How to Choose a Solid Timber Bed Frame, Including Floating Bed Frames

A good solid timber bed frame should last you decades, so it's worth taking an extra hour to get it right. The five things that matter most are the timber, the size, the style of frame, what's underneath your mattress, and where it was actually made. Here's how to think through each one.

1. Start with the timber

Not everything sold as "timber" is solid timber. A lot of bed frames are MDF or particleboard with a thin wood veneer on top. They look fine in the showroom, but they don't hold screws as well over time. They also can't be sanded back, so once the surface chips there's not much you can do.

Solid timber is the same wood all the way through. It can be repaired, refinished and passed on. If a listing doesn't say "solid timber" clearly, ask what it's made from. 

The species matters too. Tasmanian oak and Victorian ash are pale and even, with a clean modern look. Blackwood is richer and darker, with more movement in the grain. If you're unsure which suits your room, our timber comparison guide goes through the differences side by side.

2. Get the size right: measure the frame, not just the mattress

Here are the standard Australian mattress sizes:

The frame will always be bigger than the mattress, sometimes by quite a bit if it has a chunky headboard or a wide base. So measure your room against the frame's full dimensions, not the mattress size.

As a rough guide, try to leave around 60 to 75 cm of walking space on each side you'll actually use, and at the foot of the bed. If you're stuck between a queen and a king, tape the outline of both on the floor and live with it for a day. It sounds silly, but it works.

3. Pick a frame style that suits how you live

Floating bed frames have a base that's set back from the edges, so the bed looks like it's hovering. They feel light and modern, they're great in smaller rooms because they don't look as bulky, and you're less likely to stub a toe on a corner. The trade-off is less under-bed storage, so think about whether you need that space.

Feature grade timber shows off the natural character of the wood: gum veins, small knots and colour changes. Every piece looks a bit different. Our Yakka Feature Grade is a good example. If you love a natural, lived-in look, this is for you.

Live edge frames keep the natural outer edge of the timber board instead of cutting it straight. They're a statement piece. The Kobe Live Edge is built around this idea.

Clean, minimal frames with straight lines and even grain suit modern or Scandi rooms, and they work well if you want the bedding and art to be the focus.

4. Check what's under the mattress

This is the part most people skip. Look at:

• Slats. Solid timber slats give better support and last longer than thin or flexible ones. Many mattress warranties set a maximum gap between slats, so check yours before you buy a frame.

• Centre support. Queen and king frames should have a centre rail with legs to stop sagging over time.

• Height. A taller bed is easier to get in and out of. A lower bed feels more relaxed and modern. Sit on a few if you can.

5. Find out where it was really made

"Designed in Australia" and "made in Australia" are not the same thing. Plenty of furniture is designed here and manufactured overseas. If local making matters to you, ask where the timber is grown, where the frame is built, and whether the retailer can show you.

At The Acacia Tree, our bed frames are Aussie-grown and Australian-made solid timber.

Common questions

What is the most popular bed size in Australia?
Queen is the most common size. It's 153 x 203 cm, the same length as a king.

Are floating bed frames sturdy?
A well-made solid timber floating frame is very sturdy. The base is just set back from the edges. Check that it has a centre support on larger sizes.

How long does a solid timber bed frame last?
With basic care, a solid timber frame can last for decades and can be sanded and refinished if the surface wears.

Is feature grade timber lower quality?
No. Feature grade refers to how the timber looks, not how strong it is. It simply shows more of the wood's natural marks.

Sources for mattress sizes: Upmove, Amart