Do IKEA Beds Come With Slats? (All You Need To Know)

IKEA is beloved for its simple yet stylish furniture at wallet-friendly prices. But despite the Swedish retailer‘s reputation for affordability and simplicity, their offerings still spur some common questions. One of the most frequent from prospective bed buyers is: do IKEA beds come with slats?

As an IKEA shopping expert, I‘m here to clear up the confusion on whether their beds include this important supporting structure. Read on for the details.

IKEA Bed Slats: A Structural Necessity

Before diving into what‘s included with IKEA bed frames specifically, it helps to understand why slats are so crucial in general. These thin, rail-like pieces of wood or metal span the bed frame to provide a surface for the mattress to sit on. Without slats serving as a base, a mattress would sag through the open frames.

Slats also absorb weight and force, helping preserve the bed frame‘s structural integrity over years of use. This prevents the frame from bending or breaking down prematurely.

Do IKEA Mattresses Come With Slats?

IKEA sells mattresses both together with bed frames as sets and individually. For mattresses purchased separately, IKEA mattresses do not come with slats.

The product details for standalone IKEA mattresses clearly state they require either an IKEA bed frame with included slats or separate aftermarket slats designed for IKEA beds.

This allows buyers flexibility to use their new mattress with an existing bed frame or mix and match it with any IKEA frame model to create a custom bed setup.

IKEA Bed Frames Include Slats

Unlike standalone IKEA mattresses, all bed frames sold by IKEA include slats. The needed slats for each frame, whether basic or reinforced, are conveniently packaged together with the bed pieces at no extra charge.

For example, the popular IKEA Nordli bed frame includes the 11 basic slats designed specifically to clip into the frame‘s side rail connectors and provide mattress support.

So while you‘ll need to purchase slats separately to use an IKEA mattress on its own, bed frames from the Swedish furnishing store remain a reliable one-stop solution.

IKEA Slats: What Are the Options?

IKEA offers bed slats in two main varieties:

Basic Slats

• Made of solid wood or bamboo
• Fit average mattress needs
• Spaced approx. 2.5 – 3 inches apart
• Included free with IKEA bed frames
• Also sold separately starting at $10

Reinforced Slats

• Feature extra middle support beam
• Provide increased shock absorption
• Closer slat spacing enhances support
• Made for heavier mattresses or sleepers
• Sold separately, prices start around $30

Reinforced slats offer heightened support for a relatively small upcharge, making them a smart choice for larger or active sleepers. Basic slats sufficiently serve most consumers though.

Average Cost of IKEA Bed Slats

Prices vary based on slat size, materials, and bed frame model, but remain budget-friendly across the board.

Using Non-IKEA Slats with IKEA Beds

While custom or aftermarket slats can functionally support an IKEA mattress, sticking with slats made specifically for IKEA frames is highly recommended.

The distance between side rails, underlying bed structure, and connector pieces tend to vary across brands. Mismatched slats risk loose placement or inadequate mattress support.

Genuine IKEA slats seamlessly fit the company’s beds for optimal performance and longevity.

The Takeaway: Lean on IKEA for Complete Bed Sets

While IKEA mattresses themselves don’t packaged with the requisite slats, IKEA beds conveniently include everything needed – from slats to hardware – for quick, frustration-free assembly.

So for those seeking an all-in-one bed bundle from their one-stop Swedish furnishing purveyor, fear not: just add an IKEA mattress to any IKEA bed frame to instantly have a complete bed supported by perfectly fitted slats.