How much weight can a bed frame hold? | Bed weight limit guide
It's important to consider the weight limit of a bed frame before purchasing to ensure that it's suitable for your body type. A bed frame with an inadequate weight limit will be susceptible to damage and could have a reduced lifespan, meaning that you'll need to replace it far sooner than expected. But exactly how much weight can a bed frame hold, and how can you guarantee that a frame is strong enough? Let's find out.
How much weight can a bed frame hold?
No two bed frames are built alike, and maximum weight limits vary from frame to frame. Some materials are stronger than others, so you can expect to see different maximum weight capacities between metal, wooden, and divan bed frames.
It's difficult to decipher an average bed frame weight limit, but it's important to keep in mind that most standard bed frames are designed for the average person or couple. If you're a heavy person or couple, you might need to look for extra-strong or heavy-duty beds which have higher maximum weight capacities.
Does bed frame weight capacity account for mattress weight?
The maximum weight capacity of a bed frame does not account for mattress weight. This means you'll need to factor in the weight of your mattress when calculating whether a frame is strong enough for you. Mattress manufacturers should be able to provide you with weight information so that you can figure out if the frame is robust enough.
Keep in mind that mattress weight varies a great deal depending on the size and depth of the mattress and the types of materials used to manufacture it. Heavy-duty mattresses are often heavier because they contain multiple layers of robust materials. If you have a heavy-duty mattress or are considering buying one, it's a good idea to buy a heavy-duty bed frame so that you can be confident the frame is strong enough.
Product: Heavy Duty Divan base
How much weight can a bed frame hold per person?
Bed frames have two maximum weight capacities - individual and total. The individual weight limit is the maximum weight of a single person that can safely use the bed frame. The total weight limit is the maximum weight that the bed frame can support overall.
For example, the mesh base bed frames in our Endurance Collection each have an individual weight limit of 40 stone, and a total weight limit of 65 stone. This means that one of these beds could support two people and a mattress up to a total weight of 65 stone. However, one of those people could weigh up to 40 stone, provided that the total weight of the mattress and the other sleeper does not exceed 25 stone.
What might happen if I use a bed frame with an inadequate weight limit?
If a bed frame is regularly exposed to weights higher than its recommended maximum capacity, it could quickly sustain damage. It might begin to sag or the legs might begin to warp or buckle. Ultimately, repeatedly exceeding the weight capacity of a bed frame is likely to reduce its lifespan. If your frame is guaranteed for a number of years after purchase, the guarantee could be void if you exceed the maximum weight limit.
Why do steel mesh bases have higher weight capacities than wooden slats?
You'll notice with our Endurance Collection bed frames that maximum weight capacities are lower when you choose wooden slats over a steel mesh base. Beds with wooden slats have a maximum individual weight of 25 stone and a total weight of 40 stone. Beds with mesh bases have an individual limit of 40 stone and a total limit of 65 stone.
This is because our steel mesh bases are fully welded and incredibly strong to make them as robust and durable as possible. Wood is simply not as strong as metal, and while our solid wooden slats are still far stronger and more durable than typical sprung slats, welded steel mesh is exceptionally tough and strong which allows it to support more weight.
Product: Becky Bed
Do mattresses also have weight limits?
Mattresses have maximum weight limits just like bed frames. They also usually list an individual maximum capacity and a total maximum capacity. Heavy people tend to benefit from buying heavy-duty mattresses which are designed with extra-strong springs and additional layers to provide good support, comfort and longevity.
Do heavy-duty bed frames tend to weigh more?
Bed frames with higher weight capacities tend to be very heavy themselves. This is because they're manufactured from more durable materials, like solid wood and welded steel, to ensure they're strong enough to support lots of weight.
If you're ordering a strong bed frame online you should keep in mind that the frame might be too heavy for you to lift into your bedroom without help. We recommend having someone at home to help you or booking our 2 Man Take to Room Service so that our couriers can carry the frame right into your bedroom for you. The same goes for our heavy-duty mattresses, which also tend to be very deep and with very little bend, which can make it tricky to manoeuvre them through hallways and doorways without plenty of help.
Explore our range of heavy-duty beds and mattresses
If you're looking for an extra strong bed frame with a high weight capacity, be sure to explore our range of heavy-duty beds. We have extra strong metal, wrought iron and wooden bed frames available which are suitable for heavy individuals and couples. We also have a huge variety of heavy-duty mattresses which are suitable for people who weigh up to 30 stone.