My bed feels like it's sagging - is this normal?
A strong, firm and sturdy bed frame is as essential to a good night's sleep as the right mattress. Divan beds generally provide great support and are ideal for those that want to combine the comfort of good sleep with the practicality of extra storage space. However, a natural effect of general wear and tear can be a slight sagging or "sinking feeling" in the middle of the sides of the bed. After many years of usage, this is normal. You’ll either need a new bed, or you may be able to fix it yourself by reinforcing the bed.
Beds that have been reinforced, like the ones we make and sell at Endurance Beds, are made to last. We build our divan beds to withstand weight, pressure and movement for decades to come. However, some beds will need a little help after a while to help them maintain their strength and effectiveness.
How to reinforce a divan bed to prevent sinking or breakages
If your divan bed feels a little shaky or sagging, the best option may just be to replace it. However, if you want to have a go at reinforcing it yourself, there are a few methods you can try.
First, you can try installing a bed frame centre support. If your divan bed base opens up, you'll likely be able to see its support structure. Down the middle of the bed platform (on which the mattress sits), you will likely see a piece of wood or metal running down the centre. This wood will likely be supported by a leg in the middle. You can add strength to the bed's support by adding a larger, wider leg, or by adding extra legs further along the central plinth. This will help support weight put on the bed and should make the whole structure feel stronger when you lie on it.
Second, you may need to replace the panels that run horizontally across your bed. If some are missing, if they appear cracked or weak, or if they have become bent, you can instantly add strength to your bed by replacing these with stronger panels of new wood or metal.
If you feel dissatisfied with the support your divan is offering, you can also try putting a sheet of plywood directly on top of the slats of your bed frame. Then, just put your mattress back on and you should instantly feel supported from beneath. This flat sheet will prevent sagging and dips, although you may find your mattress feels significantly firmer.
Fourth, you may also be able to reinforce your divan bed by just adjusting or replacing the mattress. Mattresses can sag over time, due to factors such as direct sunlight, liquid penetration, excessive weight or - if applicable - weakened spring support. You should replace your mattress every six to eight years. If you have had your mattress for more than a decade and are experiencing sagging, it's probably time to replace it.
If you have a double-sided memory foam mattress, try simply flipping it upside-down. You can also try using a mattress topper to even out any minor feelings of sagging or even putting pillows or blankets under the mattress.
How much does it cost to reinforce a divan bed?
The methods we’ve explained above are relatively low-cost. Most of them you can do by yourself at little to no cost. And even making your own central support or plywood sheet requires little cost investment. However, it is important to recognise when it may just be best to replace your divan bed. Divan beds provide some of the strongest support you can buy and are ideal for withstanding even the most extreme pressures. Typically supporting up to 50 stone in weight, divan beds can often provide more natural reinforcement than traditional bed frames that sit on legs.
Can you buy divan beds readily reinforced?
Yes, absolutely! The best way to reinforce a divan bed is to buy one that has already been reinforced... and has been built for long-term use. We spend roughly a third of our lives sleeping, so investing in a high quality, robust bed is one of the best things you can do for your long term health and comfort.
Custom made reinforced divan beds
If you’re looking for a bed with ultimate longevity, a custom-built divan bed could be for you. Our divan beds are true to their name, being strengthened to ensure many years of reliable and faultless usage. Made using high-quality materials, our robust selection of divan beds can be custom made to fit your requirements. If you think you will need an extra-strong, durable bed, you can choose from a variety of timeless traditional and contemporary styles.
Find out more about our custom made divan beds
If you’d like to hear more about reinforced divan bed sets, feel free to get in touch with Endurance Beds to discuss your requirements. With more than 13 years of experience in providing strong and durable divan beds, we can help bring your vision to life, hand-crafting your ideal bedroom furniture.
Endurance Beds is based in Norfolk and serves the whole of the UK. True to our name, we also offer a 12-year warranty with each of our reinforced, custom made divan beds. We believe that high-quality furniture should be able to last for many years, and we believe in the ethos of investing in fewer, higher quality and well thought out pieces. Get in touch with one of our friendly team for the ideal bespoke solution and invest in a high-quality divan bed today.