How to attach slats to a bed frame

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Traditional beds with mesh bases are practically not used today. They do not provide proper support to the spine, which leads to the development of musculoskeletal diseases. Modern sleeping places are equipped with an orthopedic base, the springing ability of which is the key to a comfortable sleep. The metal frame of the base is filled with slats for the bed, which can be of different widths and lengths. The plates have a curved shape, are elastic and durable.

Purpose of lamellas

Modern and expensive mattresses need equally high-quality and even bases. Only thanks to this will a person feel rested in the early morning and forget about discomfort during the night's rest. Boards for a bed under a mattress can be rigid, which will increase the service life of the bed. To secure the product, the bed is equipped with low sides located around the perimeter of the structure. The central part of the frame is filled with durable and at the same time flexible armor or lamellas. For the manufacture of such elements, only high-quality wood, dried using a special technology, is used.

The solid wood brought to the production workshop is sawn into equal parts (layers), which are then impregnated with a special adhesive composition under special temperature conditions. The characteristics of ready-made elements include increased strength and elasticity, which is achieved by uniform arrangement of wood fibers. The raw materials used are:

• poplar;
• maple;
• ash;
• birch;
• beech.

The varnish coating serves as auxiliary protection against temperature changes and high humidity. The width of such an element is 2.5-12 cm, and the thickness is 0.1-1 cm. A small distance is maintained between the lamellas, which will be 20-60 mm. Double structures are equipped with several rows of slats designed for each bed separately. The smaller the gap between the plates, the more weight the bed can take on.

Light loads on the mattress allow the battens to be separated from each other as much as possible. There are 30 crossbars in double beds measuring 160x200 cm. A smaller number indicates a reduced structural strength. For a double bed, the minimum number of slats is 22 slats.

Functional features of such a base

1. The higher the base, the easier it will be to carry out wet or dry cleaning. Removing accumulated debris is not difficult.
2. Such elements do not significantly affect the overall cost of the bed frame.
3. Uniform distribution and significant reduction in load allows you to extend the service life of the mattress used. Due to better circulation of air masses, the risk of colonization of harmful microorganisms and insects is minimized.
4. The slats retain their original elasticity, flexibility and strength for a long time, which becomes the key to quality sleep.
5. The lamellas are fixed using special holders, which guarantee silent operation of the system.
6. The mattress is regularly ventilated. The gaps between the slats are sufficient to ensure a regular flow of clean air.

When choosing a bed equipped with slats, it is recommended to purchase several sets of auxiliary fittings, which will allow you to carry out independent repairs if necessary. The longer the service life of the bed, the more difficult it is to find the necessary components for repairs. This should be taken care of in advance.

In addition to the slats for the mattress, the design consists of adapters, lifting mechanisms, gas lifts, and lath holders. Frequent breakdowns indicate improper use of the sleeping place or excessively dry air in the room. If it is not possible to adjust the humidity level, you should regularly wipe the wooden elements with a damp cloth.

Characteristics of wood species

A beautiful bedroom with mirrors and a large comfortable bed is every person’s dream. After all, it is in our sleep that we rest and restore strength. The quality of sleep largely depends on the sleeping place. Maximum comfort and durability of the bed base can be achieved by using a good mattress and support battens made from suitable wood. The most popular species from which wooden slats for beds are made are:

• Birch - has white wood with a slight yellowish or reddish tint. The array goes into production at the age of 15-40 years. The highly decorative texture is due to the confused arrangement of fibers with their high uniformity. Products made from birch have good strength, are easily bent and can be processed in other ways;
• Beech is an expensive material. The massif is white with a reddish or yellowish tint, the annual layers are clearly visible. The wood is highly resistant to deformation and holds fittings firmly. Often used in the production of bent products due to its natural elasticity. Tolerates changes in humidity and temperature well. Has an average degree of resistance to rotting. The production of beech slats is carried out for expensive beds;
• Ash – has elastic and durable wood. Products made from it are difficult to split. The massif is light in color, there are no heart-shaped rays. High-quality dried material practically does not deteriorate under the influence of external negative factors and is easy to process. The material has low thermal conductivity, which allows it to be used near heating devices. The cost of solid wood products is high; they are used in exclusive products. An additional decoration can be a lamp above the bed or a carved headboard;
• Poplar and linden have similar characteristics. Their wood is low in cost, has average strength and softness. The dried massif can be easily processed and painted. Products made from poplar and linden are impregnated with protective agents that make it possible to operate in conditions of high humidity;
• Maple is a noble variety and is actively used in furniture production. You can use it to make a frame, headboard, or slatted base. The strength and density of the material depends on the type of maple. The elasticity and viscosity of wood allows products to be processed in different ways; fasteners and accessories are held securely in it due to the significant hardness of the wood.

Slats made from birch raw materials have an optimal price-quality ratio. Slats made of solid beech and ash significantly increase the final cost of the bed.

The production of lamellas and frame bases is carried out at furniture factories. But you can make armor at home using suitable boards. Before making lamellas from boards, they must first be treated with an adhesive composition. Self-tapping screws, thick edge tape or special fasteners - lath holders - are used as fasteners. You can install the lamellas with your own hands in the grooves that are formed when special wooden blocks are fixed to the frame.

An alternative to wooden slatted bases are metal slats. Unlike wooden armor, they do not change their rigidity throughout their entire service life, but have significant weight. Metal slats practically do not bend under the mattress, which reduces its orthopedic properties. But when using a welded metal base, there will be no problem: the slats creak, what should you do? Owners will be insured against this problem.

When choosing steel with an anti-corrosion coating, the base can be used in conditions of any humidity and temperature. You will need fewer metal crossbars than wooden ones. For a single bed, it will be enough to use 8-10 pieces, while wood products will require 14-15. Cast welded bases do not require an additional central guide. Metal armor is rarely used in beds with a lifting mechanism, as they have significant weight.

For beds, slats can be made exclusively from wood. The most commonly used are birch and poplar. This material was chosen for its flexibility and resilience. Wood also contributes to excellent ventilation of the mattress.

A double bed with slats is an ideal orthopedic sleeping option.

Experts believe that 30 slats are enough for a double bed, and several times less for a single bed. Manufacturers do not adhere to this opinion and place 20-22 pieces. But if you decide to make slats and a bed with your own hands, you can independently calculate their number.

Double bed option with a standard set of slats.

The benefits of making furniture yourself

Among the advantages of making your own bed and slats, the following factors are noted.

1. Environmentally friendly. Natural material, that is, wood, cannot adversely affect human health.
2. Durability. A product made with your own hands will last for many years. The bed can withstand heavy loads, which confirms its strength.
3. Custom size and design. The bed will be made with your own hands according to your drawings. You can adjust its size and shape to the desired parameters. You don't have to look for a place to place a large bed.
4. Saving. This applies not only to indoor space, but also to funds. You independently calculate the amount of material needed and purchase them. This will cost several times less than buying a ready-made product in a store.

Option for self-installation of lamellas

Types of slats for a bed under a mattress

The lamellas are plates that are firmly glued together. Found application in the manufacturing sector. For the manufacture of elements, beech, poplar, and birch are used, which are characterized by excellent flexibility and elasticity. For a sleeping place you will need at least 20 slats, which will guarantee a healthy and quality rest throughout the night. A bed under a mattress, equipped with such boards, can withstand significant loads, provided that the distance between the slats is kept to a minimum. The larger the gap between the slats, the less stress the sleeping place can be subjected to. Such a distance cannot exceed the width of the lamella itself. To securely fix the wooden elements, a number of special holders are used, which are attached to the wooden frame using staples.

