Finding the quietest box spring is vital for a peaceful – and comfortable – night’s sleep. Considering the market is saturated with poor-quality products, finding the right one can be a challenge.
But that’s exactly what I’ll help you do in this article. Below, I review my top picks for the best quiet box spring along with some tips for making the right selection.
Do You Need a Box Spring?
A box spring is a bed base generally made from wood or metal that’s covered in cloth. Known as a divan in some countries, a box spring may sit on top of another bed frame, or it might be the bed’s entire frame. Some have legs while others are just the box spring, it depends on your needs.
There are 5 main purposes to box springs:
- Raise a mattress up so it’s easier to get in and out of bed.
- To make a poor-quality mattress more comfortable.
- Acts as a mattress foundation on which the mattress sits (rather than directly on a slatted bed frame).
- Absorb shocks and improve a mattress’s lifespan.
- Increase ventilation around the mattress.
So, the answer to whether you need a box spring entirely depends on the type of mattress and bed you have. For many, it’ll be unnecessary. But, if you have mobility issues or an uncomfortable mattress, box springs can be a big help.
When looking for the quietest box spring, consider the following:
- Build quality is vital. Wear could cause joints to rub and squeak, so a better quality box spring will last longer.
- Metal box springs are easier to maintain than wood ones and are sturdier.
- A non-slip cover (above and below) will prevent things from sliding around, which could create noise.
There are of course more factors involved, but these are the most important when picking a quiet box spring. Make sure you spend some time shopping around, as a squeaky box spring will ruin a good night’s sleep.
Our Top 5 Picks
Below are my top picks for the quietest box spring. I use the factors mentioned above along with the other factors I discuss later in the article.
1. Top Pick: Noah Megatron 7-inch Box Spring
- Structure: Steel
- Non Slip Cover: Yes
- Height: 7″
- Supported Weight: 3000 Lbs.
- Size: Queen, King
The best feature of this quiet box spring is its weight limit. It can support up to 3,000lbs., which is probably more than you’ll ever need. As such, it’s a good choice for larger couples or people with a heavy mattress.
It’s a steel frame with a microfiber cover, which is wrinkle-resistant and easy to clean. The top is non-slip, so you can rest assured that your mattress won’t be going anywhere.
You get the required tools for assembly in the box, and it should come together in around 30 minutes. Although it comes in multiple parts, it’s really not difficult to build this box spring.
This box spring is 7” high, making it a good choice for high-profile mattresses (such as hybrids). As with other box springs, you’ll need to put it on a bed frame unless you’re happy sleeping on the floor!
Although easy to assemble, most reviewers state needing an extra pair of hands to do so. The frame weighs 55lbs., so this is completely understandable. You’ll need someone to support parts while you screw them together as a result.
- High weight limit.
- Suitable for all mattress types.
- Durable frame made from steel.
- Difficult for one person to build alone.
2. Continental Sleep 8-inch Wood Box Spring
- Structure: Wood
- Non Slip Cover: Yes
- Height: 8″ or 5″
- Supported Weight: NC
- Size: Twin (XL), Full, Queen, King
This wood box spring is easy to assemble despite it arriving in more pieces than a metal frame. It comes in a full size range and is suitable for all mattress types. You can also choose from 8” and 5” versions depending on your needs. The weight limit is the same for both products.
However, the weight limit won’t be as high as a metal box spring. Unfortunately, the manufacturer doesn’t specify what it is, but it’s fair to assume wood planks can’t support as much weight as steel.
One of this product’s main benefits over a metal box spring is its convenience. Metal box springs often come in large pieces, whereas this one comes as planks. This makes it much easier to fit through smaller spaces, for example, carrying it up to an apartment or dorm.
The only downside of this wood box spring is that it won’t last as long as a metal one. You’ll probably find you’ll have to tighten screws more regularly, too, particularly to cut down on squeaking.
- Adjustable slats offer greater convenience.
- Easy to assemble and transport.
- Suitable for all mattress types.
- Won’t support as much weight as a steel box spring.
