There are some very strong reasons to choose a steel frame with feet and the same can be said for a bed frame with wheels.

 Frankly the answer is a matter of personal preference but we are going to give the person that doesn’t buy a new bed frame everyday some things to think about before making the decision of which one might best fit their needs.

All steel bed frames for the most part are very durable and yes cost often affects quality and durability of a frame. Some bolt together while others have rivets and slots. Some are stronger than others you will need to look at each frame on an individual basis and compare. Advice can be asked of your sales associate as to what kind of frame would work best for your purpose.

No matter what kind of frame you buy one with wheels /castors or one with feet /glides, today they are going to be constructed using plastic.

Things to think about before choosing a bed frame

Do you have carpet?
Either frame works very nicely for this application. Frames with feet and especially additional feet offer strength and help distribute weight better and lesson wear on carpeting and carpet padding.

Do you have a hardwood floor or other hard surfaced floor?
If you have a hardwood floor you know keeping furniture in one place is a challenge and a bed frame is no exception. Bed frames have a tendency to slide or roll out of place on solid surfaces like hardwood floors. Frames with wheels are nearly impossible to keep in place and people tend to find themselves chasing the bed around the room. A person needs to consider the individual that will be using the bed and the physical ability and mobility. With elderly people wheels are typically not a good choice.

Bed frames with wheels are almost always easier to move. This is extremely important if you like to clean under the bed frequently or rearrange the room. Frames with wheels offer easy mobility.

Which frame is easier to get replacement parts?
Neither.  Most frame manufacturers change construction designs so frequently that it is nearly impossible to get the exact replacement wheel or foot that is needed. It is pretty common to find that parts and pieces are not interchangeable from one brand frame to another. Finally before purchasing replacement feet or rug rollers be sure to measure your bed frame legs, this will tell you if the bed frame feet are compatible will fit your bed.

Here is how to determine what type of steel bed frame you need.

If you are not sure what kind of frame you need to support your mattress and boxspring this blog will answer that question. There are hundreds of different steel bed frames to choose from. Some bolt up, while some hook in using down hooks. There are models that have attachments that connect to a headboard, headboard and footboard, or neither if you so choose. There are even numerous center supports designed to replace old time wooden slats.

Start Here:
To determine what type or kind of bed frame you will need to purchase, simply browse the various bed configurations below that best matches what you have or plan to purchase.

2 Quick Definitions

· Wood headboard – any headboard /footboard made from wood. Examples: Oak, pine, cedar, spruce, cherry, etc.
· Metal headboard- All headboards/footboard constructed from these. Examples: Iron, brass, antique brass, metal, wrought iron, etc.
Wood Headboard only
These frames can either come as a bolt up or with down hooks

Metal Headboard only
These bed frames are normally only available as a bolt up style frame.

Wood headboard and footboard no wood side rails
This style bed uses a frame that traditionally has steel rails running head to foot. Down hooks attach the frame to the bed. King and queen models need center a support bar with support feet. These models typically do not bolt up because the bolt head are visible at the footboard end and are not aesthetically pleasing.

Metal headboard and footboard
A brass, metal, or iron bed is usually generically considered a metal bed. Metal beds nearly always bolt up at both the headboard and footboard ends using matching nuts, bolts, and lock washers. They are connected to long steel side frames that are made from angle iron or steel. King and queen models must have proper center supports and will prevent possible damage to your mattress set and bed.
Wood headboard and Footboard with wood side rails.

In the old days many companies and people simple cut wood slats to support the center spanning width. Often times the wood side rails, headboard, or footboard would split where they hooked in. Today we use multiple steel slats that screw in place of wooden slats and have adjustable feet that can bear some of the load increasing the life of your headboard, footboard, or wooden rails.

Still not sure what kind of bed frame you need? Let us help you find a frame that will fit your needs. Contact STLBeds at 636-296-8540

You can also visit our steel bed frames page to browse some of our various models.

It’s time for those tax refunds to start showing up in your mailbox – and to help you stretch those dollars in today’s economy, we’ve come up with a great web Tax Refund Sale to help you get a great night’s sleep.

