Getting a new bed frame offers you a lot of choices. Probably the biggest choice when shopping for a new bed frame is what material your bed frame should be made from. With materials like metal, upholstered fabric, and engineered wood available for making bed frames, a solid wood bed frame gives the classic look and durability that most people still value. Let’s compare solid wood with the most common materials bed frames are made mostly of so that you can decide which is right for you.
The Benefits of Solid Wood Bed Frames
Solid wood has served for centuries as a material for making furniture, with good reason. Here are some of the top benefits of going with a solid wood bed frame:
1. Durability
A bed frame made of solid wood is sturdy and strong. There are several types of hardwood that are dense and resistant to wear, like maple, oak, cherry, and walnut. If taken care of, the frame can easily last you for scores of years.
Most other materials will not even stand the test of time. Metal frames can bend or develop rust over time. Upholstered frames are prone to tearing and staining. And particleboard frames are much more likely to sag, warp, or break than their solid wood counterparts.
2. Classic Style
There is something timeless about the look of a good wooden bed frame. Whether you prefer a simple modern design or are more into the more ornate traditional style, a solid wood frame has a warmth and character that can define the look of your whole bedroom.
The natural grain patterns and rich colors of different wood species can be quite beautiful. Stains and finishes let you customize the look to your tastes. A wooden frame in a classic silhouette will never appear outdated.
3. Sturdiness
Hardwoods tend to be dense and solid, so solid wood bed frames feel very sturdy. They don’t creak, move, and shake as the considerably less solid frames might. J
ust what you expect: a very well-grounded and supportive bed. You won’t have the distracting movement that comes with other frame types. Solid wood allows you to feel more secure as you sleep.
4. Environmentally Friendly
If chosen carefully from sustainably managed forests, wood is an ecologically suitable option. Since a majority of the earth’s surface is covered in forests, wood is a reusable resource, and many quality furniture makers actually put a lot of importance on proper forest harvesting practices.
Some other common frame materials, like metal and petroleum-based foams and fabrics, require mining and manufacturing processes from raw materials, which take a heavy toll on the environment. With a solid wood frame, especially from a company focused on sustainability, you can feel good about your purchase.
Drawbacks of Solid Wood Bed Frames
Of course, no material is perfect for every situation. Here are a couple of potential downsides to solid wood frames:
1. Cost
High-quality solid wood bed frames do tend to be more expensive than options made from other materials, especially upholstered frames or those made with particleboard or fiberboard products. However, a well-made wooden frame can be seen as an investment. What you spend upfront is likely saved long-term by having to replace a lower-quality frame every few years.
2. Heaviness
The advantage of solid wood can be seen in both its weight and height. These bed frames are usually a lot heavier and less easy to move than metal or particleboard. In most applications, the heaviness of the bed helps the frame to be stable. However, if you tend to move or you regularly enjoy rearranging your space, the weight is a concern. Bed frames made from lighter wood, such as pine, are easier to handle.
Other Bed Frame Materials to Consider
Below are some other bed frame materials to consider, with most people opting for solid wood bed frames.
A quick look at how wood compares against:
Metal Bed Frames
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Affordable
- It can have a sleek, modern look
- Resistant to moisture and pests
Cons:
- Prone to creaking and movement
- It can feel unstable, especially in cheaper options
- Style options are more limited
- Finish may chip or rust over time
Upholstered Bed Frames
Pros:
- Soft, cushioned texture
- Wide variety of color and fabric options
- It can make a stylish focal point in a bedroom
Cons:
- Fabrics can stain, tear, and wear out quickly
- Hard to clean
- Not as hardy or supportive as wood or metal
- Quality varies widely based on frame construction
Particleboard & Fiberboard Bed Frames
Pros:
- Cheaper option
- Lightweight
- It can be manufactured for frames that look like they are solid wood
Cons:
- Tends to warp, bow, and break
- Not good for disassembling and reassembling frequently
- Vulnerable to moisture damage
- Value tends to match the price
Choosing the Right Bed Frame for You
Clearly, solid wood bed frames have a number of advantages over frames made from other common materials. They offer unmatched durability, stability, and style in a range of price points. Solid wood may be your top long-term option unless you need an extremely low-cost frame or one that’s easy to move often. Look for a few key qualities in a high-quality wood frame:
- Made with hardwoods, like maple, oak, cherry, mahogany, or walnut. For a more affordable, budget-friendly frame, pine and acacia are also great choices. Make sure to avoid softwoods like cedar or frames that just say “wood” without specifying the type.
- Joints are made with a mortise and tenon, dovetail, or dowel joint. You should avoid a frame that’s just held together with staples, nails, or glue.
- A catalyzing or pre-catalyzing lacquer finish over the wood. You can also get a great finish on some woods with hand-rubbed oil, but it requires more care.
- Maker warranty of at least 5 years. Some of the best solid wood furniture comes backed for a decade or more. With solid construction and quality materials, your new solid wood bed frame will be with you for years to come. A beautiful, functional centrepiece for the well-decorated bedroom.
Solid Wood Bed Frames in Australia
Availability
Solid wood bed frames are available in Australia at most bedding stores, showrooms, and in the collections of many online retailers. Jarrah, blackwood, and spotted gum are very common Australian hardwoods known for their durability and beautiful grain patterns.
Customization
Most Australian companies offer customization of solid wood bed frames. This way, you can select the type of wood, finish, and design needed. Buying a solid wood bed frame from an artisan in Australia will support local businesses and guarantee you great handmade quality.
Supporting Local Craftsmen
Purchasing a solid wood bed frame from an Australian craftsman supports local businesses and ensures you receive a high-quality, handcrafted product.
Conclusion
A bed frame is something one buys all at once, depending on which the functionality and aesthetic solvency of the entire bedroom will follow. A solid wood bed frame wins hands down in terms of durability, classic beauty, and compatibility with nature. Metal, particleboard, and upholstered bed frame, of course, have their advantages, but their durability and beauty in a natural appeal make wood the best.
Summarily, these sum up what to have in mind as you shop for solid wood bed frames in Australia or anywhere else: your style, quality assessment, and long-term needs. A properly chosen solid wood bed frame will guarantee comfort and sophistication for a lot of decades ahead, thus being the investment that is clever in your house.
