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10 Best Metal Bed Frames in 2024: Reviews & Top Picks

box spring bed

box spring bed

Never skimp on items that separate you from the ground. This includes shoes, tires, and, of course, beds. We spend roughly a third of our life in them, so it is worth the extra cash to pick up a durable metal bed frame that won’t crack, warp, or get damaged over time.

A metal bed frame will also provide the ultimate support for your mattress and alleviate back pain. For your convenience, we’ve compiled and reviewed all the best metal bed frames you can buy online today. Let’s dive in with the details and the links.

divider 4 A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
ZINUS Compack Metal Bed Frame ZINUS Compack Metal Bed Frame
  • 9 recessed legs provide support without becoming an obstacle in the morning
  • Center support bar for extra support
  • Affordable
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Classic Brands Hercules Universal Heavy-Duty Metal Bed Frame Classic Brands Hercules Universal Heavy-Duty Metal Bed Frame
  • Affordable
  • 7 lockable wheels
  • Easy assembly
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Platform Bed Frame Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Platform Bed Frame
  • Elevated frame
  • 2 options for under-bed storage
  • Folds up for compact, easy storage
  • ZINUS Lorelai 14 Inch Metal Platform Bed Frame ZINUS Lorelai 14 Inch Metal Platform Bed Frame
  • Durable alloy steel construction
  • 13 inches of under-bed storage space
  • Steel slats extend your mattress’s lifespan
  • Olee Sleep 18 Inch Tall Mattress Foundation Olee Sleep 18 Inch Tall Mattress Foundation
  • 18-inch-tall frame
  • Fully encloses mattress to prevent slippage
  • Includes all necessary tools and fasteners
  • The 10 Best Metal Bed Frames

    1. ZINUS Compack Metal Bed Frame – Best Overall

    ZINUS Compack Metal Bed Frame

    Max Size: California King
    Height: 7 inches
    Material: Stainless steel

    The best overall bed frame topping our list is the ZINUS Compack Metal Bed Frame, which can be assembled just minutes out of the box with everything you need already included—no tools necessary! Instead, the frame has quick-locking metal brackets that securely fasten together.

    There are no fewer than nine legs on the stainless-steel frame, and they’re recessed once assembled so you don’t bang your shins when getting in and out of bed. A headboard isn’t included, sadly, but it does include brackets so you can buy one later and install it easily.

    Lastly, the frame can support up to 1,200 pounds and is one of the most affordable choices on our list.

    Pros
    • 9 recessed legs provide support without becoming an obstacle in the morning
    • Center support bar for extra support
    • Affordable
    • Supports up to 1200 pounds.
    • Includes brackets for headboard
    • No tools are needed for assembly
    Cons
    • No headboard included
    • No under-bed storage

    2. Classic Brands Hercules Universal Heavy-Duty Metal Bed Frame – Best Value

    Classic Brands Hercules Universal Heavy-Duty Metal Bed Frame

    Max Size: California King
    Height: 7 inches
    Material: Solid steel

    On a budget, you can’t go wrong with this bed frame from Classic Brands. It’s rather basic, but that’s appealing for some folks. This bed frame is easily assembled within minutes thanks to the interlocking key slots, which securely fasten with just a touch.

    If you need to relocate your bed, the frame has seven wheels included for easy transport. The biggest downside to this frame is that it has an upper weight limit of 550 pounds, which is fairly low for a metal frame.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • 7 lockable wheels
    • Easy assembly
    • No tools required
    Cons
    • No included headboard
    • Low weight capacity

    3. Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Platform Bed Frame – Premium Choice

    Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Platform Bed Frame

    Max Size: King
    Height: 14 or 18 inches
    Material: Alloy steel

    If you desperately need a dependable bed frame, Amazon’s frame from their Basic product line is a decent choice. It’s elevated, which provides 13–17 inches of usable storage space, depending on if you opt for the 14-inch-tall frame or the 18-inch-tall frame.

    Best of all, the frame doesn’t even require a box spring. Simply put your mattress over the top and enjoy your new bed.

    The frame folds up when you don’t need it, making this an ideal choice for when you have guests sleeping over. Sadly, this frame can only hold up to 250 pounds, making it a better option for single sleepers.

