A Bunkie board is a mattress support system that is put under the mattress on a bed frame, platform beds, or on the floor. Bunkie boards are usually thin and lightweight and do not add significant weight to the bed frame.
How long a Bunkie bed lasts will depend on the material used to make it, the weight put on it, and the environmental conditions in which it is used. A plywood and particleboard Bunkie boards will last 3-5 years if used well in a safe environment while solid wood will last 5-7 years. Metal and plastic Bunkie boards will typically last over 20 years depending on usage.
The material making the Bunkie board has a significant effect on how long the Bunkie board will last.
Materials that are likely to change due to weather will last a shorter time than materials that are not affected at all by weather or other conditions.
Here will look at different materials and how they affect the longevity of the Bunkie board.
Table of Contents
1. Plywood Bunkie Boards
They are made of several thin sheets of wood that have been glued together to form a lightweight board. This Bunkie board is likely to suffer mite infestation if the wood is not treated chemically.
Where mites infest the plywood, the bunkie board will last 3-6 months depending on the severity of the infestation
Plywood is likely to absorb moisture from the environment. Where the Bunkie board is stored in a moist environment or comes into contact with water, the board will be damaged and is unlikely to last long.
Depending on the length of exposure to moisture, the plywood Bunkie board will last 1-2 months before it becomes useless.
The weight subjected to the Bunkie board will also determine how long it lasts. With optimum weight and in a dry environment, a plywood Bunkie board will last 3-5 years.
Plywood damage time after exposure to different elements
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2. Particleboard Bunkie Boards
These boards are made from wood shavings, sawdust, and chippings that are glued together and hot compacted to form the board.
Since the materials used to make the board are small and weak, the board does not last long typically 2-3 years and often up to 5 years.
The glue used to make the wood waste stick together is strong but will eventually wear off. With heavyweights being placed on the Bunkie board, it will wear off very fast.
The Bunkie board is also likely to absorb water and get swollen. Water will damage the structural integrity of the board and it will be damaged much faster. When exposed to moisture continuously, it last 3-6 months before it becomes completely useless.
Particleboard Bunkie boards will not carry much weight due to the weak nature of the constituent elements.
In some circumstances, there might be a mite infestation that will weaken the board further.
3. Steel Bunkie Board
These are the strongest Bunkie boards available. These are made of steel slats that are connected to a frame. Sturdy cloth material is then put on top.
Steel Bunkie boards will last over 20 years and will still retain their integrity even under abusive use.
They are capable of carrying more weight than any other Bunkie board and the environment does not affect their longevity much.
4. Solid Wood Bunkie Board
They are made of solid wood that has been cut to the required size. They are strong and can bear much weight. Solid wood Bunkie board will last between 3-5 years with proper usage.
Solid wood is affected by the environment in which it is used. When it is exposed to moisture, it will absorb water from the environment and expand.
Depending on the length of exposure, this water will cause the wood to start rotting and will reduce the lifespan of the solid wood Bunkie to 1-2 years.
Mites are another problem that affects solid wood Bunkie boards. If the wood is not treated with chemicals, there might occur mite infestation.
Depending on the severity of the infestation, the solid wood Bunkie board will last 6 months to 1 year.
5. Plastic Bunkie Board
Plastic has minimal elements that affect it. It is sturdy and will typically last over 20 years with proper usage.
Plastic is not affected by weather as it does not absorb moisture from the environment. It will not be damaged by dust or dirt and it will hold more weight compared to its’ weight.
The only thing known to affect the plastic Bunkie board is heat. If it is exposed to excess heat, it will deform and lose shape and eventually melt. Avoid exposing the plastic Bunkie board to direct heat.
Does The Design Of The Bunkie Board Affect Its Longevity?
How a Bunkie board is designed will affect how long it lasts. A Bunkie board can be split or one continuous piece. When the Bunkie board is split, it tends to last longer. The different pieces have different, usually higher-weight carrying capacities.
This will make them last longer than single-unit Bunkie boards. Split boards are also likely to suffer less damage when being moved than single-unit boards.
They are also likely to fit in tight places without being forced, unlike single-unit boards that have to be forced into tight spaces and thus last a shorter time.
The drawback of a split Bunkie board is that it might move apart when you sleep on them thus exposing the mattress to damage. This problem can be overcome by ensuring the Bunkie board fits well into the bed frame.
When Does The Bunkie Board Need Replacement?
A regular inspection of the bed frame, mattress support system, and the mattress itself will save you a lot and will ensure you always have a comfortable bed to sleep on.
With regular inspection of the bed, you will become aware of the nature and status of the Bunkie board and whether it needs a replacement. The following indicators will signal the need for a new Bunkie board.
1. Bend
This will occur mostly when the board is subjected to excess weight. The board will bend downwards at the point where excess weight is placed.
When the bend is identifiable, it is time to replace the mattress and avoid further damage to the mattress.
2. Change In Shape
The Bunkie board will change shape when it is incorrectly placed in the bed or if the material absorbs moisture from the environment.
Moisture will make the board expand and distort its shape. You will see the board being uneven having bumps and depressions.
In this case, you need to replace the Bunkie board and avoid exposing the board to a moist environment.
The changing shape may also cause the Bunkie board to come into contact with the bed frame and cause squeaky noises from the bed.
3. Cracks
When the board is cracked, it means its integrity has been compromised. Cracks may be a result of excessive weight or kids jumping on the bed and cracking the board. Replace the cracked board.
4. Mite Attack
Different mites may cause an infestation on the board. Some mites are microscopic and cannot be seen by the naked eye. However, the presence of mite infestation may be noted by the presence of powder on the Bunkie board or the floor. This powder indicates wood has been attacked and this is the by-product of the attack.
Final Thoughts
How long a Bunkie board stays will be more determined by how it is used.
However, cheap Bunkie boards may be appealing when you buy them but they may be expensive in the long run as you will need to keep replacing them now and then.
Go for a Bunkie board that will last longer and you will not have to think about a Bunkie board for a while.
