The 9 Best Folding Guest Beds with a Steel Frame [2021]: Affordable and Functional!

The number of beds in your Airbnb is a limiting factor to how many guests you can accept, so many hosts understandably want to maximize this number as much as possible. It can be tricky to fit extra beds into a home, which is why folding beds are so handy!
Folding beds featuring a steel frame are sturdy, durable, and highly functional. They’ll stand up to lots of use over time and will help you maximize your Airbnb profits by allowing larger groups of guests to book your listing.
Folding beds are typically sold one of two ways: on wheels with a mattress, and as a regular frame without a built-in mattress. Each of these has its own advantages and disadvantages, so I’ve broken my top picks down by section.
Wheelout Frames with Mattresses
TOP PICK: Smile Back Rollaway Beds with Mattress for Adults Folding Bed Portable Foldable Guest Beds Twin
The Smile Back Rollaway Bed is my top pick for wheelout frames with mattresses. I love its thick memory foam mattress and ultra-sturdy frame. While it’s not exactly a budget pick, I feel the price tag is worth it considering this product is going to last a lifetime.
Smile Back Rollaway Beds with Mattress for Adults Folding Bed Portable Foldable Guest Beds Twin, 5 Minutes to Assemble, 5...
- 【Easy to Assemble】 Smile Back Folding Beds solves the pain points of the iron bed in the market - the installation is complicated, our folding bed adopts a new structure, no tools are needed, and it takes about 5 minutes to properly install the bed to improve efficiency. At the same time, it is convenient to store and fold quickly to meet the needs of timely sleep.
- 【More Memory Foam, More Support】The most memory foam component on the market. After 3,000 attempts, we found the best ratio of memory foam and support foam to provide comfortable sleep while supporting the back, which is CertiPUR-US certified. Product design science , in line with the natural curve of the human body.The outer part of the sponge is equipped with a soft cover that is easy to disassemble and can be cleaned.
While this frame is somewhat pricier than our other options today, I’m still rating it an 8.5 out of 10 for value. This is because its high quality mattress pad and steel frame (which features actual steel bars instead of a wire grate or a spring mesh) will offer support that won’t wear out over time, no matter how many guests stay with you!
This frame is super functional, and as I’ve mentioned several times: it will not wear out easily! The steel bar mattress support won’t warp or stretch out, unlike some more cheaply made products, and the memory foam mattress feature several layers of compressed and supportive material for a restful sleep. Overall, I give this product a 10 out of 10 for function!
It has raving reviews, with multiple buyers stating that they purchased it to be a guest bed that can be stored away with ease. For this reason, I give it a 9.5 out of 10 for customer impressions. There are also multiple comments on its (somewhat surprising) level of comfort, which is always great to hear as it’s not something we always equate with a rollaway bed.
Runner Up: Milliard Diplomat Folding Bed – Twin Size
Our runner up is the Milliard Diplomat Folding Bed, which comes standard with a thick layered memory foam mattress and a strong frame underneath. It assembles quickly and rolls away when not in use, and is super easy to store with a folded width of only 14 inches! This means it will fit in just about any closet or spare room, and may even fit under some beds or behind couches.
Milliard Diplomat Folding Bed – Twin Size - with Luxurious Memory Foam Mattress and a Super Strong Sturdy Frame –...
1 used from $360.00
- EXCEPTIONAL SUPPORT – The Diplomat distinguishes itself with a full-steel wire lattice frame that’s reinforced and overbuilt to ensure maximum sturdiness for 300lbs! Fold out dimensions – 75” long x 38” wide. Mattress is 73" long for proper fold up.
- LUXURIOUS COMFORT – No more thin, flimsy mattresses – the Diplomat features a real foam mattress. The supportive foam base and the memory foam layer come together to provide you the luxuriously comfortable, medium-firm comfort your body craves. It also comes with a super soft mattress cover that’s easy to toss into the wash for a quick clean. *Mattress cover design may vary slightly.
Another option that might not be for those on a tight budget, the Milliard gets an 8/10 for value. While it does come at a somewhat steep price, it is a high-quality product that will also stand the test of time (and rowdy guests!). Like the Smile Back bed, this one also features a steel slat frame, although the Milliard’s is much thinner which might be more comfortable for some.
What really stood out to me was its 5-layer, 5 inch thick memory foam mattress. It has a soft cover, a fireproof barrier (always a plus), memory foam and support foam as well as a non-slip bottom. It gets a 9.5 out of 10 for function!