    Pros
    • Elevated frame
    • 2 options for under-bed storage
    • Folds up for compact, easy storage
    • Affordable
    • No tools are required for assembly
    Cons
    • Low weight capacity
    • Doesn’t include box spring
    • Users indicate it’s not as comfortable as higher-quality bed frames

    4. ZINUS Lorelai 14 Inch Metal Platform Bed Frame

    ZINUS Lorelai 14 Inch Metal Platform Bed Frame

    Max Size: King
    Height: 14 inches
    Material: Alloy steel

    For a fancier bedroom, you’ll need something along the lines of this bed frame. It provides any bedroom with a stylish, high-quality frame that doesn’t get in the way.

    The frame itself is made of alloy steel, with steel slats across the width of the frame to support a mattress without needing a box spring. The steel slats also extend the life of your mattress by not leaving it any room to sag or dip.

    Underneath, you have 13 inches of space for storing your photos and other treasured items. The main con you’ll have to contend with is the relatively low weight limit, at just 350 pounds.

    Pros
    • Durable alloy steel construction
    • 13 inches of under-bed storage space
    • Steel slats extend your mattress’s lifespan
    • No box spring needed
    Cons
    • Relatively low weight limit
    • No box spring or headboard included

    5. Olee Sleep 18 Inch Tall Mattress Foundation Metal Bed Frame

    Olee Sleep 18 Inch Tall Mattress Foundation

    Max Size: California King
    Height: 18 inches
    Material: Alloy steel

    If you like your bed frame higher off the ground, this frame from Olee Sleep is 18 inches tall with 16.5 inches of under-bed storage space for your stuff. The best feature is the fully enclosed frame that prevents your mattress from slipping off either side, keeping your bed in one spot.

    The frame includes everything you need to assemble it, but some reviewers note that it helps if you have hand tools of your own because the included tools are hard to work with. If you don’t tighten the bolts enough, the frame could make an annoying squeaking sound, so be careful about that during assembly.

    Pros
    • 18-inch-tall frame
    • Fully encloses mattress to prevent slippage
    • Includes all necessary tools and fasteners
    • 5 inches of under-bed storage space
    Cons
    • Included tools may be hard to work with
    • May squeak if bolts aren’t tightened properly

    6. Novogratz Bushwick Metal Bed with Headboard & Footboard

    Novogratz Bushwick Metal Bed with Headboard and Footboard

    Max Size: King
    Height: 6–11 inch clearance legs for customizability
    Material: Metal

    If you’re tired of the frames without a headboard and your room could use a classic touch, consider this bed frame. It has a chic cast iron look with beautifully crafted head and footboards and includes two sets of legs that provide either 6–11 inches of under-bed clearance. That means you can customize the height to provide more under-bed storage or lower the bed for easier access.

    The biggest disadvantage is that this frame only has a max weight capacity of 250 pounds, so you’ll have to be careful not to overload it. Notably, only sizes bigger than the twin include center support slats, so you can expect the twin to be just a bit less sturdy.

    Pros
    • Unique cast-iron look
    • Durable metal construction
    • Steel slats for sizes larger than twin provide extra center support
    • No box spring necessary
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Fairly low weight capacity
    • Less sturdy than other bed frames

    7. VECELO Queen Size Metal Bed Frame with Headboard & Footboard

    VECELO Queen Size Metal Bed Frame with Headboard and Footboard

    Max Size: Queen
    Height: 12 inches
    Material: Metal

    For a bit more than other brands, you can get this Victorian-inspired cast iron bed frame from Vecelo, which includes a retro head and footboards. The frame’s steel structure fully encloses the bed, which prevents slippage and reduces frame noises.

    With 11 metal slats across the top and nine sturdy legs, you don’t have to worry about your mattress slipping or dipping. Although the feet don’t have wheels, they do have a handy non-slip coating that prevents the feet from scratching your floors.

    Pros
    • Victorian-style bed frame
    • Included head and footboards
    • 11 metal slats provide support
    • Doesn’t require box spring
    • Non-slip feet won’t scratch flooring
    Cons
    • Feet don’t have wheels

    8. ZINUS Mia Metal Platform Bed Frame with Headboard

    ZINUS Mia Metal Platform Bed Frame with Headboard

    Max Size: King
    Height: 14 inches
    Material: Alloy steel & plywood

    Zinus offers another high-quality bed frame for folks that like elevated beds with some storage space, though the slats are made of plywood instead of metal. That means they’re easily replaced, but also susceptible to cracking and breaking if you overload the bed.

