Slat Distance, wood vs metal questions and suggestions?

Beyond Mattresses
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In my experience all platform frames make mattresses firmer. Which I absolutely detest. I want softer. But platform frames are necessary to have underbed storage. Absolute necessity if you live in an apt.

My most recent frame purchase was a metal platform frame with wood slats 3" apart. I got it specifically because I read latex mattresses had to be 3" or less slat distance. But wood slats made the mattress significantly firmer compared to metal slats. It also didn’t feel sturdy for heavy people whatsoever. The slats were attached with Velcro. I returned it because it legit felt like I could break those wood slats just pushing on them. And because I returned the too form latex mattress

Other super frustrating issue is the lack of slat distance information listed on product pages. I’m guessing it’s most likely the stupid common 7.5-8" distance if a brand refuses to list slat distance

So two different mattress situations

First mattress:
Queen memory foam (all foam)

Need either a 12" or 14" platform frame (necessary under bed storage). No headboard/footboard.
350 lb solo sleeper so I’ve only looked at 2000 lb+ ratings. Prefers all metal because fear of breaking wood

I read that the slat distance has to be 5" or less for memory or polyfoam. But the closest metal slat frame I can find is 5.5" distance with the two end slats being 2.75" from edge of frame. Would that be okay. If not, any suggestions?

Second mattress:
King size DIY, still researching.
14" platform frame needed (underbed storage), preferably with metal headboard or metal canopy (no footboard). 240 lb and 160 lb bed partners

I’m between either a 6" polyfoam core or 6" blended Talalay core for the base. Most recommendations are pushing for Latex or springs for core

Latex core puts me back into the 3" slat distance issue. Polyfoam puts me at the 5" which falls into the closest metal I’ve found is 5.5" issue.

The other issue is most wood slat platform frames I’m seeing (with a headboard or canopy) are not very high pound rated. Like the highest was 900 lb. And I read you needed 1000+ rating for latex.

Sprung & adjustable lumbar quandry:
I read that the only type of platform frame that makes mattresses softer would be sprung (which apparently doesn’t exist in the US) or adjustable lumbar. Opinion on sprung or adjustable lumbar frames?

I found only one adjustable lumbar. But it has no way to even attach a headboard. I am not mechanical nor do I have access to lots of tools so simple solutions please

Link:
Boyd Sleep 14" High Metal Platform Bed Frame with Wood Slat Support, Adjustable Lumbar Zone from Firm to Plush, No Box Spring Required, Easy Assembly, Under Bed Storage Space, Size King Amazon.com

Next q:
Several suggestions I’ve seen to deal with the slat distance issue was just put a piece of plywood or something on top of slats. Arguments against that have been moisture (but said could treat it) and need to drill holes. Is there a similar solution to this that wouldn’t make the mattress significantly firmer?

Final q:
Any alternative King frame suggestions that still have underbed storage? (14" high due to 11.5" totes) With a metal headboard or canopy…

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In my experience all platform frames make mattresses firmer. Which I absolutely detest. I want softer. But platform frames are necessary to have underbed storage. Absolute necessity if you live in an apt.

Kea12312, this needs to be quantified. True a quality solid platform like this 12" off the ground, will certainly stimulate firmness in a mattress. This does not mean it makes a soft mattress firm, it just means the platform is very solid and rigid, so whatever mattress is placed on it will have a slightly firmer feel to it.

I know there will be those who will chime in on this one. As far as I am concerned, (and i have a mattress that the manufacturer states I can use slats up to 4" apart) no mattress should use slats that are more than 3" apart. Why buy that foundation, there are so many mattresses today that require 3" or less. Most foam layers, (used without a firm base foam) run the risk penetrating through wider than 2.75 to 3" slats, so why bother. If it is the slight addition of firmness that is a concern, solve it somewhere else in the mattress.

Polyfoam is good, latex is more durable and will likely last longer. It is worth the extra dollars if you are looking to build your own mattress.

The other issue is most wood slat platform frames I’m seeing (with a headboard or canopy) are not very high pound rated. Like the highest was 900 lb. And I read you needed 1000+ rating for latex.

There are plenty out there with an over 1k lb rating. Like anything else, companies are marketeers, they often make things to meet what the competition is doing. Move up to the next step in the competition and you will find the better rated products.

Sprung & adjustable lumbar quandary:
I read that the only type of platform frame that makes mattresses softer would be sprung (which apparently doesn’t exist in the US) or adjustable lumbar. Opinion on sprung or adjustable lumbar frames?

I found only one adjustable lumbar. But it has no way to even attach a headboard. I am not mechanical nor do I have access to lots of tools so simple solutions please

Link:
Boyd Sleep 14" High Metal Platform Bed Frame with Wood Slat Support, Adjustable Lumbar Zone from Firm to Plush, No Box Spring Required, Easy Assembly, Under Bed Storage Space, Size King Amazon.com

Boyd makes some nice quality products. I am not sure this one will be supportive enough. It does have side to side center support across the lumbar region of the frame, but the European type flexible slats may or may not do the trick depending on the quality of those slats.

Yes you could put plywood, but now you are firming up again. The air holes are for circulation and will not soften anything up, it will allow air to circulate to reduce the chance of moisture build up. Other materials like coir, or hypervent or this one may work in your favor here and serve a dual purpose.

I am not sure of the answer to this, there probably is one, as there always is, but it may be a matter of seek and cost.

Hope this helps,

Maverick