How to Build a Twin Box Spring

A twin bed box spring provides support to the mattress.

Box springs are simple to make and can save the homeowner money. Twin beds are often the first bed that children get once they outgrow a crib or toddler bed. But kids can quickly outgrow a twin size bed in a few years, and saving money on something that may last only a few years is a good idea. The box spring can be finished with basic tools that most homeowners have around the house.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Saw
• ¾-inch plywood
• 1-by-1-inch wood
• Drill
• Wood screws
• Fabric
• Staple gun and staples

Instructions

1. Set up the twin bed frame that the box spring will sit on and measure from side to side on the inside edge of the rails. Most twin beds are approximately 39 inches by 75 inches.

2. Cut two pieces of 3/4-inch plywood to 12 inches by 39 inches and two pieces of plywood to 12 inches by 75 inches to make the sides of the box spring.

3. Cut two pieces of the 1-by-1-inch wood to 38 inches and two pieces to 75 inches.

4. Use a drill and wood screws to attach the cut 1-by-1-inch pieces along the top inside edge of the box spring sides. Leave 1 inch on either of the short ends of the 1-by-1-inch pieces so that the side pieces will fit snugly.

5. Cut four pieces of 1-by-1-inch wood to 11 inches and attach them to the edges of the long sides of the box spring pieces directly under the piece running along the top. These will be use to stabilize the corners of the box spring.

6. Position the four sides together and secure them with the drill and wood screws by drilling through the short side pieces of the box spring and into the 1-by-1-inch supports along the edges of the long sides.

7. Cut 12 1-by-1-inch pieces to the length of 73 inches. Position the pieces evenly across the width of the box spring and secure them into place with wood screws through the long side of the box spring and into the supports.

8. Place a ¾-inch piece of plywood across the top of the box spring and secure it along the edges and to the horizontal braces with wood screws.

9. Cover the entire box spring with fabric. Staple the fabric to the underside of the box spring with the staple gun. Make sure the material is smooth before stapling it into place.

10. Place the box spring on the twin frame.

References

• Kevin Rademacher, Owner; Rosen Carpentry; Rosen, Minnesota

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish