The following guide helps explain everything you need to know when looking for a bed for heavier people.
According to The NHS Health Survey, 63% of us in the UK are now large enough to be considered obese. As our nation grows plumper, it is vital that we have adequate sleeping support to avoid further health complications. But how much weight can a bed frame hold?
Discovering the right bed construction for your size is made simple with this ultimate guide.
After reading it you will be able to:
– Understand the purpose of a bed frame
– Select a bed size suitable for obese types
– Choose the best mattress for heavier people
– Know if a bedstead or a divan is best for your needs
– Consider what height of bed is appropriate for your size
– Be able to select the best bed frame material for heavier people
Is Your Bed Frame Strong Enough For A Heavier Person?
The middle of the night. You’re in a deep sleep. Then, a loud crashing noise pumps you full of adrenaline. Your eyes open, and you notice the ceiling is further away than usual.
A second passes, and you realise you’re lying on top of the rubble of a collapsed bed frame, your mattress now awkwardly drooped over the floor.
Nobody likes a rude awakening, particularly one that comes with a large repair bill. In order to avoid being in a comedy film scene, the next time you purchase a bed, devote a little time to considering ‘how much weight can a bed frame hold?’
Mostly a concern for more heavyset people, and those who acquire beds from cheap, questionable sources, a relaxing carefree night’s sleep is impossible without the certainty of knowing a bed frame will support your weight.
Land of Beds customers are privileged with the assurance that their beds are 100% reliably strong and sturdy. Although all our beds are robust enough to deliver complete peace of mind, some larger individuals may want to explore which bed is best for their weight and size.
So, whether you have experienced a complete collapse, or just the odd squeak and creek, our ultimate guide to choosing a bed frame for the more heavyset will help pair you with the bedstead you need for a great night’s sleep.
When we think of support in relation to beds there is a tendency to focus entirely on the mattress. This is understandable as the material we lie on is an essential factor in our comfort. It is important to remember however, that the frame is the foundation of the bed, and as a result the mattress can only ever be truly as comfortable as the structure supporting it allows. A reliable, strong bed frame is crucial for the long-term stability required for a great night’s sleep.
And the feeling of having a great new, beautiful piece of furniture doesn’t hurt either.
What Exactly Is A Bed Frame?
It may seem like an odd question, but few of us have consciously considered what a bed frame does. While there are a wide variety of frameworks available, all bed structures are created primarily to sit a mattress on. Although there are now many minimalist designs that don’t incorporate all of the subsequent features, bed frames traditionally consist of the following components:
- Base / Slats
- Legs
- Headboard
- Footer
- Side Rails
In some form or another, bed frames have been in use for over 5000 years. They were developed to help make mattresses more comfortable, which until the late 19th century were generally lumpy and uninviting. With some exceptions, typical fillings were not that different from today (wool and cotton, but also straw and grasses). Before the invention of the spring mattress however, they were generally uneven and unsupportive.
At some point in history sleepers realised that laying mattresses on alternative platforms to hard surfaces such as floors, helped maximise the comfort they afforded. They found that suspending them on ropes held in place by wooden frames reinforced the mattresses, improving support for the back, and generally providing a more relaxing experience.
Great Benefits Of A Good Bed Frame
The bed is typically the centrepiece of the bedroom. As such, most people prefer a bed frame that is a great aesthetic focal point which draws all the other elements of the room’s décor together. Additionally, many beds also often need to function as a storage space. Fashionable interior design and hiding old towels aside however, there are some more serious duties a well-structured bed needs to address.
A bed’s framework is responsible for keeping your mattress off the floor and fixing it sturdily in place. As a result, it helps evenly distribute your bodyweight, better support your neck and back, and prevent mattress sagging. For heavier people, many of whom are susceptible to health concerns, support from an adequate frame, in conjunction with an appropriate mattress, is paramount to a great, healthy night’s sleep.
Best Materials For A Bed Frame For Heavier People
Wooden Bed Frames
Still a popular choice of framework material, wood peaked with the four-poster bed. A solid, robust and imposing style of structure, this type of bed construction fills the sleeper with complete confidence due to its effortless abilities for load bearing and support. These days there are more budget-conscious versions which utilise various types of manufactured wood.
Metal Bed Frames
Metal frames such as steel are an excellent alternative to wood, which can provide dependable weight support while taking up less space. Reliably sturdy, and highly durable, many solid metal bed frames can be just as trustworthy for heavier people as solid wood.
