Slats, as pictured, are what the mattress sits upon. Slats are a barrier against the mattress being directly on the floor. When choosing a bed frame, opt to buy slats as well. At Signaturedwood all our beds are sold with slats included.
In fact, we do not sell beds without accompanying slats which are (depending on the product model) at least an inch off the floor. Another key point is to ensure the slats themselves also sit off ground level so there is some space for air flow.
Our slats consist of horizontal planks of perfectly sanded natural wood that are easily removable, as they can be slid onto the frame and they sit upon the built-in groove. They can be taken off as necessary for cleaning or to use a particular bed type as a playpen.
It should be noted that slats are necessary not just for damp or humid climates but also in general. When purchasing without slats, keep in mind that a meticulous airing and cleaning schedule should ideally be maintained. This is also the case when one uses a rollaway or regular mattress directly on the floor.
Lack of airflow, accumulation of dust, debris and moisture can lead to mold, as well as a build up of allergens and bacteria. Placing a mattress directly on the floor may also invalidate the warranty it comes with. These are all things to consider when pondering about investing in a floor bed, mattress and slats.
