How to reinforce a bed frame? What should you do when the bed is wobbly? A shaky bedstead is a nightmare for many homeowners as it affects the sleep quality and brings tremendous annoyance. The bed frames involve various components and connecting parts, when one small part malfunctions, the whole object will get shaky.
Therefore, fixing the wobbly bedsteads is not that easy. If you are suffering from a shaky bedstead, we will give you simple instructions on dealing with this issue effortlessly.
Why Are The Bed Frames Wobbly?
The metal frames are made of many parts connected by screws and joints. Over time, under the pressure and vibration from sleepers, these screws and joints will wear down and cause the frame to shake. The small metal parts also get rusty and weaken due to oxidations that can break under pressure. Therefore, you need to reinforce the bedstead to get rid of shakiness and annoyance at night.
How To Reinforce A Bed Frame?
We can make our beds sturdier and more stable by tightening the screws, connecting joints, and removing the wear-down components.
If the small parts of the beds are still sturdy, you can reinforce their frames by adding slats and supporting beams. However, these methods are not applicable to every bedstead size and material (metal or wood).
Follow the information carefully and pick the most suitable solution for your sleeping bed. It doesn’t require much skill and effort, but you still need to be cautious when dealing with rusty and sharp edges.
Before applying the methods, you need to remove the mattress and box spring (a base placed underneath the mattress) to access the frame. Lay them on the floor or lay in a neat corner of the room.
Step 1: Tighten the screws
The first thing to do is remove the stripped or worn-down screws by using a screwdriver that fits them. If you can’t find screwdrivers, the pliers are also applicable.
Try shaking the beds thoroughly to identify the squeaky parts. If the screws are loose or too rusty, replace or tighten them. You can cover the screw with a small rubber or paper to get more grip if it is too slippery.
Don’t apply too much force on the screwdriver because rusty screw heads can get bent or broken easily. It will form a new groove that makes the screw stick to the frame. After the screw head is attached to your screwdriver, gently push down and rotate the tool. If you want to remove the screws, rotate counter-clockwise and slowly get them out of the bedstead.
However, for the loosened screws that are still usable, just rotate clockwise (to the right) to reinforce them. If it is too hard, consider heating the screws to loosen their threads before trying again.
Step 2: Check the joints
Another reason for the squeaky beds is the loosened joints in the connecting parts of the frame. When the joints wear down, they will rub against each other and cause an annoying squeaking sound. To lubricate the joints, you apply a lubricant on the surfaces where the parts of the joint contact with each other. Some examples are fasteners, hooks, or flat surfaces of the bedsteads.
You can find lubricants like Parrafin (a lubricating oil that consists of petroleum hydrocarbons mixed with oil), WD-40, or candle was. If the squeaking persists, consider removing the joints and replacing them with the new bed bolts. When you remove the joints, the connected pieces of the bedstead will get separated, place them in a neat corner.
Step 3: Install new bolts
If the screws have worn down, you can replace them with the new bed bolts, which are longer and sturdy. They can hold the pieces of the frame tighter. You can install new bolts with l nuts and a washer by following these steps.
First, you and another person hold the pieces of the frame in their original positions so that the holes are lined up. Most bedsteads have circular holes used for installing the connecting joints.
Where the old joints and screws have been removed, install new bolts and slide them through the holes. Next, apply the washer onto the end of the bolt by rotating it clockwise to hold the bolts secured and firm in place. These bolts work best with metal and wooden bedsteads.
Now, try shaking the frame to see if it is more sturdy and firm. If it doesn’t, try tightening the nuts and washer. Your bedstead may have metal brackets with holes to connect the pieces. Just apply the same method, and you can install the new bolts successfully.
Step 4: Add bed slats
If your bed only has a center beam and a perimeter, adding the slats can make it more sturdy and stable. The metal or wooden slats are the base of the beds that consist of bars placed underneath the mattress to provide more support.
There are two types of slats to consider:
- Solid slats: Made from sturdy wood or metal such as pinewood, suitable for a firm bed and placed under a firm mattress.
- Sprung slats: Made from more flexible materials and wood. The sprung slats are curved in the middle to reduce the pressure and strain on the mattress. It brings a softer and more cushion sleeping area.
