some frames part of the slats are double and have adjusters: by moving them a zone is made firmer or softer. This is handy if you want more support in the middle part.
- The holders. Slats have to sit tightly, with no play or creaking. In the showroom press on several slats with your hand.
Veneto frames: how they differ
| Model | Feature | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Multi Bed Frame | 18 wide beech slats per sleeping place, 68 × 8 mm | 12 sizes, from 800 × 1900 to 1800 × 2000 mm |
| Veneto Comfort Bed Frame | narrow beech slats, 38 × 8 mm | 900 × 2000, 1600 × 2000, 1800 × 2000 mm |
| Veneto Comfort Plus Bed Frame | additional double slats, firmness adjustment for a separate zone | 900 × 2000, 1600 × 2000, 1800 × 2000 mm |
| Veneto Comfort Plus Max Bed Frame | an extended adjustment zone, double slats with SleepSet adjusters | 900 × 2000, 1600 × 2000, 1800 × 2000 mm |
| Veneto Double Bed Frame | reinforced double slats, adjustment in the central zone | 900 × 2000, 1600 × 2000, 1800 × 2000 mm |
If you need a simple, dependable base and a less common size, 1200 × 2000 or 1400 × 2000 mm for example, look at Classic Multi: it has the widest choice of sizes. If you want to tune the base to yourself, choose among the models with adjustment. All the frames are gathered in the bed frames category.
How to match a frame to the mattress and the bed
- Size. A frame is taken in the same size as the mattress: a 1600 × 2000 mm mattress needs a 1600 × 2000 mm frame.
- The bed. If the frame is to be laid into an existing bed, measure its inside and check what the frame will rest on. When buying a new bed, ask which base comes with it.
- Load. The permissible load is given on the product page of the mattress. Ask about the frame separately.
- The mattress. Choosing the mattress itself is covered in a separate article; ready models are in the mattresses category.
Checking and care
Once a year take the mattress off and inspect the base:
- are all the slats whole and curved upwards, not flat;
- have any slats come out of their holders;
- have the fastenings of the frame and the legs worked loose.
A cracked slat should be replaced rather than left: the neighbouring slats take extra load, and the mattress sags at that spot.
To stop the underside of the mattress rubbing on the slats, a mattress pad is laid between it and the base. The Veneto Mattress pad is made of dense ReFiberMix felt (300 g/m²) and is held by elastic.
In short
- Slats are needed for the ventilation of the mattress and for springy support.
- A solid bottom is acceptable, but then the mattress has to be aired more often; the floor will not do for permanent sleep.
- Look at how closely the slats are spaced, the rigidity of the frame and whether there is adjustment.
- A frame is taken exactly the size of the mattress.
- Inspect the base once a year and replace damaged slats at once.
Frequently asked questions
Can a new mattress be put on an old frame?
Yes, if the slats are whole, springy and do not sag. If the base has settled, the mattress will take on its shape.
What base does a springless mattress need?
One with closely spaced slats and no wide gaps, or a level solid one. Ask a consultant about compatibility with the particular model.
The frame creaks — what should I do?
First find out exactly what is creaking: a slat in its holder, a fastening of the frame or a leg. Tighten the fastenings, check that the slats sit tightly, replace damaged ones.
What are firmness adjusters for?
To make part of the base firmer or softer to suit you, without changing either the mattress or the frame.
