How to Strengthen a Bed Frame

Written By
Jake Wayne
Jake Wayne
Published: Dec 30, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Other kinds of weak bed frames usually are best replaced rather than repaired as the risks of catastrophic failure outweigh the benefits of saving money with a do-it-yourself repair.

Things You Will Need

  • 4 wooden strips, 1-by-2 inches
  • Power drill with screwdriver bits
  • Wood screws, 2 inches long
  • or
  • Plywood sheet, 1/2-inch thick
  • Power saw
  • Measuring tape

Wobbly Bed

  1. Cut four wooden strips to either 6 or 12 inches long. Use the shorter measurement for standard bed frames, and the longer measurement for loft beds and bunk beds.

  2. Set one wooden strip at an angle in one corner formed by the support leg and mattress frame, overlapping onto each of those pieces of the structure. Together, they should form a right triangle. Screw the strip in place using two wood screws at each point of connection.

  3. Repeat step 2 three more times, adding a stabilizing brace to each of the three remaining open corners of the bed frame.

Sagging Mattress

  1. Measure the distance between the support rails of your bed frame. Measure both the length and width of the frame.

  2. Cut your plywood to match the measurements you took in step one. For queen and king beds, you may need to cut two pieces of plywood, each to half the size of your mattress frame.

  3. Slide the plywood sheets into the mattress frame, hanging on the rails like the bottom of your mattress.

  4. Put your mattress on top of the plywood. This will not only support the mattress, but it will distribute the weight more evenly along the frame.

The Drip Cap

  • There are two bed frame problems for which strengthening can be appropriate.
  • Cut your plywood to match the measurements you took in step one.
  • For queen and king beds, you may need to cut two pieces of plywood, each to half the size of your mattress frame.
Jake Wayne

Jake Wayne has written professionally for more than 12 years, including assignments in business writing, national magazines and book-length projects. He has a psychology degree from the University of Oregon and black belts in three martial…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.