If you’re short on space (who isn’t?), a mattress frame that gives you under bed storage is invaluable. But there’s just one problem: your box spring. Between the mattress, box spring and frame, you’re going to need a step ladder just to get up into your bed – unless you have a Zinus Smartbase.
Zinus’s Smartbase line of mattress frames eliminates the need for a box spring and offers 13″ of clearance under the frame for vital storage space.
There are three main models in the Smartbase line: Elite, Deluxe and Standard. Which one is right for you? We’ll share our top choice and help you find the right frame for your needs.
Contents
The Smartbase Elite
The Elite model is the most advanced in the Smartbase lineup, and it has a lot going for it. Standing 14″ tall, this steel frame can support up to 4,400 pounds. Yes, you read that right.
With such a high weight support, the Elite is ideal for people who are overweight or obese.
The Elite also offers 13″ of clearance under the bed (like the other Smarbase models), so you can store your belongings safely and out of sight.
If you are already short on storage space, you will appreciate having this extra room to keep your personal items tucked away. They’re still in easy reach, but you don’t have to take up valuable closet space.
A heavy-duty wire grid allows this frame to support mattresses with high profiles. The Elite – and all other Smartbase frames – eliminate the need for a box spring. According to U.S. Mattress, memory foam mattresses and most modern mattresses don’t need box springs. The only thing they need is a flat, durable surface to sit on.
A folding design makes this frame easy to store and transport. And Zinus includes plastic caps to keep the frame from damaging your floors.
The Elite comes in five sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen and King.
With this heavy-duty design and ability to support more than 4,000 pounds, this frame is a great option for heavier users and heavy use.
Features
- 13″ under bed clearance
- Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen and King sizes
- Heavy-duty steel frame with wire grid
- Supports up to 4,400 pounds of weight
- Folding design
- Plastic caps to protect floors
- Weight: 46.86 pounds
- 5-Year Warranty
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Folding design makes storage and transport a breeze
- Heavy-duty design is great for heavy users
- Provides plenty of space for under bed storage
Cons
- Mattresses sometimes slide
The only complaint with the Elite is that the top bars are so smooth and flat that some mattresses slide around easily. This happens with a lot of frames. A bed skirt or a mattress cover can help resolve this problem.
Overall, the Elite is a great mattress for those who need high weight support and a heavy-duty design.
The Smartbase Deluxe
The Deluxe Smartbase model also has a folding design and easy assembly that will have your bed up and ready for use in no time.
With reinforced edges, this mattress foundation provides the support you need to increase the lifespan of your mattress and prevent sagging. Recessed legs allow for added safety and the t-shape locking system offers added stability.
The folding design makes it easy to transport and store this frame, but it also makes it easy to move through narrow doorways.
Like other Smartbase models, this foundation offers 13″ of clearance underneath the frame for storage. That’s more than enough space to store essentials and keep your room clutter-free. Open Space Feng Shui recommends only storing linens, blankets, pillows and other things you use for sleeping under your bed.
But if you decide to ignore those rules, you’ll be happy to know that there’s plenty of space to store those old keepsakes, shoes, clothes and everything in between.
The Deluxe also comes in five sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen and King. While you cannot buy this foundation in a California King size, most people will be able to use this base for their mattress.
Zinus recommends the Deluxe for users who are above-average weight, but this foundation is also great for kids because the t-shape construction adds stability. And the reinforced edges also help keep the mattress on top of the base without sliding too much.
Don’t expect your mattress to stay firmly in place, though. All mattress foundations are designed to be flat on top to provide the mattress with the support it needs and to prevent sagging. A little sliding here and there is the trade-off for this support.
Features
- T-shape leg construction with interlocking system
- Replaces box spring and bed frame
- No-tool assembly
- 13″ of under bed clearance for storage
- Reinforced edges
- Available in King, Queen, Full, Twin XL and Twin sizes
- 2,400-pound weight capacity
Pros
- Quick and easy assembly
- Enhanced durability and stability
- Ideal for those who are above-average weight
- Folding design makes it easy to get the frame through narrow doorways
- Provides plenty of under bed storage
- Virtually silent
Cons
- Not available in Cal King size
The deluxe is not available in California King size, so you will need to find a different foundation if you have this size mattress.
With that said, the Deluxe is a great option for heavier users and those who want added stability in their mattress foundation.
The Smartbase Standard
Zinus’ Standard mattress foundation is the most basic option in the Smartbase lineup, but don’t let that turn you off. Designed for optimum support and durability, the steel design of this frame will give you years of use.
Just so you know, steel – according to Wenzel Metal Spinning – is 2.5 times denser than aluminum.
But strong support and durability aren’t the only things this foundation has to offer. Its folding design also makes it easy to store and transport.
And unlike the other foundations in the Smartbase line, this model is available in California King size. Standing 14″ tall, this frame offers 13″ of under bed clearance for storage.
Plastic cups protect floors, and the sturdy design of this foundation prevents mattress sagging.
Features
- Steel design
- 14″ tall
- 13″ of under bed clearance
- Folding design
- Available in California King, King, Queen, Full, Twin XL and Twin sizes
- Plastic cups to protect floors
Pros
- Easy assembly
- Steel design makes this frame highly durable
- Provides plenty of under bed storage space
- Comes in California King size
- Plastic cups help protect hard flooring
- Folding design allows you store the foundation or transport it
Cons
- Does not come with headboard brackets
If you have a headboard or footboard, you will need to purchase brackets separately to attach these pieces.
While a nuisance, this issue isn’t a deal-breaker. The Smartbase Standard is a great option for anyone who needs a basic foundation for their memory foam or latex mattress. Plus, this model supports every size mattress available.
If you’re a budget-conscious shopper, the Standard foundation may be the better option for you.
Should You Choose the Elite, Deluxe or Standard?
Is the Elite, Deluxe or Standard the right foundation choice for you? That depends on your needs.
We prefer the Elite because it’s the most durable and heavy-duty model available. It offers the highest weight support, and its grid design provides maximum support.
The Deluxe is also a great option for heavy users and children. The recessed leg design allows for added safety and stability.
The Standard model is great for everyone, but it’s the only choice for people with a California King mattress. Neither of the other two models are large enough to support this size mattress.
All three of these foundations are basically the same. The Deluxe offers reinforced edges and the Elite has a much higher weight capacity. But otherwise, they all have a steel construction, folding design and the same amount of under bed clearance.
The Deluxe, Standard and Elite are also all easy to assemble and do not require any tools. Your bed will be up and ready for use in no time, and Zinus includes instructions to make assembly even easier.
All three models are also designed to be virtually silent. With some of these foundations, people say grown adults can jump up and down on the mattress and the frame is silent. A silent design is great for people who tend to wake up when their partners toss and turn at night.
The minor differences between each model make it a little more difficult to make your decision. If you’re heavier, the Elite will likely be the best option. The Standard is a great option for the budget-conscious, while the Deluxe is a great in-between model for just about everyone.
And as mentioned previously, you’ll want to buy the Standard if you have a California King mattress.
You can’t go wrong with any of these mattress foundations from Zinus. But if you’re worried about quality control issues, you’ll find peace of mind in knowing that all three models offer a five-year limited warranty.
