How to Use a King-Size Bed Frame Without a Box Spring

The problem with using a king-size bed frame without box springs is that the box springs provide the structural support for the bed. Much like your body's skeleton, without box springs beneath it, the mattress pad will sag in the middle.

In many cases, it will sag far enough to slip through the frame and wind up on the floor. The solution is simple: Create structural support via a project that takes less than half an hour.

Things You Will Need

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• King bed frame
• 2 plywood sheets
• Egg crate foam
• Power saw
• Staple gun

Tip

The twin, parallel plywood sheets should be enough to prevent sagging. However, if sagging is a concern, you can place a single cinder block beneath the bed at its center for additional support.

1. Cut the plywood to match the dimensions of your mattress. For a standard king mattress, cut each sheet to 76 inches by 40 inches. For a California king, cut each to 72 inches by 42 inches.

2. Lay the plywood in the rails of your bed frame. The long sides of the plywood should run perpendicular to the long sides of the bed.

3. Roll out egg crate foam to cover the plywood, stapling it in place with the staple gun. This will help accommodate for the fact that plywood is harder and less pliable than box springs.

4. Place your mattress pad on top of the egg crate foam.

The Drip Cap

• The problem with using a king-size bed frame without box springs is that the box springs provide the structural support for the bed.
  
• Cut the plywood to match the dimensions of your mattress.
  
• The long sides of the plywood should run perpendicular to the long sides of the bed.