What Is a Bunkie Board?

You would be forgiven for thinking that a bunkie board is something you use to surf the waves! However, it’s an important part of your bed set up to provide comfort and stability. Do you need a bunkie board? Let’s find out.  

A bunkie board is a piece of wood, particle board, or plywood of 1-3 inches thick

What Is a Bunkie Board? 

A bunkie board is a piece of wood, particleboard, or plywood 1-3 inches thick. It allows your mattress to rest on a strong and flat surface. Bunkie boards work well with solid foundations, metal frames, and some boxsprings.  

Why Do You Need a Bunkie Board?  

Memory foam mattresses, foam mattress, hybrids, and latex mattresses can all benefit from a bunkie board. A box spring foundation and spring mattress work in tandem to provide a sturdy sleep space. The box spring soaks the pressure through its wooden structure, while not needed, a bunkie board could be put between the box springs and innerspring mattress for additional support. If the box spring has some sinking issues. Be mindful of the weight of the board as some boxsprings may not be able to take the weight.   

Box springs and coil spring mattresses do not necessarily need a bunkie board but there are instances when it may add more comfort

How to Tell if You Need a Bunkie Board?

If you’ve just upgraded to a high quality California king, queen king, twin, twin xl, or any size mattress there’s a matching size bunkie board.  Latex mattresses, foam mattress, and hybrids can all be bolstered with a bunkie board. Support for the mattress ensures a comfortable sleep because your spine is aligned and your body is not sinking into the mattress and bed frame.

Bunkie Board or Box Spring?

Box springs and coil spring mattresses do not necessarily need a bunkie board but there are instances when it may add more comfort. If the box spring is a little fragile with sinking sections, a bunkie board creates a more sturdy and uniform sleep space. The mattress lays perfectly flat and you avoid sinkholes and a more strong mattress foundation if your box spring can handle the weight of the board. 

Bunkie Board or Plywood?

If you’re unsure whether a bunkie board is suitable for your needs, you could start with a ¾  inch thick piece of plywood. This is an affordable option, just take the base measurements to your local DIY shop and they will happily cut a piece of plywood to fit your base. Be mindful of the perimeter of the plywood as it can chip and snag your sheets and bedding. You could sand it down and cover the edges with tape.  

Your sleep health is determined by the quality and comfort of your sleep space

Bunkie Board or Slats?

A slatted bed base is almost like a bunkie board, perhaps you could say it's the first cousin of the bunkie. Slats work best when they are no more than 3 inches apart, putting a foam or latex mattress on slats that are more than 3 inches apart could damage the mattress and hurt the pressure-relieving qualities of the mattress. Opting for a bunkie rather than slats could be ideal for heavy latex or hybrid mattresses.  

Bunkie Board Prices 

A plywood bunkie board could be even cheaper- but may not be the best quality as the edges can snag your bedding or skin when getting in and out of bed, depending on the fit of the board.

Conclusion

Your sleep health is determined by the quality and comfort of your sleep space, along with a healthy diet and exercise, you can gain restorative sleep every night. Mattresses on solid foundations have a greater tendency to compliment the pressure relief of the mattress. With proper support, your spine is aligned resulting in fewer aches and pains. Platform beds, bunk bed, and metal bed frames can all benefit from a bunkie board and may give you a little extra height too.

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