Replies

1. 
   MikeHennessy | Dec 16, 2008 10:33pm | #1

   When elimating box springs, I usually lay down a sheet of 1/2" ply over whatever support is there -- ropes, wire springs, or slats -- and put the mattress on that. IMHO, that eliminates and wear & tear the matress may otherwise suffer from being pushed between the supports by the occupant's weight.

   Besides, the firm sub is better for my poor ol' back.

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA

1. 
   WillGeorge | Dec 16, 2008 10:54pm | #3

   To Mike Hennessy AND Ask!

   What I was thinking of.. I think Plywood is GREAT! I just wanted to confirm my thoughts. I was thinking of 3/4 inch ply..

   Of course properly sanded and whatever and a big stamp.. This side up!

   Edited 12/16/2008 2:55 pm by WillGeorge

1. 
   PeterThomson | Dec 17, 2008 03:27am | #4

   Ply works, but there can be potential moisture problems depending on where your dolls live.  With solid ply on the bottom, I've seen mold spring up on the underside of mattresses (no air circulation on the bottom, only able to dry out the top).  People of all ages sweat a surprising amount while they sleep, and little ones have accidents once in a while.  I think this is where box springs came from--they allow air circulation to the mattress bottom.

   Wife and I have a mattress on slats, no box spring.  Slats just sit inside a lip on the bed frame, stapled seatbelt webbing to the slats to keep them from moving apart independently.  If the slats alone aren't stiff enough, something like a 2x4 support running along the slat centerline that reacts against the floor will work.  Not an elegant solution, but if it's back from the edges of the bed no one will know.  (And the frilly curtain thingy that hangs down will cover it, whatever it's called.)

   Sounds like overkill, I'm sure... It probably is.  But one of the moldy mattresses I saw was our own, sitting on 3/4" ply.  Not taking chances with our new one. 

   My 2 cents, hope it helps.

   Pete

2. 
   ASK | Dec 16, 2008 10:50pm | #2

   When I made 2 sets of bunk beds for my girls I just used 3/4" plywood to support the mattress.

   ASK

3. 
   oldusty | Dec 17, 2008 08:22am | #5

           Hi Will ,

                 Say , Has the frame and mattress height been modified to allow for no box springs ?

          I was just wondering if that would make the mattress too low or in the future a box spring could be added .

         I worked on many old beds that had slats across to each side rail , but it seems mostly they all had box springs . Now a days we make platform beds with drawers or storage under , they usually have a plywood platform and sometimes only a mattress also .

      you could drill holes in the plywood for some air not sure if you have to .

                          regards        dusty ,a boxmaker

1. 
   WillGeorge | Dec 17, 2008 02:20pm | #6

   Thanks to all.

   Frankly I never thought about the ventilation issue.

   Maybe I'll use the 3/4 inch ply and rout slots out a slot across the width every inch or two. As the beds are twin sized I do not believe there would be a strength issue. I have some old junk ply that I can make up a test piece of the proper width and use the same type of support cleats I'll be using. Probably just jump up and down on it and see how it stands up to my abuse.

   I have modified the rail/mattress height somewhat from the 'norm'. 'Mom' wanted as much under-bed storage as possible.