Armor

A similar bed for a mattress will consist of elements that vaguely resemble planks, smooth and processed, following a special technology. However, we are talking about modern models, which are a solid, but separate structure that fits into the body of the selected bed. The presence of lamellas indicates the high orthopedic properties of the sleeping place. This type of foundation has some advantages over a solid one, including continuous circulation of air masses. The moisture produced by the human body will evaporate faster, since the upper part of the sleeping area is often covered with a thick blanket or blanket, which does not allow the moisture to evaporate in this way. The most comfortable designs are those equipped with an arched profile, which provide a springy effect to the berth. Arc-shaped and elastic lats will improve the anatomical properties of the mattress.

Cross strips

In addition to the crossbars, it is possible to use a regular thick sheet of plywood. Birch slats are expensive, and replacing individual elements will require some skill. The advantages of cross bars are as follows:

1. The arrangement of the slats is such that natural and continuous circulation of air masses is ensured.
2. A number of special holders are used to secure the grille. Thus, the design turns out to be reliable and durable; creaks are not scary for it, as are other extraneous sounds.
3. During sleep, a person's spine will be in the correct position.
4. The quality of the elements is comparable to springs. The slats are elastic, which allows the existing load to be distributed evenly throughout the entire structure.
5. The load on the sleeping place will be reduced. The quality of the products will increase, as will the service life.

Reiki

The base, consisting of slats or slats, is a wooden or metal frame to which curved or straight slats are attached to special holders. Thanks to their design features, such structures are better ventilated, are inexpensive and come complete with the main structure. However, rack and pinion models are not without their disadvantages. Over time, due to the fact that there is no support under the slats, the mattress will begin to sag and the surface will acquire a wavy structure. Every few months the bed should be turned over. Low service life also falls into the category of disadvantages. Over time, the slats will no longer be so elastic and will jump out of the holders.

Healthy sleep is possible only with lamellas

No one has any doubts that healthy and beneficial sleep can be ensured only with the correct anatomical position of the body of the person sleeping on the surface of the sleeping place. Conventional mattresses are increasingly losing ground to orthopedic mattresses.

And beds, the design of which includes birch slats (a more budget option), beech (used in more expensive furniture) themselves act as an orthopedic bed. Moreover, orthopedic slats not only complement the same effect of a special mattress and enhance its effect, but also help reduce the load on it, which ensures a longer service life, and the mattress does not lose its therapeutic and prophylactic properties.

And when using a regular mattress, purchasing a bed with a base in the form of slats is generally the only correct decision that can be made. Moreover, this does not depend on the type and what material your bed is made of.

Slats for a double bed

The service life of the bed depends on the correctly chosen frame; we recommend reading the article about the types of bed frames.

The fastening of the lamellas to the frame is ensured either by a special holder-tip (a plastic, rubber, or polypropylene holder is often used), which is secured to the frame using furniture brackets or rivets, or each lamella is directly placed in a special metal frame-stand. Some types of bed frames (with internal slats) have ready-made holes for attaching holders, which eliminates the need to use rivets, which increases the degree of reliability of the entire structure as a whole.

Installing and replacing slats in a bed

Provided that all requirements regarding assembly rules have been met, the only thing that can be damaged over time is the slats themselves. Even a novice master can carry out repairs. Modern holders vaguely resemble rubber products, which over time may lose some elasticity and break. After a short squeak, the slats themselves fall out of the fastenings. After replacing individual elements, you should be prepared for the fact that the remaining slats will soon also fall out. It is possible to improve the design yourself.

Preliminary manipulations consist of preparing the necessary components and tools. You will need:

• edge tapes;
• knife;
• furniture footer;
• nuts, bolts and engravers;
• electric drills;
• roulette;
• chisel;
• screwdriver;
• construction stapler.

Sequencing:

1. All damaged and old tips are removed. To do this, the elements are pryed off with a chisel.
2. Loose connections are adjusted with a screwdriver at all connection points.
3. The slats are laid downwards in a curve after removing foreign elements from the frame in the places where they were previously located.
4. The end of the edge tape is fixed with two staples, directly to the first strip. The distance from the side will be 6 cm.
5. The subsequent edge strip is fixed to the previous strip.
6. With the help of the second tape, manipulations are performed, but from the other side.
7. After installation, the canvas is rolled up and turned over. After laying on a flat surface, the tapes should be directed downwards.
8. The place where the first lamella was placed is marked with a pencil. At this point, a hole is drilled on both sides of the frame.
9. In the holes made, the fittings are secured with bolted connecting elements.
10. The first bar is installed in a fixed position, and the canvas itself is slightly stretched. The marks are duplicated on the last bar.
11. After preparing the holes, the fittings are installed.