3. Zinus 9-inch Metal Smart Box Spring
- Structure: Steel
- Non Slip Cover: Yes
- Height: 9″
- Supported Weight: 700 Lbs.
- Size: Twin (XL), Full, Queen, King, California King
This smart box spring from Zinus is made of solid steel with a polyester cover. The top is non-slip, meaning your mattress will stay in place.
It’s 9” high, which is on the taller end of the box spring spectrum. As such, it’s a good choice for those with a thin mattress or for people who need a taller bed. It doesn’t have legs, so it’s easy to combine with a separate bed frame.
You’ll find a size range from twin to king, and all sizes but the twin support up to 700lbs. The frame offers plenty of support and, importantly, won’t squeak.
Unsurprisingly, you must assemble the box spring yourself. Luckily, this isn’t difficult, and it includes all the necessary tools. You should get it done in about an hour. But, it weighs around 45lbs., so make sure you have someone around to help you lift it.
Also, this box spring is suitable for all mattress types, including memory foam and latex mattresses. If you have a heavy mattress (such as memory foam), it’ll be ideal.
The main downside mentioned by users is the quality of the included tools. They’re a bit cheap, which makes tightening bolts difficult. You’d be better off using a good-quality Allen wrench instead.
- Easy to assemble.
- Metal box spring is a quiet option.
- Comes in different size options.
- Included tools are poor quality.
4. GhostBed 9-inch Mattress Foundation and Box Spring
- Structure: Steel
- Non Slip Cover: Yes
- Height: 15″
- Supported Weight: 2,000 Lbs.
- Size: Twin (XL), Full, Queen, King, California King
Unlike other box springs on this list, this one comes with legs. This means you could use it as a full bed frame rather than an extra part, making it a suitable option for anyone on a budget.
The box spring itself is 9” high and the legs are 6”, giving you a total of 15” elevation. As such, it’s not the best choice for anyone needing a higher bed, but should otherwise be fine.
Everything is metal, including the slats, which gives it a weight limit of 2,000lbs. Much like the Noah Megatron box spring, this is probably far more than you’ll actually need but that does mean it’s pretty sturdy.
It’s suitable for all mattress types and comes in a full size range. The legs are adjustable and the frame also includes headboard brackets that fit all standard headboards. In short, you have plenty of flexibility with this box spring.
Although labeled as easy-assembly, some buyers state the opposite. The instructions are quite confusing, but the frame comes in 5 pieces, so hopefully, it won’t take too long to figure it out.
- Weight limit of 2,000lbs.
- Adjustable legs mean you don’t need a separate bed frame.
- Option to attach a headboard.
- Hard to assemble due to unclear instructions.
5. Zinus Upholstered Metal Box Spring with Wood Slats
- Structure: Steel
- Non Slip Cover: No
- Height: 4″
- Supported Weight: 700 Lbs.
- Size: Twin, Full, Queen, King
At 4” high, this model from Zinus is considered a low profile box spring. As such, it’s ideal for tall mattresses or for people who only need a small boost in height.
Despite being shorter, it can support as much weight as the other Zinus box spring on this list (up to 700lbs.). It’s a metal frame with wooden slats, which are fabric paneled, making assembly much quicker.
The frame is upholstered in gray fabric, so bear this in mind when choosing this box spring, as it might not go with your room’s décor. That said, a bit of gray on your box spring isn’t the end of the world.
You have to build it yourself, but this isn’t too difficult and it comes with the necessary tools. It supports all mattress types and comes in a full size range.
While the fabric-paneled slats help with assembly, they’re not ideal for keeping your mattress in place. Some reviewers state that they slip around, so I’d recommend buying a separate non-slip mat and putting this under your mattress.
- Low-profile box spring for small height boost.
- Fairly easy to assemble.
- Supports plenty of weight.
- Slats slide around if you don’t use a non-slip mat.
What to Look for
When choosing a quiet box spring, it’s important to consider the following factors.