    Thankfully, that’s pretty hard to do because all the sizes bigger than twin have a weight capacity of 700 pounds! Even the twin can support up to 350 pounds, which is impressive for smaller bed frames.

    As with many metal bed frames, a box spring isn’t necessary for this frame.

    Pros
    • More affordable than solid metal frames
    • High weight capacity
    • Easy installation
    • Plywood slats can be replaced when broken
    Cons
    • Plywood slats can crack, bend, or break

    9. TUSEER Metal Bed Frame Queen Size with Vintage Headboard & Footboard

    TUSEER Metal Bed Frame Queen Size with Vintage Headboard and Footboard

    Max Size: Queen
    Height: 13 inches
    Material: Alloy steel, iron

    With a versatile classic metal look and 13 inches of under-bed storage, this bed frame is at home in virtually any bedroom. With 13 metal slats and nine metal legs to provide support along with a center support bar, you don’t have to worry about your mattress sagging or dipping between minuscule gaps.

    While steel bed frames are known to be squeaky, this one is built to resist noise. Finally, you’ll be happy to learn that this bed frame has a high weight capacity and is able to support up to 660 pounds. However, the product page notes that this ‘ranges from 550–660 pounds, so we’d suggest erring on the side of caution.

    Pros
    • 13 inches of under-bed storage
    • 13 sturdy metal slats and 9 metal legs for durability
    • 550- to 660-pound weight capacity
    • No box spring necessary
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Prone to squeaking
    • Low headboard limits box spring and mattress thicknesses

    10. Linenspa 14 Inch Folding Metal Platform Bed Frame

    Linenspa 14 Inch Folding Metal Platform Bed Frame

    Max Size: California King
    Height: 14 inches
    Material: alloy steel

    Not only does this frame from Linenspa have a metal grid-style support frame and rubberized foot grips, but it folds up after assembly to make the ultimate guest bed frame. It even comes with 13 inches of under-bed storage for your shoes, photo albums, and assorted other items without places of their own.

    Assembly is easily done by a single person, only requiring some light fastener tightening and no tools. As always, though, hand tools of your own are useful for making sure the bolts get tight enough. The frame is heavy-duty, holding up to 750 pounds of weight, but a couple of user reviews mention that the frame didn’t match the specs on the product page.

    Pros
    • Grid-style support slats for supreme sturdiness and support
    • Rubberized feet prevent floor scratching and frame drift over time
    • 13 inches of under-bed storage
    • Simple installation
    Cons
    • Installation was reported to be difficult by users

    divider 1 Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Metal Bed Frames

    Metal bed frames might seem straightforward, but there’s more to buying one than you might have anticipated. You’ll need to check out the frame’s weight capacity, under-bed storage situation, headboard compatibility, and anti-slip features. Let’s dive into how these will affect what you look for in a metal bed frame.

    white metal bed frame
    Image Credit: Ground Picture, Shutterstock

    Weight Capacity

    One of the most important factors is how much weight the frame can support. For two people, you want a frame with a 500-pound capacity or more, just to be safe. You might be able to get by with less if it’s for a single person, but multiple heavier people might give frames a tough time.

    As a rule of thumb, you don’t want to get too close to the advertised weight limit.

    Underbed Storage

    Higher bed frames often provide some under-bed storage space for your shoeboxes and other assorted stuff, but they can give children and shorter people problems getting in and out of bed. Sadly, there’s no magic bullet because the frame has to be higher for you to have more storage space.

    Headboard Compatibility

    Some frames have built-in head and footboards, but cheaper ones typically don’t. Some frames include complementary brackets for installing a headboard later, while others have them as optional add-ons. Regardless, it’s important to check if the frame is compatible with a headboard if you want to get one later.

    room with curtains and bed
    Image Credit: M&W Studios, Pexels

    Anti-Slip Features

    Metal bed frames sometimes have rubberized feet or an enclosed space on the frame for your mattress. The feet are to prevent the frame from moving and scratching your floors, while enclosed frames tightly hug your mattress and keep it from sagging, dipping, or drifting.

    divider 4 Conclusion

    Metal bed frames offer more support than wood frames, but you have to check the fine print for the intended weight capacity. The ZINUS Compack Metal Bed Frame is the best that we reviewed, but the Classic Brands Hercules Universal Heavy-Duty Metal Bed Frame is great on a budget. Either way, check out what each frame on this list has to offer and see if it lines up with your needs.


    Featured Image Credit: Creative Vyas, Shutterstock, Shutterstock

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