How Long Do Bunkie Boards Last?
If you use a bunkie board as a mattress support, you may be wondering when it will need to be replaced, or if there is a set rule about how long bunkie boards will last. The longevity of a bunkie board depends on the way it is made, the material it is made of and the way it is used. But how long do bunkie boards last?
Typically, a bunkie board will last 2-3 years. Bunkie boards made of steel and solid wood last longer because they have more weight-bearing capacity and greater resistance to change than bunkie boards made of other types of materials.
How Do You Know If a Bunkie Board Is Too Old?
Since a bunkie board’s longevity depends on a variety of factors, how do you know if a bunkie board is too old?
You will know that a bunkie board is too old if your mattress has started to sag or lose its shape. Another indicator may be if you notice creaking sounds when you toss and turn in your bed.
Sometimes bunkie boards (especially those made of wood) can lose their shape due to increased humidity. This change in shape can cause them to become loose in the bed frame. This can cause the bunkie board to slip from its place whenever there is movement on the bed. Along with destroying your mattress, this can also disturb your sleep. Sometimes you may not be aware of your bunkie board’s condition until your mattress, and thus your sleep, becomes affected.
It’s a good idea to check on your bunkie board every once in a while, and you should consider replacing it if you see any of the following issues:
- A bend in the center of the bunkie board (which can be a result of bearing weight for a long time).
- A change in the shape of the bunkie board which has caused it to become too tight or too loose in the bed frame. This can be a result of moisture in wood-based bunkie boards.
- A change in the shape of the bunkie board which has caused it to become uneven (this can happen if the bunkie board is placed incorrectly). With plywood bunkie boards, moisture can cause the layers in plywood to separate, thus destroying the bunkie board.
- A crack in the surface of the bunkie board, which can be a result of jumping on the bed or mishandling.
- A termite attack, which could happen with wood-based bunkie boards.
Related articles:
- How to fix a squeaky bunkie board
- Using DIY Plywood Boards vs. Bunkie Boards
- The best bunkie boards for different types of mattresses, according to us
- How much weight does a bunkie board hold?
How Long Do Manufacturer’s Warranties on Bunkie Boards Last?
The length of manufacturer’s warranties vary from company to company, and it should be noted that the terms and conditions of every warranty are different. When buying a bunkie board, you should have a good look at the warranty’s rules and regulations, because you can only file a warranty claim if you have used the bunkie board according to those rules. (For more information, see this article from the Minnesota Law Review.) But how long do manufacturer’s warranties on bunkie boards usually last?
Some manufacturers give warranties for a period as short as 10 days, and some give warranties for up to 10 years.
Manufacturers that provide full warranties take responsibility to cover every type of damage within the warranty period. Manufacturers that provide limited warranties cover only certain types of damage. Not all warranties offer replacement or a full refund. Some companies provide a pro-rated refund depending on how many years have passed since the purchase and how much wear and tear has happened during that time.
Below are a few examples of some bunkie boards and their warranty periods.
| Product Name and Link to Amazon | Manufacturer’s Warranty | Approximate Price |
| Zinus Deepak Bunkie Board | 5-year limited warranty | $65 |
| Signature Sleep Steel Bunkie Board | 1-year limited warranty | $100 |
| Orthomattress Bunkie Board | 10-year limited warranty | $100 |
| Continental Sleep Split Bunkie Board | 10-day full warranty | $175 |
| Sage Twin Bunky Board | 1-year limited warranty | $60 |
Does the Type Affect How Long A Bunkie Board Will Last?
Standard bunkie boards usually come in one piece. For example, if you order a plywood bunkie board, it will arrive as one continuous sheet, or board. On the other hand, a split bunkie board is one that is divided into two or more parts. However, you may be wondering if the type of bunkie board affects how long the bunkie board will last.
Yes, the type of bunkie board affects how long it will last. Split bunkie boards may last longer than standard ones because standard bunkie boards are more prone to damage caused by weight, and because bunkie boards with less surface area will have a higher weight-bearing capacity.
Split bunkie boards will respond differently to the pressure put on them by a person’s weight than a standard bunkie board because of the smaller size. This will make the bunkie board last longer than a standard bunkie board in many cases.
