Types of bed slats, design features and purpose. Wooden slats for a bed How to remove slats from an orthopedic base

So, experts agree that what more quantity lamels, the better it will be. However, we immediately note that for a double bed 30 slats will be enough. For one sleeping place their number is halved.

Quite often you can encounter a situation where there are only 20-25 slats on a double bed; this is the manufacturer’s savings on consumables. A design with lower lamellas becomes less durable and not flexible enough.

The distance between the slats should not exceed the width of one plank; as for the thickness, then standard size equal to 8 mm. The length of the slats depends on the width of the bed.

It is important to consider and know these points not only when choosing a bed, but also if during its operation there is a need to replace the slats.

Methods for attaching lamellas

Fixation is carried out using a tip holder, which can be made from:

• rubber;
• plastic;
• polypropylene.

The holder is secured with rivets and staples. Also, in some cases, provision is made for fastening into special pockets made at the base of the frame.

The main reasons for lamella failure

• The permissible load has been exceeded. If the lamellas are bent in the opposite direction too much, they break;
• Marriage, substandard. The lamellas can break if low-quality wood with an uneven structure or poorly dried wood was used in production.

In any case, regardless of the cause of their breakdown, they will need to be replaced; broken slats cannot be repaired.

What if repairs were needed? How to change them

To dismantle the strip, it is bent towards the bend until it comes out of the groove, after which it moves to the side. This may be necessary if the bed frame needs to be repaired. If the lamella is broken, it is not recommended to glue it; it would be correct to replace it with a new one.

To dismantle the lamella, which is fixed with special holders, you will need a hammer, pliers, and a screwdriver. It is easier to remove the holder if you first remove the damaged lamella. Dismantling is carried out based on the type of holder and the method of its fixation. It may be necessary to remove the fixing pins, remove the brackets, and unscrew the screws.

Contact us, we will advise you and help you decide on the choice of slats, taking into account all the requirements to restore the comfort and convenience of your sleeping place.

If you need to buy or make a new bed with your own hands, you should formulate for yourself a number of main requirements that it must meet.

• Orthopedic properties always come first. After all, such furniture should provide an opportunity to fully relax and restore strength after a hard day.
• In second place is the build quality of the product and the materials used. Having spent effort, time, money, you must be sure that the purchase will be reliable, safe, and will last for a long time.
• And only in the third, fourth, etc. positions - appearance, decoration, etc.

The orthopedic quality of beds is determined by the presence of a special base for the mattress. Thanks to its elasticity, the ability to bend smoothly is achieved physiologically correct position spine during sleep, the body is relaxed and can fully restore strength.

Slat base for mattress

Special slats and lamellas are installed on the bed frame, which in combination with the mattress create conditions for “quality” sleep. Moreover, the effectiveness of the slats is maintained not only with orthopedic, but also with conventional products. What are lamellas used for:

1. They reduce the load on the mattress, enhance its quality, and extend its service life.
2. They have springy qualities and elasticity, in which the load is distributed correctly.
3. The spine takes the correct position during sleep.
4. Special holders are used as fasteners, which is why the bed does not make noise or squeak when moving.
5. Their location provides natural ventilation mattress.

Professionally made lamellas, or latoflex, are wooden elastic strips made of bent-glued multilayer plywood. The thickness of each part is 0.8 cm, and the width can range from 5.3 to 6.8 cm. As a rule, their shape is slightly curved. Install Latoflex across the base of the bed at a distance of 2 to 6 cm, but not greater than the width of the bar used.

A single bed requires 15 slats, and a double bed requires 2 times more. Moreover, in the latter case, an additional middle support bar must be installed, and the slats are attached in two rows. Thus, one bed provides two orthopedic beds.

What can slats be made from? Traditionally, latoflex is made from the following types of wood:

• ash,
• birch,
• maple,
• oak, etc.

The slats are attached to the bed frame using lath holders, which can be made of plastic, polypropylene or rubber, tape or metal stands.

To make orthopedic base slats with your own hands, you can use boards the right size after appropriate processing. Masters who make their own beds offer different ways their attachment to the frame:

• The generally accepted option is with self-tapping screws.
• An original shock-absorbing method of attaching slats using thick edge tape.

• Install the slats into the grooves created by attaching specially prepared bars to the frame.