Selection of lamellas

Provided that the person weighs 90 kg or more, narrow slats should be used. For people with less weight, it is possible to use wide slats. If possible, you should give preference to the base and mattress of the same manufacturer. You should pay special attention to the contents of the kit, since the legs may not be there. In order for the mattress to perform the functions assigned to it as much as possible, you should select a sleeping place and only then a base for it.

The missing elements can be purchased at the store, and if necessary, you should order lamellas from the manufacturer if the ones you are using have become unusable. In some cases, when purchasing over a certain amount, the manufacturer provides free shipping, which will help you save money and purchase a high-quality product. If there is a manufacturing defect, customers are met halfway, since manufacturers value their reputation.

In what form are they sold?

Lamellas can be purchased both as an element of a finished structure, and in the form of separate components. Like other elements of a sleeping place, slats can become unusable over time, which leads to the need for a high-quality replacement. Even if one of the elements is missing, sleeping on such a sleeping place is not recommended. To begin with, other armor will be subject to increased influence. There is a decrease in the orthopedic properties of the base and mattress. Healthy sleep in such conditions is impossible. You can purchase slats either as a set or individually, depending on the size of the bed. To replace individual elements, you will not need outside help, but you should select the correct width and thickness of the board, which should match the dimensions of the rest. When using a special slats fastening system, the slats will be offered in the form of a tape. Fastening elements are purchased separately. So, you will need several cap holders.

Which ones are better

There are slats both narrow and wide:

1. The length of the narrow ones is 70-80 cm and the elements are placed in two rows, each of which will be located in the territory of a separate sleeping place. If there is an independent spring block in the mattress, this type of design should be used.
2. The length of the wide slats will be 90-100 cm. Installation is carried out in one row. They are used for both one-and-a-half and single bed models. Located across the entire width of the sleeping area, the slats are suitable for Bonnell mattresses and springless models.

For a double bed, the number of elastic panels in the amount of 25-30 units is considered sufficient. For a single bed, 15 units are enough. The more slats there are at the base of the bed, the stronger and more reliable the structure is considered. Such beds are designed to withstand significant loads. The designs differ from each other in the distance that is formed between the individual elements, width and length. The optimal thickness for the slats is considered to be 7 cm, and the length will depend directly on the dimensions of the bed. The distance between the panels should not exceed the width of the lamella itself.

The lamellas also differ in the type of holders used. In the manufacture of fasteners it is possible to use:

• polypropylene;
• rubber;
• plastic.

It is impossible to say unequivocally which mattress slats are better, since in each specific situation experts recommend a certain type of element. Propylene structures are of higher quality and stronger, and are inferior to their plastic counterparts in many respects.

Aspects of the right choice

When choosing a bed with orthopedic properties, you should pay attention to the number of slats installed. The higher the quantity, the better. The larger the size of the bed, the more bed slats you will need. For a bed 2 m long, 20 slats are installed. and more. The higher the number of elements, the more functional, more flexible and softer the base will be and the more weight they will withstand. The most affordable materials include birch slats, which are incredibly durable, which sets it apart from more expensive types of wood.

Slats made from birch are found in products belonging to the category of the middle and economical segment. Massive products are equipped with a beech base. In this case, polypropylene or rubber holders are used, which are able to withstand significant and regular loads. Plastic structures are subject to accelerated wear. When choosing a model, the gaps between the slats deserve special attention, because they should not be wider than the slats themselves. Springless mattresses will fall into the niches between such slats, losing their orthopedic properties. This will accelerate the wear of the main elements and will speed up forced repair work.