Material
A metal box spring is generally better than a wood box spring. Metal is sturdier, meaning the box spring can support more weight and will last longer without squeaking or breaking. Also, a metal box spring requires less maintenance and screw tightening.
That said, wooden box springs are a good choice if you need to move it around. Unsurprisingly, a wooden frame is lighter, so would be suitable for carrying upstairs; for example, to an apartment or dorm room.
You can also find combination box springs that have a metal frame and wood slats. These aren’t necessarily the best of both worlds but can cut down on assembly time and weight.
Size and Height
Box springs come in sizes equivalent to mattress sizes (twin to king, for example). Most manufacturers will offer all sizes, so pick the one that matches your mattress.
More important is box spring height. Considering one of the main reasons for buying a box spring is to elevate your mattress, a taller box spring makes it easier to get on and off the bed.
The lowest height of a box spring is 4 inches, although 5-inch is more common. A low-profile box spring is ideal if you don’t want to add much elevation to your existing setup, particularly if you have a high-profile mattress.
The highest box spring is 14 inches, although 9-inch is more common. Something like this will be ideal for people with mobility issues or for anyone with a thin mattress.
Cover
Most box springs come with a cover, which ideally should be removable. The fabric choice generally doesn’t matter, although microfiber and polyester are common options. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s machine washable.
Try to find one with a non-slip fabric on the top. This’ll stop your mattress sliding around as you move, which can be massively inconvenient. If not, you can always add your own non-slip cover.
Weight Limit
As with other bed frames, box springs have a maximum weight limit. Metal box springs have a higher weight limit than wood ones thanks to the material’s durability.
The weight limit includes anyone sleeping on the bed and the mattress. A hybrid or memory foam mattress can weigh more than 100lbs., so make sure you have a rough idea of your mattress weight when buying a box spring.
Headboard
Few box springs have the option to attach a headboard. It’s because they’re often used as an extra part of a bed, and the existing bed frame should either have a headboard or should have the option to attach one.
If you’re not using a bed frame, look for a box spring with headboard brackets (such as the GhostBed above).
The Right Box Spring for my Mattress
The best quiet box springs for all mattresses are metal ones. Metal slats provide greater support, particularly for heavy mattresses. Wood slats can sag or break if they take too much weight for long periods.
A more important factor is the distance between slats. Ideally, it should never be more than 3 inches, as this prevents your mattress from sagging.
When buying a box spring, check what mattress types it supports. This is the easiest way to know whether a quiet box spring is suitable for your needs.
How to Make my Box Spring Quieter?
If you already own a box spring that’s making noise, there are some things you can do to make it quieter. Of course, if these don’t work, you should consider buying a new one.
My top recommendations are:
Tighten screws
An obvious place to start is tightening screws. Over time, these loosen, on both metal and wooden box springs. Check the frame every few months and tighten all screws and fastenings.
Add padding
A common cause of squeaking from a box spring is friction from it rubbing against the bed frame. If this is the cause, add some padding.
Cork tiles will do the job, or you can use blankets. All you’re doing is adding a layer of something soft to stop things from rubbing together.
Lubricate joints
Lubricating the box spring’s frame should stop unpleasant noises caused by parts rubbing together.
You can lubricate a wood box spring using wax, such as candles, paraffin wax or beeswax. Simply rub it over any areas you believe are squeaking.
For metal frames, you’ll want to use WD-40 or another metal lubricant. Squirt it into bolt holes and joins in the frame. Repeat this every few months for best results.
Add footpads
Although the least likely issue, bed legs rubbing against a hard floor could cause squeaks. You can solve this by adding furniture footpads, which should also reduce slipping.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article has given you some guidance for picking the quietest box spring for your needs.
My top pick is for the quietest box spring is the Noah Megatron 7-inch Box Spring. It’s a decent height, has a large weight limit, and should last a long time.
It’s worth noting that most of these models are around the $180 dollar range. If you need something more budget-friendly, check out my article on the quietest bed frames instead.
Do you have any other tips for reducing annoying bed noises? Let me know in the comments below.