Do-it-yourself bedroom repair

If all assembly rules are followed, the only thing that can cause a sleeping place to become unusable is a breakdown of the lamella or lath holder. Even an inexperienced craftsman can repair a bed with his own hands.

New holders low quality They have the appearance and quality of rubber, but over time they lose elasticity and break. As a result, you can hear the bottom creaking, and the slats often fall out of the fastenings. In this case, repairs are necessary. Replacing damaged base elements will have a short-lived effect, since they will be followed by other, equally low-quality parts breaking. The best way out– improving the method of attaching slats with your own hands.

Preparatory stage

You will need special tools and materials. Make sure you have:

• construction stapler with staples;
• screwdrivers;
• chisels;
• roulette;
• electric drills with drills 4-5 mm;
• M4/M5 bolts, engravers, nuts – 4 pcs. everyone;
• 4 furniture footers;
• knife;
• 2 durable edge strips, 20-40 mm wide and 2 m long.

Repair procedure

1. Remove damaged tips by prying up the plastic parts with a chisel.

1. Use a screwdriver to adjust the loose connections of the bed frame.
2. Place the lamellas on the freed frame with the curve down, repeating their previous placement.
3. Attach the end of the edge tape with two staplers to the first plank, retreating 5-7 cm from its edge.
4. Pull the edge tape lightly and staple it to the subsequent planks in the same way.
5. You need to do the same on the other side of the slats, using the second tape.
6. At the end of the work, roll up the resulting canvas from the slats and turn it over. Then place it back on the frame with the tape facing down.
7. Mark the locations of the first lamella on the frame. Drill holes on both sides of the frame with an electric drill.
8. Bolt the fittings together in the prepared holes. They will act as limiters that fix the position of the first bar.
9. Install the first plank in a fixed position, slightly tension the slats. Place the same marks near the last bar.
10. Prepare the holes and install the fittings.

Such repairs, done by yourself, will not take much time and will not entail large expenses. But you will be spared the problems of low-quality fastenings.

Get a double bed

A double bed is a necessary and desirable piece of furniture for every family. Its purchase is always associated with a long choice, as well as the expenditure of considerable funds. But you can make comfortable furniture for sleeping with your own hands, and you’ll still have money left over for a mattress and beautiful linen.

The bed that we will make is not just comfortable. It is beautiful, has a sleeping area of ​​1800x2000 cm, is equipped with a lifting mechanism and, accordingly, provides ample storage space.

Prepare everything you need

Materials and tools will be used in the work:

• sheets of sanded chipboard 16x1750x3500 mm for the frame;
• a sheet of 8 mm birch plywood FC 1525x1525 mm, from which we will cut lamellas;
• 2 sheets of fiberboard 2.5x1220x1440 mm will go to the bottom drawer;
• 18 m of 50x40 mm timber will strengthen the bed structure;
• sheets of foam rubber 30x1000x3000 mm for finishing the headboard, 10x1000x3000 mm for finishing the frame;
• non-woven fabric 1.6 m wide - 5 m;
• chenille 1.5 m wide - 5 m for front finishing;
• lifting mechanism, equipped with gas shock absorbers;
• electric drill, drill bits;
• metal corners;
• sanding machine with attachments or sandpaper;
• glue;
• self-tapping screws;
• 8 mm bolts with washers, nuts, self-tapping screws;
• furniture stapler with paper clips.

The reduced dimensions of the parts are shown in the diagram below. In accordance with them, make the cutting yourself or order it from the place where you purchase lumber.

