Buying a bed frame sounds simple until you’re deciding between an IKEA-style flat-pack option and a solid timber build that’s designed to stay for years. Both can be the “right” choice, depending on whether the priority is easy moving, a tighter budget, long-term stability, or that warm, natural look many Kiwi bedrooms lean towards. This guide compares the everyday pros and cons of an IKEA flatpack bed frame versus a solid wood bed frames setup, focusing on what actually affects sleep, noise, durability, and styling.

Materials and eco: the honest trade-off

IKEA Products

• Mostly engineered wood (particleboard, MDF) with thin veneers or laminated finishes.
• Some models use solid wood components (e.g., pine slats or oak fronts), but bulk is composite.
• Lightweight and consistent.

Solid Hardwood Bedframe

• Made from natural hardwood like oak, ash, walnut, or cherry. 
• Strong, dense, and age-worthy.
• Can show unique grain patterns; each piece is one-of-a-kind.
  

It’s not necessary to villainise any brand to be honest about priorities. Many flat-pack options on the market are designed for accessibility, convenience, and easy transport. Solid timber options are often designed for longevity and repairability.

Quick note from us: In general, engineered panels can be lighter and more variable in designs, while solid timber often offers long-life value because it can be repaired or refinished rather than replaced. For anyone comparing options, it’s worth checking each product’s specifications, finishes, and care requirements before deciding.

From an eco perspective, “best” often comes down to how long the furniture stays in use. A bed frame that lasts and gets maintained is usually the more sustainable outcome than one that gets replaced frequently.

Colour and finish: why solid wood bed frames often come in fewer colours

IKEA

• Often uses melamine or foil surfaces.
• Paint or thin veneer on selected models.
• Consistent coloration but superficial — harder to touch up if scratched.

Solid Hardwood

• Finished with oil, lacquer, stain, or natural wax.
• Develops a beautiful patina over time.
• Can be refinished or repaired easily.

This is a common question, especially for shoppers comparing a wide colour catalogue to a solid timber range that focuses on neutrals like natural, white, and black.

Solid wood collections often have fewer colour options because:

• The timber grain is the point. Many buyers choose solid wood specifically to see the natural character.
• Colour consistency is harder on real timber. Natural wood varies in tone, even within the same species, which can make bold colours harder to keep consistent across batches.
• Heavier coatings can hide the grain. Strong colours often need thicker paint systems, which reduces that “real wood” look.
• Neutral finishes are easier to maintain and refresh. Touch-ups and refinishing tend to be more forgiving with natural or classic finishes.
• Neutral colours age better. Bedrooms change over time. A timeless bed frame is easier to restyle than a trend-heavy colour. 

This is why many solid wood ranges stay intentionally tight on colour. It keeps the bed frame versatile for the long run.

In contrast, IKEA bed frames provide greater colour flexibility, with veneer finishes enabling a wide variety of colours and sizes, as well as more metal frame options to suit different interior styles.

Stability and squeaks: what actually makes a bed frame noisy

For beds, the biggest difference people notice over time is rarely “looks”, it’s whether the bed stays quiet and steady after months of daily use.

Common reasons a bed frame starts squeaking:

• Micro-movement at joints (especially where side rails meet the head/foot)
• Fasteners loosening through normal movement, shifting floors, or repeated assembly/disassembly
• Slat friction where slats rub on rails or brackets
• Uneven flooring that twists the structure slightly

IKEA bed frames are typically designed for flat-pack convenience, which means:

• Frames rely heavily on bolts, cams, and brackets rather than fixed joinery
• Engineered wood rails and thinner components can flex slightly under load
• With regular use, small movements at joints may increase, especially if fasteners are not periodically re-tightened

For smaller sizes (such as double or queen), many IKEA frames perform well when assembled correctly. However, as the frame gets wider — particularly in king and super king sizes — stability becomes more dependent on precise assembly, centre support quality, and floor level.

Squeaks in IKEA beds most often come from:

• Loosening hardware
• Slats shifting in their holders
• Metal-to-metal or wood-to-metal contact points

Beds get wider as you move from a queen to a king, and the span increases again for super king. That extra width puts more demand on support and rigidity. In practice, the larger the frame, the more the build details matter.

Solid hardwood bed frames are generally built with mass, rigidity, and long-term use in mind:

• Heavier timber reduces flex and absorbs movement
• Strong corner structures and thicker side rails minimise joint play
• Slats usually sit securely on solid ledges rather than lightweight brackets

Because hardwood frames rely less on frequent fastener adjustment and more on structural strength, they tend to remain quieter and steadier over time — particularly for larger bed sizes.

Any noise that does develop is usually easier to diagnose and fix, as the frame is designed to be re-tightened or serviced without dismantling the entire structure.

Support and comfort: the part most people forget when buying a bed

A bed frame isn’t just a “holder” for a mattress. The support system underneath affects how the mattress wears and how the bed feels night after night.

