How to Convert a Metal Frame to Rails & Slats for a King Size Bed

A metal bed frame typically has one metal bar that stretches across the center of the bed. This metal bar offers support for the bed and keeps the mattress and box spring from sliding or sinking into the center. Some older frames lack this support completely and with newer frames, you might lose the center support or the leg on that support. Converting a king frame to one with slats requires the use of new center supports that you arrange between the existing rails.

2 center slat supports
Rubber mallet
Electric drill

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the center slat support upside down. Locate the glide assembly, which is a metal cylinder that serves as the leg. Place the assembly against the leg and gently tap the top with a rubber mallet until it sits inside the leg.
- 2
  Remove all of your linens and bedding from the bed and remove both the mattress and box spring. Set the center support in the middle of the rails. Pull on the end of the support until it is long enough to touch both side rails. Position your second support 20 to 28 inches away from the first.
- 3
  Look at the end of the support where it touches the side rail. Mark the location of the hole on the side rail. Make the location of each hole, where the holes touch the side rails. These small holes let you attach the supports to the frame. Remove the supports or set to the side.
- 4
  Place a drill flat against one of your marks. Turn on the drill and push down, drilling a hole directly through the metal. Repeat this step with the markings for each hole. If you use two center supports, you should have a total of four holes.
- 5
  Line up the holes on your center supports with the holes on each rail. Slide a bolt that comes with the support through the hole on the support and into the hole on the rail. Tighten the bolt with a nut and washer. Repeat this step with each hole. Lower the legs on the center supports and screw up or down to make the center supports as tall as the rails.

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