Damage to a standard bunkie board can be avoided by making sure that it is lying completely flat and is properly supported by the bed frame. As long as you make sure that this is the case, a standard bunkie board won’t become damaged easily and it will last longer.
Although a standard bunkie board is more prone to damage caused by weight, a split bunkie board also has its disadvantages. Sometimes the two (or more) parts of a split bunkie board will slip apart. This leaves the mattress without much support from that area, and can ultimately cause the mattress to lose its shape. This problem can be avoided by making sure that the parts of the bunkie board do not slip apart. To do so, ensure that your split bunkie board fits perfectly into your bed frame, and make sure to check the bunkie board’s position every once in a while.
Related article:
How Does the Material of a Bunkie Board Affect Its Longevity?
Every type of material has its own weight-bearing capacity and capacity for resistance to damage. But how does the material of a bunkie board affect its longevity?
The material of a bunkie board affects its longevity because the weight-bearing capacity of some materials (like particle board) are less than others (like solid wood or steel). Therefore, bunkie boards made of particle board or similar materials have a shorter lifespan than those made of stronger materials.
Materials like plywood, particle board, and solid wood are less weather-resistant than steel, because materials made of wood are sensitive to moisture, and the increase and decrease in levels of humidity can cause them to change shape. This can also affect their longevity. For more information about the longevity of different materials, see this article from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and this article from Forest Products Journal.
However, it is important to note that there are many variables that can affect the quality of a material, and thus the quality of a bunkie board made from that material - some types of wood and steel are sturdier than others, and particle boards come in different grades.
Apart from the material used to make the bunkie board, the way that the material is used can also affect a bunkie board’s longevity. Although steel has better weight-bearing capacity than other bunkie board materials, sometimes steel bunkie boards can prove to be less long-lasting than other options like a solid wood bunkie board. For example, if a bunkie board is made of solid steel bars, it will be able to bear weight for a long time without needing to be replaced. If the bunkie board is made of thin steel wires or tubes, it will not be able to retain its shape well over a long period of time and it will need to be replaced.
For a deep dive into the different materials that bunkie boards are made of or which bunkie board will fit into your budget, take a look at our article.
When Should You Replace a Bunkie Board?
If you check on your bunkie board regularly, you will be sure to notice any changes in its condition over time. So, when should you replace a bunkie board?
You should replace a bunkie board when you start to notice that the bunkie board has changed its shape, the mattress has started to sag, or the bunkie board has become damaged in some way.
The Bunkie Board’s Shape Has Changed
A bunkie board made of wood may lose its shape over time due to the effect of moisture on it. This can cause the bunkie board to become uneven or to become loose in the bed frame. Both of these things can affect the mattress, so it is important to replace a bunkie board when any of these things happen.
A bunkie board made of steel or wood may also lose its shape if it is not properly supported from below. This can cause the mattress to sag and become less comfortable.
The Mattress Has Started To Become Saggy
Even if you don’t notice changes in your bunkie board right away, they will come to your attention by causing changes in your mattress. A worn or damaged bunkie board can cause the mattress to become saggy and ruined.
If you notice anything different about your mattress, you should not only consider changing your mattress, but you should also consider changing your bunkie board. It is important to do this before it starts affecting your posture, and ultimately your health.
Some Other Damage Has Happened to the Bunkie Board
If you notice a crack or a bend in your bunkie board, you should consider replacing it before it starts to ruin your mattress. Bunkie boards made of wood can also be affected by things like termites. If there is a termite attack on your bunkie board, you should consider replacing it.
While beds may be a one-time purchase and mattresses may come with a several-year warranty, a bunkie board is not meant to last as long as your bed or mattress. Most bunkie boards last for much less time than mattresses and beds do. However, if a bunkie board is not replaced when it should be, it might also reduce the longevity of the mattress.
You might be interested in using a bunkie board instead of a box spring or can a bunkie board replace slats or another foundation because they're so cheap and portable. Although bunkie boards do not last very long, given their price range and the amount of time they last, we can safely say that bunkie boards provide good value for your money.