DIY Mattress Rails

If your bed has only a headboard, you can easily add mattress rails by building a bed frame out of wood. This is done by attaining a foot board, then making the mattress rails. These rails prevent the mattress from sliding off the box spring. To do this, you must first determine the height of your mattress rails; 8 inches is a good height for rails.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Foot board
• 2, 1-by-8-inch boards
• Circular saw
• Sandpaper
• Level
• Power drill
• Screws

Instructions

1. Measure the width of the headboard with a tape measure. At a used furniture store, find a foot board that matches this measurement.

2. Place the foot board against the front of your bed. Measure the distance from the headboard to the foot board, and make a note of the measurement.

3. Measure a 1-by-8-inch board to the length in Step 2. Cut the board to this length, using a circular saw. Repeat this step to cut a second 1-by-8-inch board. Sand the edges of the boards with sandpaper.

4. Set one of the 1-by-8-inch boards against the headboard and foot board. Align the bottom with the metal bed frame. Center the board along the length of the bed with a level.

5. Measure and mark the edge of the 1-by-8-inch board every 2 inches. Drill pilot holes into the 1-by-8-inch board, and into the side of the headboard, with the power drill. Repeat this step on the foot board.

6. Secure one 1-by-8-inch board to the headboard and foot board with screws. Secure the other 1-by-8-inch board to complete the mattress rails.