It is a mattress base built with planks or slats that span a bedframe horizontally. Slats can vary in material, flexibility, width, and space apart depending on the manufacturer.

The slats are usually built into the frame, but some beds come with a removable slatted rack. Typically, the entire base is made of wood, but can also be made from a combination of metal and wood. Most slatted platform beds are high enough from the floor to allow for extra storage space.