Wooden Bed Buying Guide

Choosing a type of wood for your bed

The type of wood your bed is made from plays a significant role in its durability, strength, and overall aesthetic. From robust hardwoods to more budget-friendly options, each material offers unique properties and finishes.

Oak

Oak is a classic, durable choice, renowned for its strength and resistance to dents or scratches. Its prominent grain can be finished in natural rustic or deep walnut tones, adding warmth and character to any bedroom.

Ash

Strong yet flexible, ash wooden beds have a lighter, open grain that suits both modern and traditional styles. Its clean finish brings a bright, contemporary feel, and it can be stained for added versatility.

Pinewood

Pinewood is affordable, sturdy, and versatile, with natural knots that create a rustic, country-style look. It can be painted, stained, or left natural to suit a range of interiors.

MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard)

Made from compressed wood fibres, MDF provides a smooth, stable surface ideal for painting or laminating, such as on white wooden beds. While not as strong as solid wood, it’s a reliable and affordable choice for contemporary designs.

Rattan

Lightweight and durable, rattan’s woven texture creates a natural, breathable frame. Its organic look brings a relaxed, bohemian or coastal feel to the bedroom.

Particle board

Particle board, or chipboard, is an engineered option that’s highly budget-friendly. Usually finished with veneers or laminates, it offers a variety of looks at an affordable price.

Plywood

Formed from layered wood veneers, plywood is strong, stable, and cost-effective. It delivers a clean, modern aesthetic when varnished or painted, making it a versatile option. Read our complete bed buying guide to explore more materials.

What styles of wooden beds are available?

Wooden beds come in an incredible array of styles, catering to every taste and bedroom size. Whether you're seeking a minimalist design or a grand statement piece, there's a wooden bed to match your vision.

• Wooden beds with footboards - A timeless design that adds a traditional, enclosed feel, often enhanced with decorative detailing.
• Wooden ottoman beds - These feature a gas-lift mechanism to reveal spacious hidden storage, perfect for bedding, clothes, or seasonal items.
  Explore our ottoman bed guide to learn more about these space-saving designs.
• Wooden platform beds - With a low-rise profile and solid or slatted base, platform beds create a sleek, modern look while eliminating the need for a box spring.
• Wooden beds with drawers - Built-in drawers provide handy storage for clothes, books, or toys, helping keep bedrooms neat and organised.
• Wooden bunk beds - Ideal for kids’ rooms or guest spaces, bunk beds make the most of vertical space and often come with added storage or desks.
• Wooden poster beds - Defined by tall posts at each corner, these striking designs can be dressed with curtains for luxury or left bare for a bold statement.
• Wooden kids' beds - Safe, sturdy, and available in fun designs, kids’ wooden beds range from practical bunks to adaptable toddler styles.
• Wooden day beds - These versatile and space-saving designs double as seating by day and a bed by night, with many featuring built-in storage or a trundle.

What is the best type of base for a wooden bed?

The bed base is crucial for both the support of your mattress and your overall comfort. Wooden beds offer various base types, each providing a different level of firmness and support.

Solid slat

Solid slat bases feature timber slats that run across the full width of the bed. These provide a firmer, more solid foundation for your mattress, offering consistent support and helping to prolong the life of your mattress. This type of base is excellent for those who prefer a firmer feel to their bed.

Sprung slat

Sprung slat bases consist of curved, flexible slats, often placed in multiple columns. These slats offer more shock absorption and cushioned support, adapting to your body's contours and providing a slightly softer feel. The flexibility of sprung slats can also help to ventilate your mattress.

Platform top

A platform top base is a strong, sturdy foundation comprising a timber frame with a solid panel top. This type of base offers uniform, firm support across the entire mattress surface, preventing sagging and ensuring an even feel. It's often found in ottoman or divan-style wooden beds and is ideal for those seeking maximum stability.

Metal vs wooden slats

When it comes to slats, you’ll usually find two main options: wooden or metal. Wooden slats are the most common choice for wooden bed frames, offering a natural flexibility that works especially well with sprung designs. Metal slats, on the other hand, are extremely durable and provide a firmer, more rigid level of support.

What to consider when buying a wooden bed

When choosing a wooden bed, there are a few key things to keep in mind to make sure you pick the right one for your home and lifestyle.

• Size: Wooden beds come in all standard UK sizes, from single right up to super king. When deciding, it’s important to think about who will be using the bed and how it will fit into your room. Measuring your space first ensures you choose a comfortable size that suits your needs.
• Finish: The finish of your wooden bed greatly impacts its appearance and how it complements your existing décor. Options range from natural wood with clear varnishes that highlight the grain, to stained finishes for deeper tones, painted finishes for a contemporary look, or even distressed finishes for a vintage appeal. Consider how the finish will fit your room's existing colour scheme and style.
• Storage options: If you’re short on space, a wooden bed with built-in storage can be a clever solution. Options like ottoman designs, integrated drawers, or even headboards with shelving offer extra room to keep your belongings neatly tucked away, helping your bedroom stay organised and clutter-free.

For more help, read our guide on how to choose a new bed.

How to assemble a wooden bed

Assembling a wooden bed is usually a simple process, designed to be manageable at home. Most frames arrive with clear, step-by-step instructions and the fittings you’ll need, often including an Allen key. It can be helpful to have a second pair of hands, especially for lifting larger pieces. Start by laying out all the components, then connect the side rails to the headboard and footboard before adding any central supports and slats. Once everything is in place, check that all screws and bolts are securely tightened to keep your bed stable and ready for a restful night’s sleep.

Check out our assembly guides for more information on how to put together your wooden bed with ease.

How to attach a headboard to a wooden bed frame

Most wooden bed frames come with the headboard built in as part of the main structure. If your frame is freestanding and you’d like to add a separate headboard, you’ll usually find pre-drilled holes on the bed’s uprights that line up with the slots or holes on the headboard legs. Simply use the bolts and washers provided to secure the two together. Once fitted, check that everything feels sturdy and stable before use.

How to care for a wooden bed

Proper care will ensure your wooden bed lasts for years to come.

• Dust regularly: Use a soft, dry cloth to gently dust your wooden bed frame and headboard.
• Clean spills immediately: Wipe up any spills quickly with a slightly damp cloth, then dry thoroughly.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemical sprays, as these can damage the wood finish. A mild wood cleaner specifically designed for furniture can be used sparingly.
• Protect from direct sunlight and heat: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause wood to fade or discolour, while excessive heat can lead to drying and cracking. Position your bed away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators.
• Check fastenings: Periodically check and tighten all bolts and screws to maintain the bed's stability and prevent creaking.

How to stop a wooden bed from squeaking

A squeaky wooden bed can be distracting, but it’s often easy to fix. Start by checking all the bolts and screws, as loose fittings are the most common cause - tighten them gently so they’re secure but not overtightened. If the noise persists, apply a little wax to the joints where wood meets wood to reduce friction. It’s also worth checking the slats to make sure they’re properly in place and not rubbing; felt pads can help keep them stable and quiet. Finally, don’t forget the mattress itself - sometimes what sounds like a squeaky frame may actually be the springs in an older mattress.