Even with a small amount of research into buying a wooden bed, you will see that the choice varies widely, along with the price. A wooden bed's price will usually come down to the type and quantity of materials used to construct the wooden bed.
Many manufacturers now use tough, durable, cheap hardwood for the core of the wooden bed and then add a veneer to the outer hardwood to create the effect of more expensive wood. Many wooden beds usually use a mask to give them a beech or oak effect.
The thickness of the veneer can also play a big part in the cost of the wooden bed. Using a thin foil as a veneer can significantly reduce the price, but remember, the narrower the surface, the more prone it is to cracking and tearing over time.
Foil Veneers are a synthetic material, but through appropriate technology, it imitates natural materials very well, Although veneers have much better strength parameters than foil.
Veneers are considered environmentally friendly and used mainly on furniture grade MDF. A craftsman woodworker will make veneers look seamless with the perfect corner. Also, veneers can imitate rare wood materials such as 'Brazilian Oak,' which is now endangered.
Some wooden beds are made from solid woods such as oak or pine. These particular wooden beds cost more, but the quality is much better and tends to last longer. More attention to detail seems evident, and the overall build is more solid and durable.
A wooden bed will usually have wooden slats as a base for the mattress. These slats are generally made of hardwood or pine to create a solid, worn area for the mattress.
Different wooden beds can have other slat arrangements. Ensure the gap between the slats is no wider than 3 inches, which could affect the mattress's support, lead to an uncomfortable night's sleep, and cause lasting damage to the bed.
More manufacturers are moving towards a sprung slatted base using curved beech wood. A sprung slat base can help give the mattress extra support, giving the bed a longer-lasting life. Make sure the supporting base also has a centre support beam.
A solid wooden beam will run up the centre of the wooden bed, and a vertical support brace will be attached. This beam will offer great support for the centre of the wooden bed and help reduce slat breakage when weight is transferred to the middle of the bed.
Storage drawers are becoming popular with wooden bedsteads as many suppliers are producing wooden beds with the option to have one or two drawers underneath in matching wood to help keep the area under the bed neat.
The life expectancy of a wooden bed will significantly depend on the amount of use it receives. The rule of thumb is you get what you pay for! If you require a wooden bed for consistent use, the relevancy of the build quality and wood type is just as important as the overall look.
What type of wood is best for a bedframe?
Wood is the most common material for constructing a bed. This is down to a few different factors, including how it looks. The maintenance is low as wooden frames are easy to keep clean and fix. They are also very durable and are great value for money.
There are several popular kinds of wood with different benefits:
1. Mahogany
Mahogany is among the most popular due to its durability and strength in the luxury wood department. However, this can be expensive, so if you are on a budget, choosing another wood would probably be best.
2. Walnut
This is quite a robust hardwood, a good choice for traditional furniture. It's known for its colour and textured grain, with a smooth surface, so it's ideal for polishing.
3. Oak
A high-quality wood, when maintained, stands the test of time. It has good durability, grain, and colour options and can also stain well, so it can be customised to suit your décor.
4. Maple
A hardwood that resists wearing, warping, and shrinking comes in various colours depending on the type of maple tree. It can also be easily dyed to enhance its natural beauty.
5. Cherry
If you want a bed with decorative properties and want to carve in it, then this is ideal.
6. Birch
This is durable and versatile and is available in shades from tan to white, letting you stain it.
Wooden Ottoman Bed
Ottoman beds are increasingly popular for those seeking extra bedroom storage that's easy to access. Until recently, the traditional way to combine storage and bed has been divan bases or wooden frames with built-in drawers.
Wooden ottoman beds have internal storage that covers the entire space under your bed. Access can be made from the end or side by a gas lift and hinge mechanism. The gas lift system makes light work. This frees your hands to organise and place any items within the internal storage.