Size and quality

Experts advise using the maximum number of lamellas. The more there are, the stronger the foundation will be. For a double bed, it is enough to use about 30 pieces. For a single sofa, their quantitative ratio should be halved. It happens that the manufacturer saves on a double bed, and in the end there are only about 20 or 25 of them. This design is characterized by less strength and insufficient flexibility.

Attention

The distance between the slats should not be greater than the width of one plank. The standard thickness is about 8 mm. The length is chosen according to the measurements of the width of the sofa.

Main indicators and parameters of lamellas according to characteristics:

1. Elasticity. Sufficiently elastic and flexible slats will prevent your back from getting tired in a vertical or horizontal position of the body. They distribute weight and position the spine correctly on the mattress.
2. Silence. Plastic holders should not creak so as not to disturb your night's sleep.
3. Durability. When using them, the mattress lasts several times longer than without them.
4. Ventilation. In the presence of these slats, the sofa is ventilated and hygiene is maintained.

Grate or solid bottom

Beds equipped with slats have practically replaced spring structures with a solid bottom from the market. Characterized by the presence of the following positive qualities:

• the quality of the slatted base is high, the cost is reasonable;
• in case of breakdown, replacement of individual elements is possible;
• under regular and intense loads, the sleeping place will not begin to creak;
• a specific arched shape guarantees a spring effect under significant loads;
• the free space between the slats helps to establish natural ventilation of the mattress and sleeping area;
• the slats take on most of the load; contrary to popular belief, similar functions are assigned to the bed frame;
• improving the orthopedic properties of the sleeping place;
• uniform load distribution over the entire surface.

Beds with a solid base are no longer in demand because:

• negative impact on the spine during rest;
• the bottom must be replaced if there is minor damage or cracks;
• lack of natural ventilation.

How to make a base with your own hands

Only natural wood is used to make planks. It is possible to use poplar or birch. Making a base for a mattress with your own hands is not only a profitable undertaking, but also allows you to independently control the number of mounted slats. For the upcoming manipulations you will need:

• a tool used for working with wood (cutting);
• fasteners for planks;
• birch plywood;
• set of mounting rails.

First you need to draw up a competent drawing, drawing all the details indicating their true dimensions. It is much faster and easier to work with sheets of smooth plywood, which is free of such disadvantages as roughness and knots. Such material does not require additional processing. The lamellas are attached to the metal frame. A cap is put on the structure, which is inserted into a special hole located in the base. In order to remove the damaged element, it is necessary to bend and then remove the bar from the base. To perform the upcoming manipulations you will need some skill, accuracy and patience.

Jet fittings: product characteristics, customer reviews

Lamellas made on professional equipment, also called latoflexes, are wooden planks with a certain level of elasticity. Moreover, they are made from not just plywood, but from bent-glued material. But when made independently, they are usually assembled from wood. The thickness of the factory slats is usually 8 mm. In this case, the width can vary from 30 to 68 mm. The curved shape provides additional useful properties and also helps to increase the strength of the entire structure.

Latoflexes are installed across the base of the bed, be it single or double. The distance between the slats is from 20 to 60 mm. However, it should not exceed the width of one lamella.

To assemble a good single bed, experts recommend using at least 15 slats. If you need a bed for 2 people, then the specified quantity is multiplied by 2.

The higher the weight of the users, the more slats with a smaller distance between them should be used.

For double berths, a middle support bar is used, which connects two parts of the base of the berth. This is about the question of how to insert the necessary latoflexes into a double bed.

In this case, the installation of the lamellas themselves is carried out in 2 rows. In fact, here we are talking about 2 identical orthopedic beds, but combined within one frame. The slats, like the frame, can be made from ash, birch, beech, maple, oak and other trees. Pine is considered the least durable. If you want to make latoflexes with your own hands, you can take boards of suitable sizes, cut them yourself, or order cutting from specialized specialists.

Now about what they can be and how to make and install them with your own hands.

Although we have already actually dealt with the manufacturing issue.