Alaskan King Beds: The Complete Guide to Oversized Sleep
Quick Answer:
An Alaskan King bed measures 108" x 108" (9 feet by 9 feet), providing 81 square feet of sleeping surface, nearly double a standard King. You'll need a bedroom of at least 14' x 14' to accommodate it comfortably. Prices start around $3,000-5,000 for the mattress alone. Best for: families who co-sleep, pet owners, or couples who want maximum personal space while sharing a bed.
The Alaskan King has become a status symbol in the sleep world. With searches up 22% this year, more people are asking the question: is all that space actually worth it?
The honest answer: for most people, no. But for the right situations, it's life-changing. Let's figure out which camp you're in.
The Complete Size Comparison
Let's put the Alaskan King in perspective with other bed sizes:
| Size | Dimensions | Square Feet | Room Needed | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queen | 60" x 80" | 33 sq ft | 10' x 10' | $400-1,500 |
| King | 76" x 80" | 42 sq ft | 12' x 12' | $600-2,000 |
| California King | 72" x 84" | 42 sq ft | 12' x 12' | $600-2,000 |
| Texas King | 80" x 98" | 54 sq ft | 13' x 13' | $2,000-4,000 |
| Wyoming King | 84" x 84" | 49 sq ft | 13' x 13' | $2,500-4,500 |
| Alaskan King | 108" x 108" | 81 sq ft | 14' x 14'+ | $3,000-6,000+ |
| Alberta King | 96" x 96" | 64 sq ft | 13' x 14' | $2,800-5,000 |
The Alaskan King provides 93% more sleeping surface than a standard King. That's roughly the equivalent of adding two Twin beds worth of space.
Who Actually Needs an Alaskan King?
You Might Need One If:
- Co-sleeping families: Parents who want kids nearby without everyone's elbows in everyone's faces
- Large breed dog owners: Great Danes, Mastiffs, and other bed-hogs finally have room
- Couples who need maximum separation: When a Split King still isn't enough space
- Very tall or large individuals: Standard Kings can feel cramped
- Multi-pet households: When the "no pets in bed" rule has completely failed
You Probably Don't Need One If:
- Your bedroom can't comfortably fit it (most can't)
- You're a couple without kids or pets in bed
- Budget is a primary concern (everything costs more: mattress, sheets, frames)
- You move frequently (good luck getting it through doorways)
The Brantford Reality Check
Let's be honest about local housing: most Brantford master bedrooms won't fit an Alaskan King comfortably.
Typical Brantford Bedroom Sizes:
- Older homes (pre-1980): 11' x 12' average, sometimes smaller
- 1980s-2000s builds: 12' x 13' typical
- Newer developments: 13' x 14' becoming more common
- Custom/luxury homes: 14' x 16'+ possible
For an Alaskan King (9' x 9'), you need at least 2-3 feet of clearance on three sides for walking and furniture. That means a minimum room size of 14' x 14', ideally larger.
More Realistic Options for Most Brantford Homes:
- Wyoming King (7' x 7'): Fits rooms 13' x 13' and up
- Texas King (80" x 98"): Extra length, moderate width increase
- Standard King with adjustable base: Maximizes existing footprint
The True Cost of an Alaskan King
The sticker price is just the beginning. Here's what to budget:
| Item | Standard King Cost | Alaskan King Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Mattress | $800-2,000 | $3,000-6,000 |
| Bed Frame | $200-800 | $800-2,500 (custom) |
| Sheet Set | $50-150 | $150-400 |
| Duvet/Comforter | $100-300 | $300-800 |
| Mattress Protector | $50-100 | $150-300 |
| Total Setup | $1,200-3,350 | $4,400-10,000+ |
Ongoing costs are higher too: sheets need replacing, dry cleaning an Alaskan King comforter is more expensive, and replacing the mattress in 8-10 years means another major investment.
Practical Considerations
Delivery and Installation:
- Won't fit through standard doorways in one piece
- Usually requires removal of door frames or window delivery
- Stairs can be impossible; crane delivery for second floors isn't unheard of
- Many delivery services won't handle oversized mattresses
Moving Day:
- Plan to leave it behind or sell with the house
- Moving companies charge premium rates for oversized items
- May not fit in your next home
Sheet Availability:
- Not available in most stores
- Online ordering only for most brands
- Expect 2-3 week shipping times
- Returns are complicated
The Sensible Middle Ground
For most families, here are better-value alternatives that solve the same problems:
Option 1: Wyoming King (84" x 84")
- 49 square feet (vs 42 for standard King)
- Fits most larger bedrooms
- Easier to find bedding
- $2,500-4,500 for mattress
Option 2: Two Queens Pushed Together
- Combined: 120" x 80" (wider than Alaskan King, but shorter)
- Uses standard, affordable bedding
- Each person controls their own mattress firmness
- Total cost: $1,500-3,000 for two quality Queens
Option 3: King + Quality Mattress + Adjustable Base
- Invest in the best King mattress rather than a mediocre oversized one
- Add adjustable bases for versatility
- Better sleep per square foot
If You're Set on Oversized
We can help with custom sizing. What to know:
- Lead times are typically 6-10 weeks for custom mattresses
- We'll need exact measurements of your bedroom
- Delivery logistics need to be planned in advance
- We'll be honest if it won't fit or makes sense for your situation
Contact us to discuss custom sizing options.
Need Help Finding the Right Size?
Bring your room measurements. We'll help you find what actually fits.
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Since 1987
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441 1/2 West St, Brantford, ON N3R 3V9
519-770-0001 |
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