The slats should be placed close to each other (less than 7 centimeters) to provide the best support. Wider gaps will wear down or bend after a long time. To install the extra slats, you first need to measure the width between the two sides of your bed.
Besides, you should purchase the slats online or from the wood stores to ensure they have the same size and beautiful finishes. Then take the slats and align them horizontally across the bedstead. The purchased slats will come with extra screws, which you can use to attach the slats to the side rail.
Step 5: Replace the beam
If the beam gets rusty, it can break down at any point. Repairing it takes tremendous time and effort, so the easiest way is to replace a new supportive beam for your bed. Most beams are attached to the bed frames using the screws or joints, so you need to unscrew them using the screwdriver.
For the beds that have supportive beams placed underneath the slats, you turn the whole frame upside down. Remember, purchase a new support system that matches your bed size and structure. You can consult a professional or look for different products from the online stores.
Repair A Broken Bed Frame
To eliminate the cracks and splits on the frames, you can fix them with glue or scrap wood. First, you need to remove the mattress and box spring, then unscrew the slats and leave them on the floor.
After that, remove the dust and chips in the cracks or splits and fill with glue, then wait for the glue to dry in the cracks. If the loose joints or screws cause the whole frame to break, you can consider tightening or replacing these components.
Why Should You Stabilize The Bed Frames?
The reinforced frames will get more durable and withstand stronger pressure or vibration. If you are using an old bedstead (more than ten years), reinforcing it is necessary to prevent unwanted shakiness.
The old beds have weakened parts that can break down at some points and cause serious injuries. Furthermore, replacing a new bedstead is much more costly than reinforcing the frames, which is quite effortless and easy.
Even if the beds are totally fine and haven’t gotten wobbly yet, it is still beneficial to reinforce them. After stabilizing the frames, you can put on heavier and thicker mattresses to bring more comfort and health benefits. Knowing that the bed is stable and firm, you can sleep with peace of mind and better sleep quality.
Buying A New Bed Frame
If your current bedstead is too old and rusty, it is recommended to purchase a new bed frame to ensure your safety and increase the beauty of the bedroom.
First, you need to measure the size of the frame to choose a new one that matches the size of the mattress. If you want a bigger mattress, increase the size of the frame accordingly. The next step is considering the interior structure and space in the bedroom. You should spare two to three feet around the frame to move around the room comfortably.
There are two options when it comes to bed frames:
- Separated frames: This type usually includes the slats, beams, box springs, and minor components connected by the screws and joints. It takes more time to install and can wear down faster.
- Complete frames: Complete bed frames have a simple and clean design with the components coming in one piece. They don’t need to be installed and can last for longer.
Wood and metal bedsteads are the two most common options to consider. Ensure that you select high-quality materials so the frame won’t get squeaky after a long usage period. Opt for high-end products from reputable retailers and manufacturers. After purchasing the frame, you should inspect its component thoroughly to ensure that there aren’t any cracks or loose screws.
For more in-depth information, consider watching the video below.
Conclusion
We spend a third of our lives sleeping, so you never want your wooden bed frame to get squeaky or wear down. I hope that you are satisfied with the information provided in this post. Thank you for reading!
FAQS
Can I Sleep On A Mattress Without A Bed Frame?
Yes, you can. Most Mattresses don’t need a support bedstead, and you can lay them on the floor to sleep. It can help you save more space. However, putting the mattress on the floor makes it susceptible to bed bugs and dirt. So ensure that you clean the mattress regularly.
Do Bed Frames Have Weight Limit?
Both bedsteads and mattresses have weight limits. When you exceed this limit, they will wear down or even break. A regular bedstead e (medium size) can withstand up to 500 pounds. The weight limit also depends on the material and build quality of the frame.
What Are The Best Materials For Bed Frames?
Between metal and wood frames, the metal frames are more sturdy and durable, thus making them last longer. The metal bedsteads are also immune to heat, moisture, and mold. They are also more affordable and can suit various bedroom interior designs. When purchasing metal frames, you can choose their sizes, colors, and styles.