From now through 2/28/09, Choose from  one of two great Symbol Mattress Sets, either our Stafford Plush or the Stafford Firm . These mattresses will be reduced to only $499.00*!

In order for you to lock in this sale, you need to call or visit our showroom before 2/28/09.

And, to help you even more, we’re offering the following ‘Bailout Benefits’
* 90 days same as cash with approved credit
* 120 Day Layaway (that’s right, we still do layaway!)
* FREE Steel Bed Frame with purchase (24rr) $49.00 Value

The only way to get this deal is to mention the Tax Refund Special so don’t forget when you call!

* price does not include tax or delivery.

A common question we are asked is if you can buy particular steel bed frame parts to make a king size head board adapt to the bed frame of a queen size mattress and boxspring? The answer is no, especially if you want your headboard to look normal and acceptable to others. A steel bed frame that fits a king size mattress is 76 inches wide. The frame is designed to fit and accommodate a king size headboard. The king headboard all though slightly wider than the mattress and steel bed frame by an inch or so is built as such for aesthetic purposes. The king headboard is considerably wider than a queen size mattress and bed frame which measures a significant 16 inches narrower. By using a king headboard with a queen mattress and bed frame it would leave 8 inches of king size headboard exposed on each side of the mattress and would be very unattractive. Here is a link to all standard mattress sizes to help you better understand.

History of the bed frame

Once called a bed carriage or bedstead a steel bed frame holds the weight of a boxspring and mattress up off of the ground while properly transferring the bed’s total weight back to the floor.

Bed frame construction

Of course bed frames need to be sturdy so they are commonly constructed using steel angle iron but are sometimes constructed of wood. There are many different kinds of steel bed frames available. Some attach to headboards only, while other frames attach to headboard and footboard combinations.  For people who want neither there are bed frames that will free stand on their own.

A steel bed frame can either come with fixed flat feet or with rollers that swivel and turn which are sometimes called a caster or castor. This bed frame feature makes movement of the bed easier. Flat-footed bed frames offer better stability especially when used on hard wood floors or by unstable people. Bed casters, castors, or rollers offer greater mobility of the bed for those who move their furniture around more frequently or would like to clean underneath their bed.

How does a bed frame attach to a headboard and footboard?

Attaching bed steel bed frames to headboards and footboards is easy. Many will fasten up using nuts, bolts, and washers, while others will use connect into slots down hooks. The actual Bed frames can be assembled by being bolted together, keyhole notched, or even clamped or latched together.

Bed frame sizes

Steel bed frames are available in different heights that include low profile, traditional, and custom heights. Bed frames are also available in an array of sizes to fit virtually all mattress and boxsprings on the market. These frames will fit the conventional mattress sizes, which include twin, full, queen, and king and the California king.

Where can I find a steel bed frame?

Many mattress retail stores stock or can order special size bed frames to accommodate mattresses and boxsprings with unusual widths and lengths.

How long do bed frames last?

A less expensive bed frame may only last a couple of years or so. Some bed frames offer full lifetime guarantees. It will depend on the frame you decide to purchase and its construction and overall design. There is no set life expectancy for bed frames.

Where can I find replacement bed frame parts?

Most mattress or furniture stores carry spare bed frame parts. You will need to make sure that their bed frame parts will be the proper replacement part for your damaged or lost frame part. Steel bed frame construction is not standardized so this may be a real challenge to find the correct part you need that will fit or work. You ultimately may end up buying a complete new bed frame.

How much does a steel bed frame for a mattress cost?

Prices can range from about $30.00 to well over $100.00 depending on the size, strength, and type of frame you need. Steel bed frame prices have increased greatly due to the rising cost of steel.

Warranty Issues

Queen size and King size mattress and boxsprings require proper center support to keep the set properly supported.  Most likely your mattress warranty will be considered invalid if the correct bed frame is not used with you new mattress set. We suggest that you read your mattresses warranty card to verify whether or not your steel or wood bed frame is adequate. You can also call your local mattress dealer or the manufacturer of your mattress set.

Buy a Steel Frame

We have a great selection of steel bed frames!