Expert: Jamie Yocono - 1/28/2006

Question
Hi Jamie,

I have a conventional full size bed complete with headboard and footboard.  It uses the standard metal bed frame to support the bed using wood slats underneath a boxspring and mattress.  Can this bed be converted to a platform bed which would only use a mattress?  If not, is it possible to purchase a platform bedframe to convert the bed so that I can still utilize the headboard and footboard? Would that make the bed too low? My goal is to be able to update the bed and keep the bedroom set complete by keeping the headboard and footboard.  I'm willing to forego the footboard if the conversion is possible.  Let me know.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Stacy,

I had to read and reread your question; I wasn't sure I understood the question you were asking. But I think I do- you want to know if you can convert your existing head and footboard, which use a metal frame, into a platform bed, using the same head and footboard.

Did I get that right? :)

It's a little tough to say for sure, but I would think that since both pieces (head and footboard) mount to that metal frame, then they would be able to mount to some sort of platform. I'm guessing that they have 2 "legs" that go all the way to the floor, and that's where the frame mounts. If so, there is a wooden surface where the platform can be attached.

If I were doing this project, I would simply build the platform the way you want it, at the correct height, to make up for the missing box spring. Basically, you're making a box for the bottom, and then you're going to top it with some sort of panel material, like plywood or MDF or something similar.  

The simplest of platforms can be made by constructing a "rim" of 2 x material, such as 2 x 8's or 2 x 10's. If you need to go taller than the 2 x material, you could actually make a rim (box) out of plywood, cut to the width you want your platform height to be.

For example- if you want your bed height to be 24" tall, and your mattress is 8", you would need to build a box that is roughly 15 1/4" tall, add the top panel boards (probably going to be 3/4") and so the platform height is 16" high.  Add your 8" mattress, and you're right at the height you want to be.

I would also add a center piece so that there is no flexing in the middle of the bed once you put the platform (plywood) down. So include some sort of center bracing inside that rim box. If you've ever noticed the way cardboard inserts fit together inside of a packing box, say- for a case or wine or beer, you can see the way they fit together snugly and create a rigid grid. You could make a simple brace for the center of your bed using that concept. It's pretty easy.

When you build the platform box, I would make this box run the entire length of your mattress, from head to foot. The platform overhang will only be on the sides of the bed. That way, you have a solid area where you can mount your head and footboard.  Now- if they don't align the way you would like, you can add some sort of brace or stretcher to them, so that you have a place to bolt them into the platform box.

I hope this isn't' too technical for you, but I'm assuming you have a few tools and know a little about furniture or woodworking. Honestly, you could probably do this whole project with just a circular saw and maybe a drill to help you screw things together. Well... plus the normal assortment of tools that you might have.  I would say (depending on the height of the platform box) you could make this whole project out of 2-3 sheets of 4 x 8 material. Add some screws and bolts and you'll be set.

Good luck, I hope this helps. Feel free to write back with any other questions you might have after reading this.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
www.wooditis.com
Las Vegas, NV