Getting new furniture is always going to be a tricky endeavor, especially when the furniture involved could directly affect how well you sleep at night. When it comes to getting new box springs, you want to make sure you get something that will last. This is why we've researched everything you need to know about changing your box springs.
On average, box springs last 8-10 years. However, this varies greatly depending on the box spring quality. Some may only last a couple of years, while others may be usable for over 20! Quality is a key factor for box spring longevity; you should also consider whether:
- the mattress sags
- the box spring is squeaky/noisy
- the box spring has broken springs
These are all questions you may find yourself asking as you get your bedroom set up. Throughout this post, we will explore all the relevant information you will need to make the best choices regarding box springs.
Replacing the Box Spring
When getting new box springs there are several important factors to keep in mind. The first and most important factor being the better the quality, the longer the box spring will last. You will definitely want to take your time and ensure the springs you decide to buy are the best you are able to get.
Box springs will have a direct effect on your sleep because of how they work. The purpose of box springs is to act as support for your bed’s mattress. If the box spring you have isn’t good at providing this, you may find that you don’t feel as supported on your bed as you should.
How Do You Know if Your Bed Needs a Box Spring?
Box springs may not be necessary, depending on what type of bed you own. All mattresses require some form of support beneath the bed to keep it from sagging all the way down to the floor. However, not all beds give this support through box springs.
Slat Bed
Some beds are built with a foundation, which usually consists of wooden slats or a solid frame for you to place the mattress on top of. These beds act like box springs but lack metal springs.
Platform Bed
Another type of bed that does not require box springs is the platform bed. These have a frame and a foundation to solve all problems at once but tend to be more expensive.
Adjustable Bed
The third option is an adjustable bed. These are beds that allow you to adjust the mattress how you want, just like the ones you would find in a hospital. If your bed sounds like any of these three, you will not need box springs in order to fully support your mattress.
How Do You Know When to Replace a Box Spring?
If you find that your bed definitely requires a box spring, the next step would be to determine if it’s time to replace the one you have. Several items help decide this. First, how long have you had the box spring currently in use? However, time is not enough by itself because of how different the lifespan is based on the brand.
Other factors to consider include: if your mattress sags, if your bed makes squeaking noises when you get into it or turn over, and if there are any broken planks or pieces on the box spring. If you notice one or multiple of these, it may be a good time to look into a replacement.
How to Dispose of a Box Spring?
After purchasing a new box spring, you may be asking yourself what you’re supposed to do with the old one. There are a few different options for how to dispose of it properly.
Depending on your location, trash pick-up may be available to pick it up from your home on their bulky items days. You can typically check their schedule on their website.
A nearby dump or landfill could be another option for you if you have a vehicle big enough to transport the box spring yourself. You can also take apart the box spring and reuse parts of it for other things. There are also professional box spring disposal companies you can hire to take care of them for you.
Do Thrift Stores Take Box Springs?
Though some thrift stores used to allow almost anything as donations years ago, most now have strict policies in place for what they will take in. Nearly all thrift stores now no longer accept old mattresses, box springs, or similar objects. Places like Goodwill will only take in bedroom furniture if it weighs 25 pounds or less.
Can You Put a New Mattress on an Old Box Spring?
Whether or not you should buy a new box spring to go with your new mattress is dependent on the state of your current box spring. If you have a box spring that has already been with you for a while and you know you will need a new one in just a few years, it might make sense for you to buy another along with the mattress.
However, if you have a box spring that is still in good condition, there is no real need to replace it yet. Ultimately, this decision is up to you because old box springs will not damage the new mattress. Worse case scenario is that you will not feel as supported as you might expect on the new mattress if your box spring is outdated.
Summary
Box springs are an important purchase to make if your bed does not have any built-in form of support for your mattress because they will determine how well your mattress feels while you sleep on it. If you find that your current ones are older than 8-10 years, creak when they move, or cause the mattress to sag, it may be a good time to start looking for replacements.
Once you have the new box spring ready to go, you can dispose of the old one by local trash pick-up, taking it to a dump yourself, reusing it for other things, or hiring professionals to take it from you.
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