Whenever people are talking about beds, they either talk about bed frames or mattresses. But what you do not hear them talk about is the Bunkie board, as if it does not exist. However, a Bunkie board is a significant feature of a bed and is very useful. Many people skip on this essential part of the bed due to lack of knowledge and suffer later with an uncomfortable bed.
Hence, in this article, I will discuss everything you need to know about the best Bunkie board.
Bunkie Board: What is it?
A Bunkie board, also known as bunky board, is a solid platform used in a bed. It is either attached to the bed frame or placed on top of the slats of a bed frame. Usually, it has a thickness of 1 to 3 inches. It is a versatile feature that can be used in any type of bed, including platform beds, bunk beds, trundle beds, day beds.
Why Do You Need a Bunkie Board?
First of all, the Bunkie board creates a stronger platform for your bed. Most Bunkie boards that are sheet and flat provide a surface to put your mattresses or foams. It prevents your mattresses or foams from damaging by the bed frame or slats of the bed frame.
Secondly, it gives support without taking much space. Many use boxspring under foams or mattresses for support and comfort, but it increases the bedding height. This unwanted height can be uncomfortable, which is not the case for Bunkie boards. Bunkie boards are thin and add only a few inches to the bed.
Though the Bunkie board is made of hard and strong material to provide support, it is covered with thick fabric. The fabric cover protects the mattresses or foams from damage. Additionally, flat-surfaced Bunkie boards prevent the sinking of mattresses or foams in the bed frame.
Bunkie Board: Material
There are some variations when it comes to material for Bunkie boards. According to your preference, you can choose any of the materials. Plywood, solid wood, particleboard, or steel are the most commonly used material for Bunkie boards.
Plywood
Plywood is made of thin sheets of wood glued together. Several sheets are glued together to create plywood that is used to build a Bunkie board. Bunkie board made of plywood is strong yet lightweight. They are lighter than other materials but are less strong than steel, of course.
Plywood Bunkie boards can hold a lot of weight without any problem. You can go for a bit thicker plywood if you are concern about the weight capacity or sturdiness.
Furthermore, plywoods are moisture resistant. Therefore, a plywood Bunkie board would be best for humid areas.
Solid Wood
Solid wood Bunkie board can be a good alternative if you are looking for a sturdy wood Bunkie board. However, there are more negative than positives for solid wood Bunkie boards.
Solid wood is undoubtedly stronger. However, they are heavier as well. The worst part about solid wood Bunkie boards is that it changes shape depending on the weather. In drier seasons, the wood might shrink, and oppositely, the wood might expand on the wet season. This quality of solid woods makes it hard to have a stable shaped and comfortable Bunkie board.
Additionally, solid wood can cost a lot. Therefore Bunkie board made of solid wood will also be expensive.
Particle Wood
The particle wood is made of wood wastes. It is an environmentally friendly material compared to other materials. It comes from the wood chips or sawmill shavings that are glued and pressed together to build particle wood.
Moreover, it is inexpensive. You are looking for ad affordable Bunkie board, then going for a particle wood Bunkie board would be the best choice for you. Some chemicals are also added in the making process of particle wood that makes it weather resistant.
You can get different grades of particle wood. Depending on your budget and preference, you can choose which type of particle wood you want. However, you have to sacrifice a bit on the quality or strength if you go for particle wood compared to other materials.
Steel
Steel is surely the strongest and durable among all the materials for the Bunkie board. However, it is not the best. Steel Bunkie board is heavy and can last a long time as it is weather resistant. Unlike wood materials, you do not have to worry about bedbugs if you use a steel Bunkie board.
Unlike other materials, a steel Bunkie board is not a sheet. It is more like a slatted platform, which means there are gaps in between, and the mattress might sink in. This might damage your mattresses, especially memory foam or latex mattresses.
Even though the slats of a steel Bunkie board is covered with thick fabric to avoid mattresses from sinking, yet it happens. This not only damages your mattress, also makes your bed uncomfortable to sleep on.
Moreover, if you are a sound sleep lover and hate the squeaky sound of a bed, it is best to avoid a steel Bunkie board for your bed.
To Conclude
It is essential to use a Bunkie board for your bed frame if you are a heavier person. For additional support and strength, you can easily get a Bunkie board online or from any nearby home décor store.
Now that you know why the Bunkie board is important and what materials are best for Bunkie boards, hopefully, you can choose the best Bunkie board for yourself.