How Many Legs Should A Bed Have For Heavier People?
Generally speaking, the more legs a bed has the heavier the load it can support is, although material and construction quality are still major factors to be considered. A low-budget steel bed with 7 legs won’t necessarily be as strong as a top-level solid wood bed with only 4 legs. Opting for a bed with a higher number of slats can also be a good idea for extra support, however the same rule about quality still applies.
Aesthetically, there is always the option to choose whichever material best supports you without sacrificing décor, as the construction material of a bed’s framework can be hidden with soft fabric coverings. The choice of divan is entirely dependent on your storage needs.
Choosing A Bed Frame For Heavier People
Bed Frame Weight Capacity
If you’re carrying a few extra pounds, then a standard bed frame may not be the most appropriate structure to support you. To ensure you’re getting the framework you need, it is best to purchase a reinforced one from a reputable name. Don’t compromise on quality when buying a bed frame. Cheap ones may cost more in the long run.
When choosing a bed frame it is important to keep in mind that it will need to be supportive enough to not only hold your weight, but the weight of your partner (if applicable) and the weight of a heavy mattress designed to cradle you both.
Typically, most bedsteads are constructed to support an evenly distributed weight of up to 500 pounds. Consider a bed frame that can withstand more if you think the total load from your mattress, yourself, and any partners, pets, or children may exceed 1000 pounds. You can easily find a bed frame that can support over 1000 pounds if needed.
Bed Frame Height
A standard profile bed frame typically stands between 13 and 15 inches tall. For most people this is an ideal height, with adequate storage space underneath.If it’s too tall, a low-profile structure hovering below 13 inches above the floor may be suitable. Taller and heavier individuals may find a high-profile bed more comfortable as it can make getting in and out of bed less cumbersome.
Bed Frame Size
Depending on how many extra pounds you are carrying, smaller beds, no matter how sturdy, are probably an impractical choice. Individuals sleeping alone may find a three-quarter bed sufficient, but larger couples should consider upgrading from a double to either a King or Queen size bed. Anything above a double is recommended for couples where both of you are on the larger size.
Adjustable Beds For Heavier People
Designed with mobility issues and heavy loads in mind, sleepers over 18 stone might want to consider an adjustable bed, particularly one fitted with a heavy-duty reinforced base. If purchased for medical purposes, you won’t even need to pay the VAT. Find out more by reading our guide to adjustable beds.
Choosing The Best Mattress For Your Weight
There are a host of questions to consider when choosing a mattress based on your weight, but they basically come down to two issues:
Material – Am I going to be comfortable?
Support – Will it effortlessly hold my weight?
Crucial to your comfort, the material inside a mattress needs to be carefully considered, irrespective of weight. Our mattress guide contains all the necessary information to help you choose the most suitable filling for your needs.
To find the mattress that provides the most comfortable support, it’s best to try out several tensions for yourself. Keep in mind that larger people typically prefer a firmer sleep due to the added support.
Firm Mattresses are popular with sleepers over 14 stone
Medium Mattresses are mostly favourable with people between 8 and 14 stone
Soft Mattresses are the preferred choice of many sleepers under 8 stone
Edge support mattresses complements a well-chosen bedstead, delaying sagging and extending the bed’s life for heavier people.
Interested in getting a bed but need to know more about finding one suitable for your room’s décor? Our blog post How To Choose The Best Bed For Your Room should provide guidance.
Found a bed you like? Then turn your attention to the following comfort considerations:
The Ultimate Guide To Picking The Best Duvet
How To Find The Best Headboard For Your Bed
Need Help Choosing The Correct Bed Frame For A Heavier Person?
Deciding on the best bed frame for your weight requirements is dependent on many factors.
How much do you weigh?
Do you struggle getting in and out of bed?
What type of style / storage needs do you have?
There is no need to lose sleep over trying to choose the right bed frame for your size. Let Land of Beds’ experts guide you to the perfect bed with their specialist knowledge.
Our customer-first policy means we listen and give good, independent advice based on the needs of the individual. We match consumers with ethically sourced, high-quality, and affordable products to ensure that as many people as possible get a good night’s sleep.
Don’t hesitate to contact us at 01928 242829 if you need assistance in finding the perfect bedstead for your size.