How to Reinforce a Weak Bed Frame

If your daughter's top-bunk mattress seems to be heading south, it's time to bring in reinforcements. Whether yours is a twin or king, shoring up a sagging mattress is practically child's play. You simply reinforce the frame with a few well-cut wood pieces.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pencil
• Tape Measure
• Two 1-by-4 wood pieces, 6 or 8 feet (1.8 or 2.4 m) long
• Carpenter's handsaw

1. Remove the mattress and lean it against a wall or lay it flat. If possible, get someone to help you move the mattress.

2. Measure the inner width of the frame from side to side with a tape measure.

3. Using a pencil, mark the inner width of the frame on a 1-by-4.

4. 

   Using a carpenter's handsaw, carefully saw the 1-by-4 at the pencil line (see A).

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 on another 1-by-4.

6. Lay each board on the inner rim of the bed frame, placing each 2 to 2 1/2 feet (60 to 75 cm) from the center (see B).

7. 

   Lay each board on the inner rim of the bed frame, placing each 2 to 2 1/2 feet (60 to 75 cm) from the center (see B).

Tips & Warnings

• Most beds need just two reinforcements. However, a king-size bed may warrant three.