How to Build a Queen-size Water Bed

Building your own water bed allows you to customize its appearance.

Making your own queen-size water bed is advantageous not only because you can save some money but also because of the versatility it offers. It is not always easy to find exactly what you are looking for but custom-building the bed yourself gives you a creative lead. However, you need to know what you are doing when building your own water bed to save you time and trouble. A water bed mattress is very heavy when filled with water so it is best to finish the pedestal and frame before filling the mattress.

Things You'll Need

• hammer
• nails
• sand paper
• wood
• wood glue
• drill
• water bed conditioner
• hose
• water bed filler attachments
• water bed mattress

Instructions

Frame & Headboard

1. Get the proper measurements for the wood you require. Make sure you get the right type of wood with the correct thickness and length. It needs to be sturdy to support a heavy mattress and the weight of two people. For a queen-size bed, the dimensions are 60 inches wide by 84 inches long. Get the wood cut at a hardware store.

2. Build the frame. This only includes the area the mattress will be in. The headboard is a separate piece entirely. Assemble all the pieces using glue and nails. To make it more sturdy use screws as well.

3. Design your frame and lay it out. Once you have decided exactly how you want it and customized it to your needs, connect the pieces.

4. Build the pedestal. This must fit inside the frame of the water bed. Use several pieces of wood that are roughly the same height as the frame. Securely join these pieces.

5. Measure the deck of the water bed to be half a foot longer and wider than the pedestal. The deck consists of flat pieces of wood attached firmly and placed on top of the pedestal. Sand the wood before laying it on the pedestal. Fasten both together.

6. Check your work. Make sure everything is attached and secure. Place the frame on top of the deck. Create the supporting legs of the headboard and attach it to the frame. Adhere the headboard to the supporting legs and frame.

Waterbed Mattress

1. Remove the mattress filler cap and pour one bottle of water bed conditioner into the mattress.

2. Take the faucet connector that comes with the mattress and attach it to a sink faucet either in the bathroom or kitchen.

   Attach a clean hose to the other end of the connector. Fasten the water bed filler attachment onto the other end of the hose. Remove the mattress filler cap and attach the water bed filler extension. Fill with two inches of lukewarm water.

3. Check the position of the mattress on the bed to make sure it is exactly where you want it. Remember, once the mattress is completely full it will be difficult to move.

4. Turn back on the water to finish filling the mattress. When the mattress is resting a quarter inch to half an inch below the sideboards, it is full.

5. Slide a broomstick handle into the filler cap hole to help any air bubbles escape. Screw the mattress filler cap on securely.

References

• Waterbed 101: Filling the Waterbed
• Bedder Asked Questions: Creative Bedrooms