Buyers are very pleased with the Milliard bed, with several mentioning how easy it was to set up and how comfortable their guests feel when sleeping on it (especially compared to the couch!). I give it a 9/10 for customer impressions.
Best Budget Option: LEISUIT Rollaway Guest Bed Cot Fold Out Bed – Portable Folding Bed Frame with Thick Memory Foam Mattress
Finally, an option for people who don’t want to break the bank on their spare beds! If you want to increase your guest capacity without spending all your newfound earnings on more beds, the Lesuit Rollaway Guest Bed is the one for you.
LEISUIT Rollaway Guest Bed Cot Fold Out Bed - Portable Folding Bed Frame with Thick Memory Foam Mattress for Spare...
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- Memory Foam+High Density Sponge:The 3" memory foam mattress offers comfort for a good night sleep
- High-Strength Oxford:Compared with wood slat and wire mesh Oxford cloth support provides more elastic and more comfortable
- Ideal Fold Out Bed:Robust all metal frame folds in half for storage purpose with the folded dimension 37"x31"x6.7"
- Quick Assembly :No tool needed, the roll away bed can be assembled in several minutes
It’s priced affordably, but is still highly reviewed, functional, and durable. The bed is a little less luxurious than our previous two options, but it suits the price you pay. I give it a 9.5 out of 10 for value.
Functionally, it’s still a great bed, but it doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as some others might. Its mattress is much thinner, at 3 inches tall, but this comes with the positive benefit of it being able to fold up much tighter: its side profile when folded is only 7 inches across! A great choice for those tight on space, I rate it a 7.5 out of 10 for function.
In spite of its thinner mattress and smaller size, buyers still adore the Lesuit mattress. It’s very comfortable, probably because of its high quality memory foam material. People also love how easy it is to store away! There’s nothing less attractive than a folded-up bed in the corner of a room, so it’s great that this one can be put in a closet or under a bed when not in use. It gets a 9 out of 10 for customer impressions.
Best for: Budget vs. Comfort
Linon Home Decor Linon Memory Foam Luxor Folding Bed
For easy storage combined with a luxurious sleeping experience, the Linon Home Décor Bed is a top contender. Its thick mattress is super supportive and features a soft fabric cover that is easy to wash (always a bonus in an Airbnb).
Linon Luxor Folding Rollaway Cot-Sized Bed with 4.5" Memory Foam Mattress (2 Pack)
It does use wood slats instead of steel supports, which some might not prefer. These are prone to breakage, however some find them a lot more comfortable than sleeping on metal since they have a little bit of “give”. It’s available in several colors, which most of the other options aren’t, and you can even save a little money by buying a set of 2, 4, or 5. Trust me, you’ll want more than one!
Mattress Frame Only
Top Pick: AmazonBasics Foldable, 14″ Metal Platform Bed Frame with Tool-Free Assembly
If you already have a mattress and just need a frame to put it on, I highly recommend checking out the AmazonBasics Foldable Metal Platform Bed. This particular one is a California King, but there are all sorts of sizes available.
AmazonBasics Foldable, 14" Metal Platform Bed Frame with Tool-Free Assembly, No Box Spring Needed - California King
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- Product Dimensions: 84" L x 72" W x 14" H | Weight: 50.8 pounds
- Designed for sleepers up to 250 pounds
- California King platform bed frame offers a quiet, noise-free, supportive foundation for a mattress. No box spring needed
- Folding mechanism makes the frame easy to store and move in tight spaces
- Provides extra under-the-bed storage space with a vertical clearance of about 13 inches
- Fast, easy setup—no tools required
The price is extremely affordable, in spite of how high-quality this hardy steel frame is. It gets a 10 out of 10 for value because it could easily be used as a regular bed frame!
It’s also very functional, and its steel slats won’t bend with weight or excessive use. This is great for Airbnbs, since you never really know how many guests are cramming into one bed. Its supports extend the entire length of the mattress, not just the ends, meaning there won’t be any sagging or bowing of the metal either. I give it a 9 out of 10 for function.
Reviewers are crazy about this bed, and it is a best seller for good reason. Not only is it strong and super easy to put together, it also is tall enough to offer plenty of storage space underneath. Pro tip: use this space to store your foldaway beds! It gets an easy 10 out of 10 in customer impressions.
Runner Up: Zinus Casey 18-Inch SmartBase Mattress Foundation
For a great middle-of-the-road option, check out the Zinus Casey SmartBase Mattress Foundation. Like the AmazonBasics frame, this one includes lots of under-bed space which is perfect for storage!
