inexpensive foundation for latex?
Mar 21, 2010 3:36 AM
Joined: Jan 10, 2010
Points: 42
We need to find a better foundation for our ca king latex mattress - our current frame doesn't have a center support.  Flobeds has a foundation with its own legs that would fit inside our current frame, but we'd like to find something a little less expensive (the mattress itself kind of soaked up the budget). 

Anybody have any suggestions?  Either a slat structure or a flat platform would be fine as long as it supported the weight of the mattress on it's own.  I've looked at those metal frame things ('better than a boxspring', etc) sold by Target and Walmart and I don't think those look like a great idea.

Linda

Re: inexpensive foundation for latex?
Reply #34 May 22, 2010 3:52 PM
Joined: May 3, 2008
Points: 827
Here is what I would do if it were me and I wanted to make it pretty and easier on my shins if I ran into the wood when making the bed.  I would put quilting layers (at the Joanne's store or wherever) and fabric of my choice and staple gun it to the underside of the wood (lower part) and staple gun it to the top of the side wood (of course away from where the latex/foam will be).  You know like reupholstering chairs or footstools I have done.  I would also put something like heavy canvas or something substantial to prevent tearing the foam that will lay on the nails or wood.  Unless of course you are using a mattress cover like Sleepeze or Flobeds that is pretty heavy fabric.

My wool on top mattress pad has a polyester backing that is stiff and it has ripped my latex to shreds.  So I had to put the blanket over the latex, then the wool on top mattress and hope it is not ripping it anymore.  So that is something to try to prevent rips and tears from using the mattress.

Keep us posted on how your project goes.  Sounds better than store bought.

Re: inexpensive foundation for latex?
Reply #35 May 24, 2010 3:40 PM
Location: L.A. area
Joined: Jan 18, 2008
Points: 1161
laredo7mm wrote:


Yes, Home Depot has the Waddell plates and they are shown to be sold at my local store.  They might not be available at all local stores though.  They would attach to the rails and the legs screw into them as you described.

It is not a kit from HD, just the parts.  They have treated and untreated lumber.  It should be clearly marked in the store if it is pressure treated or not.

The software I used to design it is called SolidWorks.  It is a very powerful and intuitive software package. 


Hey Laredo, great post! Thanks for all the details re making a platform. This might work perfect for me.

I am using a Sealy box springs and it's old and I am wondering if it might actually be contributing to the lower back pain I have. I am skeptical that a box spring really even makes much difference but who knows? Might be good to have one (a good one) or it might not be good at all, with latex. I'm going to post a question about this and some other issues.

Re: inexpensive foundation for latex?
Reply #36 Jun 2, 2010 1:46 PM
Joined: May 11, 2010
Points: 29
Well, it has been a little over a week of using my home made foundation, and it has not fallen apart yet.  Works like a charm.  It is plenty sturdy and does not squeek or make any noises.

I did have one error in my calculations.  It was on the weight of the foundation.  I fat fingered the value for the wood denisty in my initial calculations, so the foundation will weigh 50% more than what I posted above (with respect to using untreated pine).  Helps when you type in 30 as oppsed to 20...lol...I noticed it because I built the first half downstairs (more room to work) and then had to lug it upstairs to the bedroom.  Needless to say, I built the second half in the bedroom.

Re: inexpensive foundation for latex?
Reply #37 Jun 3, 2010 12:38 AM
Joined: May 22, 2010
Points: 112
Very impressive and awesome looking, and so glad it's working out for you, laredo7! Thanks for sharing this valuable info with everyone.

Do the 1" x 4" slats seem solid and supportive (no sag)?

I'm probably going to stick with my Wally World platform (since I've already purchased it) covered with 1" Lux foam skin or 1/8" hardboard. (It's still unopened, though... still waiting for a few of my mattress components to arrive.) Otherwise I'd consider building your foundation. I kinda like that idea, actually... would make my whole project "home brew". Well, I guess I will be assembling the Wally platform myself, so a bit of consolation there! smiley

This message was modified Jun 3, 2010 by pianoman

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