California King is a widely popular choice for those longing for more space than a regular king bed can provide, but it can still leave you feeling confined. And if going bigger, why not go for one of the world’s largest beds, the Alaskan King Bed. It’s a real giant, almost unprecedented on the list of oversized mattresses. To weigh in if bigger is better, we compared the Alaskan King Bed vs California King.
Those of us confined to shoebox apartments in the city can’t even begin to think of having a King Bed in our home, much less an Alaskan King! The lucky few with room to spare should get to know the features and drawbacks of each bed. This is a crucial step before deciding if an Alaskan King Bed vs California King is right for you. Here are a few things we’ll discuss in this article.
Topics Explored
- Alaskan King Bed vs California King Compared »
- How Much Does An Alaskan King Bed Cost? »
- Pros & Cons of the Alaskan King »
- How Much is a Cali King? »
- Pros & Cons of the California King »
- Alaskan King Bed vs California King FAQs »
Alaskan King Bed vs California King Compared
The Alaskan king bed is one of the largest beds you can find in the world. Other beds that come close are custom-made family beds. It is so large it is almost difficult to comprehend the size of this colossal bed! To make it easier to grasp, let’s size up the Alaskan King Bed vs. California king, another giant in its class.
Dimensions:
California King Dimensions
The California King Bed is a standard bed, and the smallest of its class. At 72-inches wide and 84-inches long, it’s 4-inches longer than a regular king-size bed, making it popular with tall people, but it’s 4-inches narrower. It fits any standard-sized bedroom with ease, which is not the case with oversized mattresses
Alaskan King Dimensions
The Alaskan King is the biggest non-custom bed globally. It has a size of 108-inches in width and 108-inches in length, with a rectangular shape. Compared to a regular-sized bed, it’s more than two feet longer and wider. Due to its size, it can only fit in a large bedroom.
Capacity:
How Many People Can Fit in A California King Bed?
The California King has a typical rectangle shape, and it can fit two adults and a small pet comfortably. Contrary to popular belief, the California King is not larger than the regular King bed. It is 4 inches longer, which makes it great for people over 6 ft. If you are looking for room to spread out a little more, you might be disappointed.
How Many People Can Fit in An Alaskan King Bed?
The Alaskan King is suitable for two adults and two children. It’s 3 feet wider and 2 feet longer than California King, ideally built for really tall people. The Alaskan King gets its square shape from the equal width and length, which is a rarity with regular beds. Because it’s a lot longer, family pets can even snuggle up comfortably at the foot of the bed. The Alaskan Bed is truly a bed built for the whole family.
Alaskan King Overview
The most lavish mattress on the planet got its name by the largest state in the USA, Alaska. The market suggested the need for larger than standard mattresses, and the manufacturers answered. It was initially made in the US, somewhere between the 1960s-1970s, but the name was kept for global use. Due to the immense size, it’s perfect for families who want to sleep with their children or require a large surface to spread out at night. It’s tough to find, and it has to be made to order in most cases. Accessories like fitting sheets and blankets aren’t easy to find for a mattress this size.
How Much Does An Alaskan King Bed Cost?
The price of an Alaskan King Bed can vary between $2,000 to $6,000. It depends on various factors as the type of mattress and the materials used. The size requires far more materials and diverse production technology than a California King. The shipping, higher demand, and lack of supply can raise the price even higher.
Pros and Cons of the Alaskan King Bed
At a colossal 9 by 9 feet, you can be sure that the Alaskan King comes with major perks and drawbacks. Here are just some things to consider before purchasing this bed.
Pros
- It’s spacious. Couples will have plenty of room to stretch and move about.
- It benefits couples or families with different sleep schedules.
- Great for fostering closeness and bond between parent and child if used as a family bed.
Cons
- Won’t be able to fit in any typical master bedrooms due to its sheer size.
- Like other non-standard beds (e.g. Wyoming King Bed), it’s expensive.
- Hard to find. Not many manufacturers carry a mattress of this size.
California King Overview
The California King Bed was once an oversized bed built to fit in the wealthy people’s mansions in the 1960s. The legend mentions that the inventor was very tall and came up with the idea because his legs always hung off the mattress’s end. Today, the California King it’s classified as a regular mattress and fits up to two adults. It easily fits in standard rooms, and there is always an abundance of adequately sized bedding. Due to the extra length, it’s still the number one choice for taller people. If you’re heavier or tend to toss and turn, the narrower form can bother you.
How Much is a California King?
The average cost of a California King Bed is between $800 and $3,500. The size, type of mattress, and materials contribute to the price shaping. The California King is not bigger than the King, but it’s more expensive since it’s less common and might be custom-made. Commonly they can be found in mattress stores and online.
Pros and Cons of the California King Bed
For the average household, the California King is a lot more attainable compared to the Alaskan King. But, if you have the room and means to go bigger, is there anything that could hold you back? Here are a few pros and cons of the California King.
Pros
- Great for tall people as the mattress is 4 inches taller than most standard beds
- Even though it’s large, it still fits most master bedrooms (except for studios and smaller condos)
- Spacious enough for 2 adults to sleep comfortably without fighting over room.
- It’s a lot easier to find a Cali King at mattress and furniture retailers compared to other oversized beds.
Cons
- It’s not as wide as a standard king bed. Those looking for more room to stretch out will be disappointed.
- It’s cheaper compared to the Alaskan King but still more expensive than standard mattresses.
Summary: Alaskan King Bed vs California King
Whether you are choosing between an Alaskan King bed vs California King bed, it comes down to your needs and preferences at the end. No matter which one you end up with, make sure that it is the right fit for your home, budget, and sleeping style.
| Type | Dimensions (Inches) | Shape | Sleeps | Avg. Cost (Actual Price Varies) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 California King | 72 x 84 inches | Rectangular | 2 adults + 1 pet | $800 to $3,500 |
 Alaskan King | 108 x 108 inches | Square | 2 adults + 2 children | $2,000 to $6,000 |
FAQ
Where Do You Buy An Alaskan King Bed?
Alaskan King Beds are made and sold by specialty mattress stores focusing on oversized mattresses. Typically it’s not in stock and has to be ordered in-store or online. Most oversized beds are made-to-order due to the low demand. It’s shipped in several components and compressed. Once the Alaskan King arrives, you’ll need to reassemble it on site, which can be laborious.
How Big Is An Alaskan King Size Bed?
The Alaskan King size is 9 feet by 9 feet or 108-inches wide and 108-inches long and is the largest mattress on the market. To get the idea of exactly how big it is, imagine the width of two full mattresses pushed together. The gigantic size is perfect for families who practice co-sleeping and extraordinarily large bedrooms.