Zinus Casey 18-Inch SmartBase Mattress Foundation | 4" High Extra for under bed storage | No box spring required |...
3 used from $94.75
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- Your purchase includes One Zinus Casey Premium SmartBase 18-Inch Mattress Foundation in Full Size. Mattress is not included
- Bed frame dimensions: 54" W x 75" L x 18" H. Bed frame weight: 33.3 lbs. | Clearance space: 17” | Core Composition – Steel Frames and wires
- Compatible frames: memory foam, spring and/or pillow top mattresses
- Requires the use of SmartBase headboard brackets (not included) to connect to a headboard
Its price reflects its sturdiness but also won’t break the bank, so I’ve given it an 8.5 out of 10 for value. If you already have a solid mattress and just need somewhere to put it, this frame is a fantastic choice. It comes in all the standard mattress sizes, so anything from a rolled up cot mattress to a feather down pillowtop mattress will work just fine.
Its steel slats are my support structure of choice as they aren’t prone to wear and tear like springs or mesh, so I give it a 9 out of 10 for function.
Users of this frame have great things to say about it as well, and it gets a 9 out of 10 for customer impressions. This is another option that could easy double as a regular bed frame or be stored away compactly when you don’t need it. It folds up nice and thin and is incredibly easy to assemble, so if you’re sleeping a larger party it won’t take you too long to get set up.
Best Budget Option: Naomi Home idealBase 14″ Foldable Metal Platform Bed Frame
If you just need a quick and easy solution to squeeze in a few extra guests but don’t want to cut into your profits too much to make it happen, check out the Naomi Home idealBase Foldable Metal Platform Bed. It’s a full box spring replacement frame, but it’s also great to use as a spare bed for an Airbnb. It gets a 10 out of 10 for value, and its price can’t be beat!
Naomi Home idealBase 14" Foldable Metal Platform Bed Frame - Mattress Foundation - Box Spring Replacement Twin XL/Black
- Product Dimensions 14" H x 39" W x 80" L Weight 25.4 lbs
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN - idealBase platform bed frame is designed ergonomically for easy handling and the heavy duty steel construction makes this the ideal box spring replacement
- IDEAL FOR STORAGE -14" Inches idealBase will allow you to have 13” inches of under-bed storage space under the platform bed frame
- TOOL FREE ASSEMBLY - No tools are required. Folding mechanism for stowaway
It’s not quite as sturdy as some other options we’ve discussed, but that doesn’t mean it won’t hold up to heavy guest use! It still features thick steel slats which support the mattress, but there are slightly larger gaps in between them and the legs aren’t quite as thick. It gets an 8 out of 10 for function from me.
Reviewers love its convenience, however, so I give it a 9 out of 10 for customer impressions. It’s quick to assemble and folds up to be incredibly thin and compact, so you could easily store 3 or 4 of them under a larger bed (or even couch!).
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Best for: Low Maintenance Hosting
Zinus SmartBase Zero Assembly Bed Frame, Twin
For another compact, quick fix mattress frame, the Zinus SmartBase Zero Assembly Bed Frame really lives up to its name. It simple folds up and folds out when needed, no assembly required! If you would like an even more compact foldaway bed, it comes in a narrow twin size so you can fit in plenty of guests!
Linenspa 14 Inch Folding Metal Platform Bed Frame - 13 Inches of Clearance - Tons of Under Bed Storage - Heavy Duty Construction...
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- Replace your clunky old box spring with this 14-inch folding platform frame for better, cleaner support
- With 13 inches of clearance, this base creates plenty of under bed space for all your storage needs
- Quick and easy assembly takes one person, less than five minutes, and no extra tools; simply unfold and hand-tighten the leg support bolts; Does not include headboard
- Steel support braces, anti-slip treads, and a surface grid design create exceptional stability built to hold up to 750 pounds
It’s still nice and tall, offering over 13 inches of storage space underneath, which is more than enough for extra guest luggage. When you’re done using it, simply collapse the bed and slide it under your sofa or into a spare closet until it’s needed again.
Best for Homes Short on Storage
Linenspa 14 Inch Folding Metal Platform Bed Frame
Finally, for a frame that strikes a great balance between function and price, consider the Linenspa Folding Metal Platform Frame. Featuring lots of underbed clearance (storage, anyone?) and an as-advertised 5-minute assembly, this is the perfect choice for the budget conscious host looking for some economical guest accommodations.
Similar to the Zinus bed, this one folds up nice and snug to a width of a few measly inches. This, combined with its fast setup and breakdown time, make it the ideal choice for a quick turnover in between Airbnb bookings.