King Size Bed Frames

So you have made the decision to buy that king size bed. The choice of a good mattress and foundation is important but choosing the right bed frame is important too. The average king size bed covers over 40 square feet of floor space, so the choice of a frame is really important. The combined weight of the average king mattress and foundation of box spring can be 200 pounds or more. When combined with the body weight of two average adults the frame must be able to support 500 pounds or more. When it comes to choosing a metal king size bed frame, never opt for the cheapest frame.

Standard King Size Metal Bed Frame

Brass King Size Metal Bed Frame

Low Profile King Size Metal Bed Frame

King Size Hybrid Waterbed Frame

King Size Six Leg Rail System

King Size Seven Leg Rail System

California King Size Metal Bed Frame

king bed frame

A cost effective alternative to buying an expensive bed frame is a basic metal frame. A well designed metal king size bed frame is able to adequately support the weight of the bed and the sleepers. A key design feature of a quality king size metal bed frame is the center support system. King size beds are typically 3 piece affairs made up of the mattress and a split foundation or box spring. Since a king size bed is so large, a 2-piece foundation or box spring is the only practical way for the bed to be moved. For a standard size king bed, each piece of the foundation is same size as a that used for a extra long twin bed or 39 inches by 80 inches.

The center support system is designed to support both pieces of the foundation. In addition to the legs at each of the four corners, the center support system features at least two additional legs and sometimes more. The legs transfer the weight of the frame, mattress, foundation and the sleepers to the floor in much the same way a foundation supports a house.

If you plan on using a head board and foot board, there are king size metal bed frames which feature extensions with brackets. Commonly referred to as glides, these extensions allow you to attach a head board or footboard securely to the frame. The methods of attachment may vary depending on the design of the boards. Many head boards and foot boards can simply be bolted onto the frame. Other boards have what is referred to as a hook-in design. This requires that the glides on the frame have metal hooks that slide into the board and hook on. There are single and double hook designs so make sure you purchase the correct glides.

If you have an older king size frame, you want to make sure that it can properly support the bedding, and some older frames do not have any type of center supports. Some older frames utilize wooden slats that are secured to the side rails of the frame. If you are using an older wooden bed frame, make sure it is good shape. Thoroughly inspect the head board, foot board, rails and other components looking for cracks or other damage. If the frame is in good shape, consider adding a center support system. The absence of a center support system can put undue strain on the slats and rails. This can be corrected by purchasing a center support system from a mattress retailer. Properly installed, a center support system can add years to your existing bed frame.

New metal king size bed frames do not require hardware like nuts, bolts or turn screws. Today’s metal king size bed frames are assembled by sliding a small metal posts into pre-machined slots. The posts and slots are positioned so that once pulled together, the frame is will not need to be adjusted. This is a big improvement over older metal bed frames, since there is no loose hardware to lose track of.

When choosing a king size bed frame, decide whether you need to move the bed from time to time. If moving the bed is necessary, look for a frame that features large, wide casters. Casters that are too small may fail or break. If you do not need casters, buy a frame that has feet attached to the legs. Large pads or feet will help prevent damage to floors and carpets and add stability to the frame.

If you need some extra storage space under your bed, consider buying a king size platform frame. Some platform frames have longer legs that raise the height of the bed allowing you to slide storage bins under the bed. The extra leg height is a key part of the frame’s design. Avoid using aftermarket leg extenders. These devices are available at some retail stores and are most often made from plastic. Aftermarket leg extenders can abnormally change the design characteristics of the frame, placing too much strain on the frame’s legs. There have been reports of these leg extenders breaking causing the bed to collapse.

If you have questions about choosing the right king size bed frame, always consult a qualified mattress and bedding retailer.