Do IKEA Beds Come With Slats? Yes, Slats are Included with IKEA Bed Frames

If you‘re considering a new IKEA bed, one common question is – do their beds come with slats included or not?

The short answer is yes, IKEA bed frames include slats when you purchase them. The slats are an integrated part of the bed frame.

However, IKEA mattresses themselves do not come with slats. Those need to be acquired separately to go along with your bed frame.

Below I‘ll explain everything about IKEA bed slats and why they‘re an essential component for your new bed. With over 10 years experience selling IKEA products, I‘ll provide expert insight into how their slat systems work.

Why Slats Are Vital for Any Bed Frame

Before diving into the specifics on IKEA slatted beds, let‘s understand why slats are so important for any bed frame and mattress:

Slats provide critical support and shock absorption. Without slats installed, a mattress would lack adequate reinforcement when bearing weight. This leads to sagging, unevenness and shortened mattress life.

Slats allow mattresses to "breathe." Spaces between slats promote airflow to keep mattresses fresh and prevent mold growth.

They allow mattresses to flex. Spacing between slats provides the "give" needed to conform to body contours for greater comfort.

Slats evenly distribute weight. This minimizes pressure points for better sleep quality.

They absorb motion transfer. Individual slats responding to shifts in weight isolates movement so you don‘t disturb your partner as easily.

In short, slats form the core foundation to give mattresses the proper structural rigidity, flexibility and ventilation they need.

Now let‘s look at how IKEA approaches slat design specifically…

IKEA Bed Slats – What You Get

When you buy any bed frame from IKEA – whether it‘s a basic platform bed, adjustable base, canopy bed or other variety – the matching slats for that frame are included in the price.

You don‘t need to purchase slats separately when buying an IKEA frame. They integrate the slats into the overall package.

These IKEA bed slats are made from solid birch wood. Birch is chosen for its:

• Durability and tensile strength
• Natural flexibility
• Resistance to warping over time
• Lighter weight compared to other hardwoods

This high quality birch construction allows the slats to provide many years of reliable support and adaptability.

The fittings that attach slats to the bed frame are made from long-lasting polyethylene. This flexible plastic material allows the slats to move independently while remaining firmly in place.

Slat Size and Spacing

IKEA carefully engineers their slats to the optimal dimensions for each mattress size:

This 2-3 inch spacing between slats offers the ideal balance of adaptability and support recommended for most mattresses, based on extensive product testing.

Wider spacing allows too much flexing and compression. Narrow spacing doesn‘t allow needed compliance to body contours. The 2-3 inch gap gives just the right amount of "give" while remaining sturdy.

For example, on a queen size bed with 10 slats, the slat-to-slat spacing of 2 3⁄8” comes out to just over 24” of spacing across the bed surface. Combined with the rigidity of birch wood, this prevents sagging when bearing weight.

The tailored slat length for each mattress size also ensures an equal distribution of support from head to toe, minimizing pressure points.

Reinforced Support Slats

In addition to their standard birch slats, IKEA also offers "reinforced slats" for extra-firm support:

These slats have a narrower 1 1⁄2” gap between them and are bound together for unified strength. The closer spacing and connective fabric reduce flex and cushioning, while boosting durability.

Reinforced slats are ideal for:

• Oversized or heavier individuals needing extra support.
• Bunk beds or beds that see frequent use.
• Platform beds without a center support beam.

They cost more than regular birch slats but deliver superior resilience and hardness for beds that require it.

Midbeam Support

Many IKEA bed frames also incorporate a midbeam – a central support beam running perpendicular to the slats.

This midbeam performs a few key functions:

• Prevents mattress sag by bracing the center.
• Creates an attachment point to secure slats and keep them straight.
• Adds extra structural rigidity to the frame.

Bed frames that require a midbeam will include it when purchased online. But for in-store purchases, you‘ll need to pick it up separately.

Can You Use Non-IKEA Slats?

While it‘s technically possible to use generic wood slats not made by IKEA, I advise against it.

IKEA‘s birch slats are engineered specifically to fit their bed frames and provide optimal flex, spacing, and durability. Mixing in non-IKEA slats risks:

• Inadequate support if spacing/thickness is off.
• Premature slat failure or breakage.
• Insufficient ventilation between slats.
• Uneven mattress sagging.

Your best bet is sticking with genuine IKEA slats matched to your exact bed frame. These are designed to work in harmony with the full bed system.

Yes, you can save a few dollars buying generic slats. But the drawbacks typically outweigh any minor cost savings. Investing in high quality, purpose-built IKEA slats is worth the peace of mind.

Do You Need Box Springs Too?

IKEA beds are designed for a slatted base only – no box spring required. In fact, adding a box spring to an IKEA slat bed can create instability and unnecessary height.

The tailored birch slats offer all the shock absorption and ventilation needed. Box springs would be redundant.

Box springs are really intended for use with bed frames that lack integrated slat supports. With IKEA‘s beds, the slats handle everything the box spring would do. Stick to just using the slats for optimal comfort and support.

Preventing IKEA Slats From Sliding Down

Some IKEA customers note the basic birch slats occasionally slip out of place or fall down when not securely fastened.

Here are a few handy tips to keep IKEA slats firmly positioned:

• Apply small strips of velcro to ends of each slat, matching to velcro on frame. This keeps them fastened yet still removable.
• Run a bead of clear silicone caulk along the edge of slats where they meet the frame. Once cured, this creates a "grip" to prevent sliding.
• Use metal L-brackets to attach slat ends to frame for a more permanent hold.

I recommend velcro strips as the easiest non-damaging solution. Just check slats periodically for any loosening over time.

Can You Make Replacement Slats?

With some DIY know-how, it‘s possible to create replacement birch slats for an IKEA bed on your own.

You‘ll need:

• 1×3" boards for twin/full size beds or 1×4" boards for queen/king beds.
• Wood glue and finish materials.
• A circular saw with fine toothed blade for clean cuts.
• Tape measure and straightedge for cutting boards to length.
• Sander to smooth cut edges.
• Fasteners to attach boards to frame.

Space boards 2-3" apart and cut lengths to match your frame size. Sand for smoothness and apply protective finish. Then adhere boards to frame with velcro/adhesive for security while still allowing some flex.

Handcrafting replacement slats takes more effort but can save on costs. For quickest results though, new IKEA slats are your best option.

The Bottom Line

IKEA bed frames come packaged with matching birch wood slats included – no need to purchase separately. These integrated slats provide ideal support and flexibility.

Reinforced slats are also available from IKEA when extra strength is needed. For optimal performance and ease, genuine IKEA slats are recommended over generic versions.

Equipping your IKEA bed with the proper slat system helps ensure years of restful sleep ahead. Let me know if you have any other mattress or bed frame questions!