How to Build a Waterbed Pedestal
A waterbed pedestal or waterbed riser is the portion of the bed framing that rests between the floor and the mattress box. It raises the mattress box up off the floor and places the box at a comfortable height for getting into and out of the mattress box. Building the pedestal is one of the first steps in putting a waterbed frame together since everything rests on top of it. If you did not get directions when you purchased your framing, you will find that the process is straightforward and easy to complete. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- 1- by 6-inch lumber
- Miter saw
- Flat black spray paint
- 6-inch-long corner brackets
- 1-inch wood screws
- Screwdriver
- Circular saw
Instructions
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1
Measure the length of your waterbed box frame with a tape measure and subtract 25 percent from the measurement. The resulting measurement is the length of your pedestal. Measure the width of the waterbed box frame with your tape measure and subtract 25 percent from that measurement. The resulting measurement will be the width of your pedestal. The waterbed box frame is the part of the bed that rests on top of the pedestal and holds the waterbed bladder.
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2
Cut two pieces of 1-by 6-inch dimensional lumber with a miter saw that match the length obtained in Step 1 and cut two boards from the same material that measure the necessary length. If you want your waterbed pedestal higher, use boards that measure wider than 6 inches.
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3
Paint the one side of the boards you cut with flat-black spray paint. Black is the usual color for pedestals but you can opt for any color you choose. Allow 24 hours for drying.
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4
Assemble and place the waterbed box frame in the room where you plan to keep the bed.
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5
Lay out the pieces for the waterbed pedestal with the painted sides facing downward inside the waterbed box frame. When you assemble, all finished sides face outward towards the waterbed box frame. Position the two shorter boards towards the head and foot of the bed and the two longer boards on the sides of the bed.
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6
Attach a 6-inch-long, metal corner bracket onto each end of the longer boards with 1-inch wood screws and a screwdriver. Line the 90-degree corner of the brackets up with the ends of the boards. If you opted for wider boards, select a bracket that matches the width
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7
Lift the boards up and rest them on the brackets. Lift up the shorter boards and attach them to the other side of the corner brackets with 1-inch wood screws. When completed, you have the outside of your pedestal secured together.
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8
Measure from the top right corner of the pedestal to the bottom left corner of the pedestal with your tape measure. Subtract 1 inch from the measurement. Cut two pieces of 1- by 6-inch wide boards to the length you just obtained with your miter saw.
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9
Measure and locate the middle of each board. Scribe a line across the 6-inch face of the board to mark the middle.
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10
Cut a slot into each board that goes approximately half way through the 6-inch face of the board. Use a circular saw for this cut.
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11
Place one board inside the pedestal framing so it extends from one corner to the opposite corner on the other end. Position the board so the slot in the middle faces upward.
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12
Place the second board over the first to create an "X" out of the board. Positing the slot on the second board down so the slots mesh together. This completes the internal framing for the pedestal.
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