Job Description

1. Try on the prepared parts in advance. Make a partition from chipboard (20 cm high), which will be installed in the center of the structure. Attach a timber cut to size to it.
2. Place the bars at a height of 20 cm from the bottom of the side panels. Secure with self-tapping screws. The base for the mattress will be located on them and the middle partition.
3. Assemble the bed frame with screws: a beam that is located along the headboard, side frame beams, and a footboard. Check the connection angle of the parts is 90 degrees.
4. Measure and mark the middle of the headboard and footboard beams. Using the marks as a guide, install the middle partition block.
5. Additionally, fasten everything inside corner connections by using metal corners.
6. In the middle of each of the two sleeping places, install 1 additional block with self-tapping screws. They should be on the same level as the side ones.
7. Lay the headboard on the foam rubber, outline the outline. Cut a piece 15-20 cm larger for hems on the sides and top. Lubricate the surface with glue. Then lay the foam rubber on the headboard blank, using a furniture stapler, secure the foam rubber in several places on the front part. Having slightly pulled, you need to do the same on the wrong side of the part.
8. Open and trim the front of the headboard with chenille. Attach the fabric to the back side only.
9. Design the bed frame in the same way.
10. Assemble the outer casing with self-tapping screws, strengthen the connections with corners.
11. Install the bottom of the box, carefully placing the structure on its side.
12. To prevent the cross beam of the frame from rubbing against the partition during operation of the lifting mechanism, a recess must be made in it.
13. Adjust the position of the parts, then attach the lifting mechanism to the frame and sides.
14. Immediately below it, install horizontal support and vertical support bars on the sidewalls using self-tapping screws.
15. Adjust the plywood slats to the required length - they should lie freely on the bars. Then sand down the cut areas so that the sharp edges do not damage the mattress fabric.
16. Screw the slats onto the bars. This installation method will ensure long service life of the slats and reliable support and ventilation of the mattress. The slats must be securely fixed, since the sleeping place will be raised/lowered.
17. Cover the back of the headboard with non-woven material, hiding the attachment points decorative material, and also inner part sidewalls

All you have to do is place the mattress and enjoy healthy sleep on new bed. You can be rightfully proud of the result.

The base of the bed is an important part of the structure, on which the quality of sleep largely depends. And if previously solid flooring or spring options were used, today a simpler and effective solution- structures made of wooden lamellas. This option creates optimal conditions for human recreation and at the same time is inexpensive. We will analyze all the features of the products and tell you how to install them correctly.

What are the products and why are they needed?

First, let's figure out what a lamella is. This is a special wooden plate, curved in one direction so that during installation it creates an elastic base. Most often, the elements consist of several layers of wood that are glued together, this provides the best springing properties and makes the lamellas much more resistant to deformation and damage.

Different types of wood are used in production: beech, ash, maple, linden, birch. In principle, all options differ in quality if they are produced using technology.

The most popular option is products made from birch; they are distinguished by their affordable cost and good performance indicators.

Now let’s figure out why slatted bed bases are needed:

• This design increases the anatomical effect of the mattress, improving its properties. In fact, this is an ideal solution for orthopedic mattresses; even their manufacturers recommend using beds with just such options. They are best suited for heavy mattresses that are used in modern conditions.
• The slats reduce the load on the bed frame and the mattress. Due to the spring properties and a separate frame, which is always used for slats, they provide longer service life of structures due to more competent weight distribution.
• The use of slats can significantly increase the service life of the mattress. This is achieved not only due to proper weight distribution, but also due to the fact that the slats are located with gaps and the lower part of the mattress is well ventilated, which is very important. If on solid bases the lower part of mattresses is often covered with condensation, which is fraught with the formation of mold, then in a slatted structure this problem is absent.

• Due to its curved shape, the base has a springing effect. In addition, due to the design features, the base of the bed does not creak or make other extraneous sounds even after a long period of use.
• If you use special latex holders, the base will adapt to your anatomy. The fastening is made movable, which is very important for optimal load distribution and ensuring a comfortable position for the spine.

Aspects of choice

Now let’s figure out how to purchase quality products and what you should pay primary attention to.

In what form are they sold?

In general, slats can be included in the delivery of a sofa or bed, or they can be sold individually, which is very convenient.

It is important to remember that if at least one element in the base is broken, then sleeping on it is not recommended. This is due to improper distribution of the load on the base, and the risk of deformation of other panels, and improper distribution of weight by the mattress, which reduces its orthopedic effect.

The following options can be purchased:

• Set of slats. Most often, this solution is suitable for those who change all the elements of the base, or for those who assemble the orthopedic base themselves. To buy a set, you need to know the size of the bed or the size of the frames in which they are placed, because in double versions two designs are used.
• Kits on tape. This option was widely used in models produced several years ago; these days such designs are not used, as there are more advanced solutions. If you have a tape option, then you can buy a similar set and quickly replace the base; this process takes just a few minutes.

