Yes. The boxspring is definitly required....there are no slats included and this is not a true "platform bed". Ultimately, this is caused a huge problem. The bed is designed so that the boxspring sits slightly underneath the headboard. Unfortunately there isn't enough room for the mattress to fit under the headboard too. In turn, this has caused the foot of the mattress to overhang the foot of boxspring by about 1-2". Houzz has been pretty great trying to resolve this with the manufacturer, but there is no solution. My suggestion would be to steer clear of this bed unless you want to place your mattress on plywood. The photos of the bed DO NOT SHOW A BOXSPRING. Deceptive advertising.