The Best California King Bed Frames

Whether you need more space in bed or want to have a luxurious sleeping experience, a California king bed frames allow you to customize your sleeping experience. A standard king mattress measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, but the California king mattress measures 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. This measurement means it’s longer and more narrow than a standard king. Sleepers have to choose between a wider, shorter bed or a narrower, longer mattress. For people who are especially tall, a California king is a great choice to get some extra length. It is also great for those who want to share their beds with animals and still have legroom.

Buying Guide for California King Bed Frames

Why buy a California king bed frame?

California king bed frames are best for those who want extra legroom, who are taller than average, or who need more space in the bed for cats or dogs. It’s ideal for those who value length over width. Those four extra inches make it or break it for those who have felt like their legs were dangling over the edge of the mattress in the past. The size of the bed also allows sleepers to have plenty of space to stretch out. They fit nicely in larger bedrooms and can provide a luxurious sleeping experience.

What should you look for in a California king bed frame?

• Weight Limit: Bed frames need to be sturdy enough to hold the weight of the mattress and bedding accompaniments and the people planning to sleep atop it. Some bed frames will also need a box spring to go under the mattress. You can also consider a platform bed, which provides built-in support for your mattress and doesn’t require a box spring. Platform beds usually sit lower to the ground than a traditional bed frame with a box spring.
• Room for Storage: Having room underneath your bed is a great way to provide additional storage space for your living situation. Whether the storage is built-in or leaves room for you to put what you like underneath, it’s a great way to control and minimize clutter. This feature also eliminates the need for constant cleaning underneath the bed, making it a win-win situation.
• Support: Different bed frames have different support functions, whether metal bars or even wooden slats. Having a good support system is essential for the longevity of the mattress. Consider the number of slats and the spacing between them. If there aren’t very many slats, the overall system won’t be as strong. Some bed frames also have central support legs for extra strength, which can be helpful for larger beds.

Should you get a bed frame with a headboard?

When purchasing a California king bed frame, you should consider a headboard. If you want the luxurious feeling that comes with a California king bed, a headboard will complete that setup. If the frame doesn’t come with a headboard built-in, check that it’s compatible with a separate headboard. A footboard is also a nice addition, and having both will really make the bed feel like the focal point of the bedroom.

Our Picks for the Best California King Bed Frames

Pros: This bed frame is made with dependable steel to fully support your mattress and boxspring, up to 1,200 pounds. The frame extends beyond the recessed legs, so you won’t bump your ankles when you roll out of bed in the morning. The frame is easy to assemble and comes with brackets to attach to a headboard of your choice. All the tools needed to assemble it are included with your purchase.

Cons: This bed frame only rises 6 inches from the ground. While it accommodates the height of the box spring and mattress, there will be little room underneath for storage. While it’s compatible with a headboard, the extra pieces for attachment aren’t included with this purchase. It also only has three metal bars for support in comparison to bed frames with more bars that provide additional support.

Bottom Line: This bed frame is a great choice for those who need something sturdy, basic, compatible with most headboards, and easy to put together.

 

Pros: This all-in-one platform bed frame is an award-winning product for its innovative design and easy assembly. It features “Quick Snap” bolt-free assembly, hooks, and elastic hoops that hold the cover in place, and all the tools/instructions come in the box. This frame requires no box spring; the mattress can simply rest atop the foundation for excellent support and extended mattress life. The foundation frame also comes in a variety of colors to match your home interior. The steel frame has steel slats, is 16 inches high, and has 5 inches of clearance from the floor.

Cons: The bed frame leaves little to no room underneath it for storage. It might not be the best choice for someone who strongly prefers having a box spring for extra support, as one is not needed for the all-in-one bed frame.

Bottom Line: For those who want to purchase a bed frame and mattress, this choice is great because it eliminates the need for a box spring. The short and sturdy steel frame is easily accessible and looks aesthetically pleasing in almost any room.

 

Pros: This all-in-one foundation bed supports your mattress with no box spring needed. It’s made from heavy steel construction, can support up to 3,000 pounds, and has plenty of room underneath for storage. Even the legs are recessed for safety, allowing your mattress to lay atop the foundation for comfortable daily use. The bottoms of the legs have caps on them to protect your floor. The bed comes in one box and is easy to assemble. This frame, while not needing a headboard, can become compatible if additional brackets are purchased.

Cons: This frame has no slats for support, but it does have steel bars. It is also a tall frame, so the addition of a mattress will raise the height of the bed, which could be less desirable for some. Some users found that this bed makes squeaking noises when getting in and out; if so, the wingnuts need to be tightened to stop the squeaking.

Bottom Line: This foundation bed is built to last and hold a decent amount of weight. It’s a great choice for those trying to streamline a bedroom by storing miscellaneous things underneath the bed and out of daily sight.

 

Pros: This panel-style bed frame comes with a beautiful hand-tufted quilted headboard and footboard and comes in a variety of colors. The convenience of a built-in headboard requires fewer separate purchases. The frame does require a box spring. It’s easy to assemble, and the result is a real statement piece for your bedroom.

Cons: The frame has a weight limit of only 600 pounds, which is significantly less than other available options. It’s also a heavier frame, weighing 131 pounds, so it can be tricky to move. The wooden slats aren’t the strongest.

Bottom Line: This beautiful complete bed frame with a headboard is great for those who have lighter box springs and mattresses. If you aren’t very handy, this may not be the best choice for you.

 

Pros: This solid wood platform bed is built to handle up to 900 pounds. The wooden frame is crafted with extra-strong hardwoods, with slats distributed 3 inches apart. Wooden slats are known to be very sturdy and long-lasting. No box spring is required either. The bed is easy to assemble and is built to be long-lasting. There are a variety of wood stain options available.

Cons: This bed doesn’t have legs in the center for extra support, despite having slats across the whole frame. With no middle support, the bed is less sturdy. Additionally, despite the spacing of the slats, some people have needed to replace some of them after long use.

Bottom Line: This wooden bed frame is dependable and sturdy, which makes it a great choice. It’s a practical frame since it doesn’t require a box spring and can be put together quickly.

Final Thoughts

People spend an average of six to eight hours a night in bed, so it’s crucial to have a comfortable place to rest your head at the end of a long day. If you own a California king mattress, take a look at our picks for solid bed frames.