• The armor can also be purchased individually. Most often they are sold in furniture stores or retail outlets specializing in furniture fittings. If you are looking for a separate element, then it is important to know the dimensions of the lamellas you used - their length, width and thickness, otherwise choose suitable solution it will be difficult.

In addition to the slats themselves, special fastenings may also be needed. There are a lot of options, so specific solution is selected individually for a particular design.

Which ones are better

Let's figure out what aspects you need to remember when choosing slats:

Illustration	Description
	Wide slats. Used as a base for mattresses without springs and for options with dependent Bonnel spring blocks. They can be up to 1200 mm long and are most often used on single and half-size beds, although they are also found on double beds. This option is different high strength, the elements resist loads well and practically do not break during operation.
	Narrow slats. Best suited for mattresses with independent spring blocks. They can be located either at the same interval or in pairs if flexible rubber fastenings on the frame are used. The option is elastic and provides high rest comfort.
	For a single bed you need 13-16 wide slats. If narrow elements are used, then there can be twice as many of them. It is important to place the elements at the same distance so that the base has the same characteristics over the entire area.
	In double designs, the slats are placed in two rows. That is, you usually need twice as many of them as in single-seat options. As for the quantity, it all depends on the width of the lamellas, the length of the base and the required rigidity of the structure.
	The standard parameters of the elements are as follows: A thickness of 8-10 mm is the optimal solution; it is not worth taking thinner or thicker products. Width from 4 to 7 cm, it all depends on the type of mattress used. The length varies depending on the width of the bed, but usually one slate is made no more than a meter. Another parameter is the distance between the slats; it should be no more than the width of the slats used. Typically this figure ranges from 3 to 7 cm. The gaps can be narrower than the width of the slats.
	It is important to choose high-quality holders for latoflexes(this is also the name of the products we are considering): Plastic is the cheapest, but also the lowest quality solution, which can crack with significant force. Polypropylene is a more flexible material that resists damage better and lasts longer than plastic. Rubber is the most elastic option, which allows the lamellas to play, adapting to loads. This is the type shown in the photo on the left.

Aspects of the right choice

Illustration	Description
	When choosing beds, always count the number of slats in a row. The optimal number for a bed 200 cm long is 20 or more. Experts advise choosing solutions with maximum number elements, they are more elastic and provide reliable support for any type of mattress. If the length of the berth is different, then the number of latoflexes will vary.
	Material of manufacture. Another important aspect that directly affects the durability of the structure: Birch is the most common and popular solution, characterized by low cost and good performance indicators. Beech and other hardwoods are a more reliable solution, which is noticeably more expensive. But if quality is important to you, then choose this solution.
	There are systems with different levels stiffness of lamellas in different areas. This solution is perfect for those who have back problems, those who value comfort and care about their health. To adjust the rigidity of individual sections of the structure, special jumpers are used, shown in the photo.

How to make a base with your own hands

Let's figure out how to insert a slatted base to replace the old solid flooring, everything is quite simple if you understand the question:

Illustration	Description
	Holders for slats. You need two of these elements per plank. Plus, it is advisable to purchase a few more pieces in reserve; during work, sometimes individual holders become damaged.
	Lamels. Their size should match the holders, and the number should be selected depending on the size of the bed and the distance between the armor. We recommend choosing a clearance of 4 cm, this will give medium rigidity.
	To work you will need this set of tools: Jigsaw or hand saw. It is more convenient to cut lamellas with a power tool. Construction square, tape measure and marking pencil. Screwdriver with an attachment for self-tapping screws.
	First the bed is vacated. It is necessary to remove the bed and remove the mattress to open access to the base. In our case it is chipboard sheets, fastened with self-tapping screws. The fasteners must be unscrewed, and the sheets removed and put away.
	There is a block in the middle. It is wide enough, so there is no need to redo anything - we will use the old frame with some modifications.
	The supporting elements on the side are too narrow to strengthen the frame holder; a rail is screwed to the old plank. The result was a protrusion of 5 cm.
	The slats are cut to the required length with a jigsaw. Then holders are put on the end and the elements are laid out on the surface. To control the same gap between the slats, a construction square is used; its width is exactly 4 cm.
	Fastening is done through the protrusion at the bottom. We recommend using two self-tapping screws for each holder to ensure reliability. Can be fastened with elements 25 mm long.
	Assembly is carried out in the same way until the very end.. When the base is ready, you can lay the mattress and enjoy a comfortable rest.