Key support considerations:

• Slat spacing and consistency: uneven support can lead to uneven mattress wear
• Centre rail support: especially important when pairing a queen mattress and frame or upsizing to a king size bed frame
• Under-bed clearance: useful for cleaning and airflow, and for storage if that’s part of the plan

If the goal is a bed that still feels stable after a year, the smart move is to assess the support system as carefully as the headboard style.

Choosing the right size for NZ bedrooms: queen, king, and super king

Most people pick a bed size based on comfort, then realise the real challenge is whether it fits the room you actually have. Below are the common New Zealand mattress dimensions (width × length). Note: different mattress brands can vary by a centimetre or two, so treat these as a guide and always check the exact product specs. 

Queen size bed (approx. 153 × 203 cm)

A queen size bed is the most flexible option for many NZ bedrooms. It’s typically easier to place with bedside tables while keeping walkways comfortable.

King size bed (approx. 167 × 203 cm)

A king size bed gives noticeably more width, which is why many couples upgrade. Just be realistic about clearance once you add drawers, wardrobes, or a tallboy. 

Super King bed (approx. 183 × 203 cm)

A super King bed is the “luxury space” option. It’s fantastic if the room supports it, but it’s the size where bed frame support and centre stability matter most. 

One important reminder: the mattress size is not the same as the bed frame size. A bed frame (especially with a thick headboard) can add extra centimetres in width/length, so always check the listed dimensions of the frame itself, not just the mattress size.

Price vs durability: value over time without the guilt trip

It’s common to see an IKEA-style bed frame priced under $1,000, while solid timber queen bed frames and king bed setups often sit higher. The gap usually comes down to how the product is designed, made, and delivered.

Why IKEA-style bed frames are often more budget friendly

1. Flat-pack + self-assembly lowers costs
   Flat-pack shipping and customer assembly reduce packing, storage, and labour costs compared with fully-built furniture.
2. Standardised mass production
   High-volume production and repeatable designs help keep per-unit costs down across popular ranges.
3. The “headline price” may not be the full setup
   Some frames are priced separately from slats/base and other components, so the final cost depends on what’s included.

We recommend comparing like-for-like: frame + correct support system (slats/base) + delivery/assembly needs, not just the first number you see.

Why solid wood bed frames cost more

1. Higher raw material cost
   Quality timber generally costs more than engineered panel materials.
2. More build time and sturdier construction
   Solid wood components and tighter joinery typically require more manufacturing work to keep the frame rigid and stable.
3. Long-life value and repairability
   Solid timber is often chosen because it can be tightened, maintained, and sometimes refinished, rather than replaced when it shows wear.

What to choose: pick your bed frame by lifestyle

Choose an IKEA-style bed frame if:

• the home is a rental or temporary setup
• easy transport and assembly matter more than long-term rigidity
• the plan is to update furniture more often

Choose a solid wood bed frame if:

• the goal is a long-term bedroom setup
• stability and quiet nights matter (especially for couples and light sleepers)
• the buyer wants a frame that can be tightened, maintained, and potentially refinished later

This is also where choosing the right size matters. A queen bed frame can be forgiving in many rooms. A king or super king build benefits from stronger support because there’s more span to stabilise.

FAQs about beds and bed frames

Is a bed with bed frame better than just a mattress?

In most homes, yes. A bed with bed frame helps with airflow, cleaning, consistent mattress support, and a more finished bedroom setup. It also tends to feel more stable, especially if the frame has good centre support.

Is “queen bed and bed frame” the same thing?

Usually, yes. People often search queen bed and bed frame when they mean “a complete queen bed setup”, especially if they’re pairing it with a mattress.

How do you stop noise in the frame of the bed?

For the frame of the bed, start with tightening all connection points. Then check slats, centre rail support, and whether the bed is sitting evenly. If the floor is uneven, small adjustments under legs can reduce twist and noise.

What do people mean by “bed and frame”, “beds for beds”, or “bed with bed”?

These searches are usually shorthand. Bed and frame often means “a complete bed setup.” Phrases like beds for beds or bed with bed tend to be messy search queries where the shopper is trying to find a bed frame that matches their mattress size or a full bedroom set.

Where to shop next

For renters or frequent movers, an IKEA-style bed frame can be a sensible, budget-friendly choice. For long-term homes, a solid timber bed frame often suits buyers who want a steadier feel, quieter nights, and a finish that stays timeless as the room evolves.

Choosing the right bed isn’t just about the frame — the best result comes from pairing the right bed frame with the right mattress, especially when upgrading to a king or super king. If the next step is building a complete setup, it helps to choose the bed frame and mattress together so support and comfort match your sleep style. At Oak Furniture Store, we stock both bed frames and mattresses in NZ, so you can create a full bedroom setup in one place. Explore the range online or visit us in-store to compare sizes and finishes in person.