The Best California King Bed Frame

Buying Guide

King beds are great for those who like to spread out a little, but it’s only wider than a queen bed, not longer. If you’re more than a few inches over six feet tall, you probably have noticed this similarity. That’s where a California king bed comes in.

Surprisingly, a California king isn’t as wide as a standard king bed, although you may not notice the few inches you’re giving up. With California kings, it’s all about that extra four inches in length you get. A standard king mattress is 76-inches by 80-inches, while a California king will give you 72-inch by 84-inches. Not a huge difference, but when your feet reach all the way to the end of a standard bed, it’s a welcome expansion. But if width matters, you’re better off with a standard king.

California king bed frames are the foundation to a good night’s sleep. So before you make a purchase, check this guide for suggestions of things to look for in an ideal frame.

Start by reviewing the type of material the California king bed frame is constructed out of. Many are made from a sturdy steel, while others feature solid wood slats. Still, there are some models out there that are made from cheap materials, including plastic, and these units won’t hold up under the pressure of everyday use.

Next, decide if you’d like your California king bed to have a headboard. Some models come with a headboard, while others might not come with a headboard, but allow for attaching to one with as long as you have the appropriate hardware.

If you live in a small apartment or home, you’ll also want to take storage space into consideration. Look for a frame that leaves 13-inches of space underneath for storing everything from photo albums to your wedding dress.

The type of mattress you plan to use with the bed frame is also important. There are styles of bed frames that work with memory foam, traditional spring and hybrid mattresses. Additionally, most frames can handle a box spring. Not all bed frames are designed for both a box spring and a mattress.

Review the label for the words “noise-free.” You don’t want to spend good money on a bed frame that creaks every time you roll over in the middle of the night. Instead of falling right back to sleep, you’ll be jolted awake.

Finally, check to see how easy or complex the California king bed frame is to assemble. Some models require the use of your own tools, while others don’t need any tools at all. If you have a handyman in your home, this may not be an issue.

• Most California king bed frames are made of metal and can be wiped down with a wet cloth to remove accumulated dust. You’ll also want to do this if you ever need to fold up and store the frame, such as during a move or to set aside for when company visits.
• If your metal frame has any rust spots, brush the rust off with steel wool. Afterward, coat the area with a sealant.
• When storing a California king bed frame, it is important to wrap it in some kind of blanket. Moving blankets are ideal for this. Not only does this protect the frame, but it also keeps the metal frame from scratching anything else in your garage or storage unit.
• Not all California king bed frames are ideal for all mattress types. Before you select a frame, make sure you know it will accommodate the type of mattress you plan to buy. Additionally, not all bed frames are capable of being attached to a headboard. If you plan to use a headboard, check to see what hardware, if any, is needed to get the job done.
• If you ever need to move your bed around the room due to a remodel, consider using a set of sliding discs under the feet. These discs protect your flooring, while making it a cinch to push the bed into a new position.