If you need to repair part of the base and replace one or more damaged lamellas, you should simply unscrew the fasteners on the required elements and replace them. Everything is simple and fast.

Grate or solid bottom

If you still have doubts, then let's look at the advantages of lamellas:

• The slats provide ventilation from the bottom of the mattress, a solid flooring does not.
• The lattice has springy properties, and chipboard or plywood lies rigidly.
• The orthopedic properties of the mattress are best demonstrated when using lats.
• A solid base bends and creaks over time; the grate does not have these disadvantages.
• Rack and pinion systems are much lighter, which is also important.

Conclusion

Now you are familiar with all the features of the slats used in the bases for beds and sofas, and you can install them yourself, the video will help you understand the work process even better and clearly show important points work. If you have any questions, write them in the comments.

The most important parts of a comfortable and high-quality bed are the frame and base. Today, consumers most often choose models in which the base has wooden slats of straight or curved shape. Furniture with such details provides for the installation of an orthopedic mattress that is beneficial for the spine.

What is it?

In another way, the slats are called slats or battens. They are a set of slightly curved planks. This design forms an elastic lattice with a springing effect, on which the mattress is subsequently laid. These parts have different fastenings. The most common are strips on tape or rigid fastening elements.

What's better than a solid bottom?

More recently, only simple beds having a solid flat and rigid base. Such designs are durable and easy to install. However, sleeping on them is not as comfortable as on slatted ones. The solid bottom has no holes and does not have the breathability necessary for a mattress to be hygienic and durable.

A sleeping bed without additional air flow will quickly lose its attractive appearance and may become deformed.

As a rule, such bases are made of cheap materials. This may be a structure made of toxic chipboard, fiberboard or plywood. It is believed that such elements have long since become obsolete. They are not very comfortable and hard. Another disadvantage of a solid day bed is that without additional support, it can sag under the influence of a heavy mattress.

Slatted bases are in many ways superior to similar cheap designs. Firstly, they are most often made from high-quality and durable materials. For example it could be natural wood or durable metal. Secondly, in addition to a long service life, such structures are distinguished by their wear resistance. They are quite difficult to break or damage.

Sleeping and resting on bases with slats is more comfortable, as they are anatomical and enhance the orthopedic effect of mattresses. Lying on such sleeping places, the spine takes the correct and comfortable position, which brings only benefits to the body. Beds with such elements are ideal for people suffering from certain diseases associated with the spine. In addition, orthopedic bases with lamellas have excellent ventilation characteristics. Such beneficial properties allow you to extend the life of the mattress and maintain its hygiene.

Varieties

High-quality and comfortable bases with slats can have different modifications in accordance with the shape and configuration of the bed.

• The simplest are the bases with straight lines wooden slats . Such designs are most often equipped with stationary beds without folding or sliding mechanisms and electric drive.
• For comfortable rest and sleep are perfect transformable lamellas. Their surface may change depending on the position of the body. Thanks to such functions, the sleeping place can take absolutely any, most convenient shape for complete relaxation. Such designs are very popular today. You can manage them like manually, and with the help of special electrical mechanism transformation.
• There are also slats that regulate the rigidity of the berth. They are equipped with special attachments in those areas that are subject to maximum loads. These small details allow you to change the level of rigidity of the latoflexes. These slats are ideal for people who have problems associated with the lumbar spine, as well as those who are heavy.

The slats also vary in width. Bed bases are equipped with narrow or wide slats.

Beds with wider details are budget-friendly. They are quite comfortable and inexpensive. Such structures can easily fulfill their purpose main function. The width of such lamellas starts from 60 mm.

The distance between wide slats in a finished base structure rarely exceeds a width equal to one lamella. Structures with a larger distance between the planks may be unreliable and prone to breakage.

A type of mattress such as a “Bonnel” or a version with independent springs is also suitable (the density should not exceed 300 springs per sq. m.).

Bases with narrow slats are more convenient and perfect. Bedroom furniture with such elements has unsurpassed comfort characteristics. The most commonly used are narrow slats with a width of 38 mm. The distance between them is usually slightly less than their width.

