The bed-times, they are a changin'... Edited, 11-16-20
This bed frame, and the corresponding beds-in-a-box idea represent a sea change in how we sleep. This is my first foray into the new system. To start, I purchased a queen size b-in-a-b, the only brand I believe to be made in the U.S. Since I was moving up in size from a full, I also needed a frame. This deluxe, sturdier version of the seemed like the wise choice and the best deal.
I wouldn't say it was easy to assemble, but with a little space and some patience it is doable for folks who are mildly mechanically oriented. I was very cautious about tightening the hardware, first tightening to snug, and then revisiting after a few minutes. I'm sure I went around at least a half dozen times, often tightening no more than a quarter turn or less. It seems pretty sturdy as a result.
I love the color. I was afraid dark espresso was going to be on the black side, but it's a very nice finish. There were only two dings. One on the rear of the headboard was no big deal. One on the outside edge of one of the rear feet had a nice scrape, but I filed the jagged edge down and tinted with brown western boot heel dressing. You can't see it.
Two things I'm still trying to get used to...
At 5'10, the b-in-a-b mattress on the 12 frame is still a tad low for my taste.
But more problematic is how the foot of the mattress rests on the cross slats. The reason sheets have in the past stayed in place after making the bed has to do with the interaction between the traditional box springs and mattress. The weight of the mattress on the upholstered box springs held the sheets in place. With this frame, designed for use with a b-in-a-b, there is actually visible space at the foot of the mattress where the bottom slat can be seen and through to the carpet underneath. The problem though, is that the sheets have precious little under the foot of the mattress to hold them in place. I'm wondering if a layer or two of something like Marley flooring over the slats would help. I would love some suggestions as to how others deal with this.
It would have been nice, as others have mentioned, if the headboard was a little bit taller. But I'll wager that space consideration in the double-boxed packaging was the critical limiting factor. The parts and pieces were packed like a Chinese puzzle. It's fine though. Mainly, it's nice to have something, anything against the wall at the head of the bed.
One last thing...save your directions, spare parts, and ratchet. It will have to be partially dis-assembled to move, and it will be considerably more challenging than old fashioned beds that just slipped apart.
Edit: 11-16-20... After a year and a half, I have deducted another two stars. As outlined in my review above, the making of the bed itself was an issue at the outset. It has become a major PITA. Sheets and blankets that fit a regular bed with plenty of tuck-in length, now require so much more at the bottom that there is precious little of said sheets and blankets left at the head of the bed to cover a shoulder. Not to mention the fact that the bedspread must ALSO be tucked in in order to keep it all together, and looks stupid in the process. You can see through to the floor between the tuck and the frame. I really wish someone would weigh in with a solution if one exists. Last thing...the two feet at the bottom of the frame are the worst toe-busters of ANY bed frame I've ever owned.
The bed-times, they are a changin'... Edited, 11-16-20
This bed frame, and the corresponding beds-in-a-box idea represent a sea change in how we sleep. This is my first foray into the new system. To start, I purchased a queen size b-in-a-b, the only brand I believe to be made in the U.S. Since I was moving up in size from a full, I also needed a frame. This deluxe, sturdier version of the seemed like the wise choice and the best deal. I wouldn't say it was easy to assemble, but with a little space and some patience it is doable for folks who are mildly mechanically oriented. I was very cautious about tightening the hardware, first tightening to snug, and then revisiting after a few minutes. I'm sure I went around at least a half dozen times, often tightening no more than a quarter turn or less. It seems pretty sturdy as a result. I love the color. I was afraid dark espresso was going to be on the black side, but it's a very nice finish. There were only two dings. One on the rear of the headboard was no big deal. One on the outside edge of one of the rear feet had a nice scrape, but I filed the jagged edge down and tinted with brown western boot heel dressing. You can't see it. Two things I'm still trying to get used to... At 5'10, the b-in-a-b mattress on the 12 frame is still a tad low for my taste. But more problematic is how the foot of the mattress rests on the cross slats. The reason sheets have in the past stayed in place after making the bed has to do with the interaction between the traditional box springs and mattress. The weight of the mattress on the upholstered box springs held the sheets in place. With this frame, designed for use with a b-in-a-b, there is actually visible space at the foot of the mattress where the bottom slat can be seen and through to the carpet underneath. The problem though, is that the sheets have precious little under the foot of the mattress to hold them in place. I'm wondering if a layer or two of something like Marley flooring over the slats would help. I would love some suggestions as to how others deal with this. It would have been nice, as others have mentioned, if the headboard was a little bit taller. But I'll wager that space consideration in the double-boxed packaging was the critical limiting factor. The parts and pieces were packed like a Chinese puzzle. It's fine though. Mainly, it's nice to have something, anything against the wall at the head of the bed. One last thing...save your directions, spare parts, and ratchet. It will have to be partially dis-assembled to move, and it will be considerably more challenging than old fashioned beds that just slipped apart. Edit: 11-16-20... After a year and a half, I have deducted another two stars. As outlined in my review above, the making of the bed itself was an issue at the outset. It has become a major PITA. Sheets and blankets that fit a regular bed with plenty of tuck-in length, now require so much more at the bottom that there is precious little of said sheets and blankets left at the head of the bed to cover a shoulder. Not to mention the fact that the bedspread must ALSO be tucked in in order to keep it all together, and looks stupid in the process. You can see through to the floor between the tuck and the frame. I really wish someone would weigh in with a solution if one exists. Last thing...the two feet at the bottom of the frame are the worst toe-busters of ANY bed frame I've ever owned.