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When choosing a bed frame that will stand the test of time, there are a few key options: metal, wood, and divan bed frames. Each has its durability factors that are important to weigh up when deciding. Let’s look at how they compare when it comes to longevity.
Metal bed frames: Sturdy and elegant
Metal bed frames are known for their strength and stability, typically made from steel or aluminium to withstand years of regular use. Metal is not susceptible to warping, cracking, or breaking as wood can be over time.
Aluminium is also rust-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it degrading from moisture damage. If you keep it relatively scratch-free, a quality metal bed frame can easily last 10-15 years or longer before needing to be replaced. The powder-coated paint finish applied to most metal frames also helps prevent rust and corrosion.
Just be aware that cheaper metal frames may bend or flex more easily. Focus on heavy-duty construction that feels rigid and sturdy.
Wooden bed frames: Classic and attractive
Wooden bed frames have an elegant, timeless appeal that metal and divan styles cannot match. The natural warmth and beauty of real wood always stay in style. Wood frames can come in a range of woods like oak, walnut, maple, and pine.
Proper care and maintenance ensure a solid wood frame lasts 20-30 years. The key is paying attention to the joinery methods used in construction.
High-quality wood frames utilise mortise and tenon joinery, which fits pieces of wood precisely together for maximum stability. Avoid frames made with nails, staples, or glue, which weaken over time.
The main downside of wood is its vulnerability to scratches, dents, and water damage, which can shorten its lifespan. Using protective pads or a headboard can help minimise wear and tear. But with routine polishing and sealing of the wood, you can keep a wooden bed frame looking great for decades.
Divan bed frames: Convenient and durable
Divan bed frames have a solid or slatted base and mattress that sits directly on top, eliminating the need for a box spring. What sets divans apart is that the base usually contains drawers for storage. This makes them a highly convenient and space-saving option.
Structurally, divan frames are incredibly durable and stable. The thick wooden or metal base prevents sagging, even without a box spring.
The platform supports the mattress and sleepers’ weight evenly across the surface. Like a standard platform bed, divans provide excellent support for memory foam and latex mattresses.
Divans can last over 15 years with proper care. Rotating the mattress helps it wear evenly. And the storage drawers make cleaning under the bed a breeze. The drawers can weaken over time, so inspect them periodically for loose joints or cracks.
The only sticking point with fabric divans is the textile finish on the panels, which can snag or fray over time, especially if you have cats kneading it.
Ottomans: Practical and stylish
Ottoman bed frames are constructed like divans, with sturdy wooden panels bolted together. The main difference is they have a storage area underneath the bed, accessed by opening the platform on gas struts.
Like divans, ottoman frames are long-lasting, often over 15 years, although the hinged lift mechanism can weaken or fail after frequent use. But they can easily be replaced as needed to keep the frame functioning correctly. Aside from occasional gas strut maintenance, ottomans are just as durable and stable as divan frames.
Which is best for durability?
Metal earns top marks for strength, followed closely by wood and divan beds, which are less durable but still last a decade or more if cared for. Take time to select quality materials and construction suited to your needs. With the proper care, your bed frame can become a long-term fixture in your bedroom.
