There's no fixed lifespan for a bed frame, so judge when to replace it by its condition and whether it still suits your mattress. Age alone isn't a reason to buy a new one. Keep a sound, compatible frame rather than replacing it out of habit.
Bed frame lifespan in brief
A bed frame has no fixed lifespan. Replace it when slats are broken or too far apart for your mattress, the base dips, or the base doesn't suit your mattress. The NBF says an incompatible base invalidates a mattress guarantee. A creaking bed is usually down to loose fixings or slat caps and can often be fixed, so check those before buying a replacement.
A bed frame has no fixed lifespan
There's no reliable figure for how long a frame lasts, so judge yours on its condition. A replacement schedule based on age is a poor reason to spend money.
The most important check is whether your base suits the mattress on it. The NBF's guide to bed bases says an incompatible base will invalidate the mattress guarantee, so check the mattress maker's recommended slat spacing and widths before pairing them.1 Divan bases are the most popular type in the UK. The guide describes a sprung edge divan as acting like a giant shock absorber, increasing the mattress's durability.
A damaged bed frame needs fixing or replacing
The fault isn't always visible with the mattress in place.
Check for cracked slats, gaps wider than your mattress maker recommends and a base that dips.
- Broken or cracked slats.
- Slats spaced wider than your mattress maker recommends.
- A base that dips, which Dreams says can cause the mattress to sag early.2
- Cracked or shifted plastic slat caps.
To tell a dipping base from a worn mattress, use the broom-handle test in our guide to a mattress that feels too soft or too firm.
A creaking bed frame can usually be fixed
Dreams says most squeaks come from friction at a joint or fixing, often where bolts or screws have loosened.
- Take the mattress off. You'll have better access to the frame and its fixings with the mattress out of the way.
- Find the noise. Gently shake and press the headboard, footboard, side rails and slats to work out where the squeak comes from.
- Tighten everything. Check and tighten every bolt, screw and fixing, paying particular attention to the corner joints and central legs where loose fixings can cause noise.
- Check the slats. Make sure they're seated in their holders, as cracked or shifted slat caps can cause noise.
- Check the headboard bolts. These are another possible source of squeaks, so check that they're secure before putting the mattress back.
Questions people ask about bed frames
How long does a bed frame last?
A bed frame has no fixed lifespan, so replace it when it's damaged or no longer suits your mattress. Age alone isn't a good reason to spend money on a replacement, so keep yours if it's sound and still suits your mattress.
Should I replace my bed base when I buy a new mattress?
You only need to replace your bed base if it's worn or doesn't suit the new mattress. The NBF says an incompatible base invalidates the mattress guarantee, so check the mattress maker's recommended slat spacing. Browse bed frames if you need a replacement. If you're unsure whether the mattress itself needs replacing, use the mattress replacement checker before buying.
Why does my bed creak?
A bed usually creaks because of loose bolts or screws at a joint, or cracked or shifted slat caps. Tightening the fixings fixes a lot of creaks, so do that before shopping for a replacement. If the noise continues, check whether the slats are seated properly in their holders.