According to experts, bedroom furniture with narrow slats has higher orthopedic characteristics compared to wide options.

This effect is also achieved through the use of durable rubber lat holders. Such details provide an optimally flexible and elastic connection of the slats with the bed frame.

However, it is worth considering that furniture with a similar base will cost more. Bed models with these bases are recommended to be combined with high-quality orthopedic mattresses, having independent springs of the “micropackage” or “multipacket” type.

Types of material

Typically, battens are attached to a frame made of durable metal. Most often, a pipe is used for such structures square shape. The slats themselves are made of wood. This material is distinguished by its environmental friendliness and durability. The most inexpensive are the bases in which the slats are made of birch or pine. Expensive specimens are equipped with armor made of more noble types of wood. For example, it could be durable oak or beech.

Such structures can withstand heavy loads. They are also not subject to deformation or breakage. But do not forget that natural wood requires special care. To extend the life of wooden slats, it is necessary to treat them with special protective impregnations that protect the material from moisture, as well as paint and varnish coatings. The latter are needed to ensure that the tree does not dry out and lose its strength over time.

Mounting options

As a rule, slats are attached to the bed frame using special holders (tips). These parts are made of plastic, rubber or polypropylene. The ends are attached to the frame with special rivets or furniture staples. There is another way to attach the slats to the bed, in which each individual part is placed in a special metal frame stand.

Modern models beds are equipped with frames that already have internal armor.

Such structures initially have prepared holes designed for the installation of tips. Such reliable furniture does not require rivets or furniture staples.

Length and thickness

The lamellas can have a width of 38, 50, 53, 63, 80, 83 mm. The thickness of these parts depends on their width and can be 8 or 12 mm.

The slats may have different lengths. This figure ranges from 450 to 1500 mm.

Which ones are better to choose?

If you want your bed to be as comfortable and reliable as possible, then you should special attention pay attention to the number of lamellas on the iron frame. The thicker the lattice base, the stronger and more reliable it is. Bases with sparse lamellas can sag and become deformed over time. It will be uncomfortable to sleep on such beds.

In addition, when choosing a high-quality and comfortable orthopedic frame, be sure to take into account the material from which it consists. This characteristic directly affects the durability and strength of the structure. The slats made of oak and beech are considered the strongest and most durable. Birch and pine parts are less durable. Bases made from such materials should only be used by lightweight users.

Be sure to inspect the surface of the wood and pay attention to its color so as not to run into fake material. The shade of the base should be flesh-colored.

The choice of a suitable orthopedic base with dimensions of 140x200, 180x200 and 160x200 cm with slats largely depends on the mattress. So, for a model with independent spring block It is better to choose a design equipped with narrower slats. The selection of such a design is especially important if the weight of the person sleeping on it exceeds 90 kg. This is explained by the fact that independent springs are not fastened together in any way and do not have a single frame, which is why they do not take the load on the entire block at once, but only on some of its sections.

Things tend to break. This applies to both beds and folding beds, where slats or lath holders—parts of the product on which the mattress rests—most often become unusable. If these components are replaced in time, then such furniture can be used for many more years. But what if you don't know how to do this? It's okay - now we will teach you!

Make sure there is nothing difficult about this activity.

Repairing a broken cot or bed is actually quite simple. If you're not afraid to use pliers, wrenches, hammer and screwdriver, pick up the tool and get to work.

If the bed holder is broken, then first unscrew the screw or self-tapping screw on which the damaged part is attached. And to remove the rod from the lamella, you need to insert a screwdriver between them and lightly hit it with a hammer. Then take the broken product and take it to a furniture hardware store. There, present a sample to the seller so that he can offer you a new analogue. If the parts are not in the first market you come across, do not despair. Buying lath holders in our time is not a problem. You'll probably find what you need in another store. Or simply order the part online.

Once the required copy is at your disposal, the product should be put in place. Place the purchased attachment onto the batten until it stops. Fasten one end and then the other, bending the plate upward slightly to create a springy effect. That's it!

As you can see, there is nothing complicated in repairing a modern lamellar bed. The main thing is to be able to use a basic tool and not be afraid to get down to business. And there everything will go like clockwork. And then such furniture will serve you for many years to come!