A queen size mattress and foundation is a full six inches wider and five inches longer than a full size mattress. Measuring sixty inches wide by eighty inches long, a queen size mattress and foundation needs proper support.

A quality queen size bed frame has a number of features that will give your queen size mattress the support it needs. There are an endless number of styles in queen size bed frames but lets look first at the basic metal frame.

The basic queen size bed frame is made of steel from material commonly referred to as angle iron. Angle iron is rigid, strong and easily machined. The basics of a bed frame are four sides joined at the corners. The angle iron provides a lip that serves to support the box spring or foundation. Since a queen size mattress is so large, center support bars are an absolute must. The support bars add rigidity to the frame and keeps the sides from spreading out.

Another very important feature of a quality queen size bed frame are the legs. Four legs are not sufficient to provide adequate support for the combined weight of the mattress, foundation and the sleeper. A properly designed queen size bed frame will have at one extra leg. This extra leg is typically placed in the center of the frame and is attached to one of the center support cross bars. Many mattress manufacturers will not honor a mattress warranty if the mattress and foundation were not supported by a frame having at least one center support bar.

The legs of a queen size bed frame need to be sturdy and securely fastened to the frame. Some frames will feature large plastic casters or wheels that allow you to move the bed with some ease. Other frames will not have casters but instead will have pads or feet. Pads or feet don not allow for easily moving the bed except perhaps on a hard floor surface. The legs should not be so tall as to make the frame unstable. Many bedding retailers advise against the use of leg extenders. Leg extenders are sold at some department stores and home improvement outlets. The extenders actually change the design parameters of the frame. Raising the frame to high changes the center of gravity in a way that make the bed unstable and even dangerous.

Other features of a basic queen size bed frame will include mounting plates for adding a headboard and some extended frames can also accommodate a footboard. Queen size frames are also available with hooks instead of mounting plates to accommodate type mounted head and foot boards.

Newer metal queen size bed frames will not require nuts, bolts or other types of hardware in order to assemble the frame. Instead posts are positioned on the cross bars of the frame. On the other half of the cross bar is a slot. The post goes into the slot and the two sides of the cross bar are pulled together. This is a big improvement over the old assembly design without the loose pieces that often get misplaced.

In addition to the standard metal queen size bed frame, specialty bed frames are available that can accommodate queen size hybrid waterbeds. These frames are extra heavy duty with as many as eight legs.

Always consult an experienced bedding retailer for information what type of frame you need.