Will My Waterbed Crash Through My Floor

If you are living in a house, apartment building, or mobile home, depending on where you live the structure should have to comply with local inspections to ensure that it meets the standards of various building codes. One of these codes is making sure that the floor is strong enough to handle its occupants and strain they will put on the floor. Did you know that waterbeds consume less weight per square foot than a refrigerator, washing machine, bookshelf, or fish tank? If you are able to have a these items in your home, more often than not you can have a waterbed without worrying about your floor caving in. Often you can get a feel for the floors sturdiness by walking through a room casually. If things on shelves rock and rattle violently because of a spongy floor definitely seek profession advise. More often than not attics and old converted porches do not have proper supporting floor joyces.

Trailers /mobile homes with out proper peering or foundation may not support them as well. There are lighter weight options to the traditional wood frame hard side waterbed. There are two additional different types of waterbeds that have been made to ensure less weight. These two types of waterbeds include Deep filled softside water mattresses and shallow filled softside water mattresses.

Both of these waterbeds are still extremely comfortable, and they both weight between 40 percent and 70 percent less than traditional wood frame water bed. Since these waterbeds are so lightweight they allow individuals additional piece of mind that they can own a waterbed without fear. Waterbeds are a great way to relax and enjoy a great night sleep. However, many people are afraid that their floor is unable to withstand the weight of these wonderful beds.

Yet, this concern of safety and protection is eliminated with the newer lightweight waterbeds. Even though the old waterbeds could weigh as much as two thousand pounds (2000lbs), a house that has been inspected and passed all modern building codes should be able to handle this additional weight. This is because the weight is distributed over a broad range. Approximately 50lbs per square ft., thus exerting less weight per square foot than many items you currently have in your home now. However, if you are afraid that your floor may not hold a waterbed, I would suggest seeking the advise of a building inspector, general contractor, or even your insurance agent to get additional advice.

My opinion is this, if your house can't handle the weight of a waterbed, then you should probably keep an eye out on your refrigerator and a few other house hold items, they may be just as likely to surprise the people living under you. Bottom line in, if in doubt you should seek assistance or advice from a professional who can determine the structures floor strength.

The Water Works Sleep Center is a bedroom store. Check with your local construction official for specific information on floor strengths.