Replies

1. 
   YesMaam27577 | Nov 05, 2002 03:25am | #1

   I'm a woodworker by choice, and a Handyman as my trade. On more than one occasion, I've been asked to fix a bed that was either broken, or was squeaking badly.

   A king size bed does have some structural considerations which are above and beyond queens and smaller sizes. When I see a king size that is both old, and in good condition, it is because it has some extra frame members.

   The good king size beds have cross-supports going from the middle of the headboard to the middle of the footboard. In addition, one of the slats (from side to side) is also connected. On the REALLY good beds, both of these pieces fit into dovetail or half-dovetail slots. The reverse angle of the dovetails allows these cross members to hold the sides and ends together. As a result, there is a much smaller chance that the slats will sag. (If the frame can't spread, then the slats can't sag.) Don't glue or fasten these braces -- they'll need to be removed each time the bed is disassambled and moved.

   And for what its worth, my king size sleigh bed (hand made, and solid as a rock) has two head-to-foot braces, and two side-to-side braces. The head-to-foot "layer" is immediately below the side-to-side layer. And the side-to-side layer also includes a few "normal" bedslats.

   One other item for which the recipient will thank you. Don't use the regular side-rail connecters that hook onto the headboard. Instead, use mortise and tennon joints. Don't glue them -- use bed bolts instead. The bolts can be tightened quite nicely, and the bed will never squeak. Really -- NEVER.

   Have fun with this project. If you do it right, you will be creating a family heirloom.

   Dave Thompson

1. 
   Marcello | Nov 05, 2002 03:58am | #3

   Dave:

   I'm going to start sketching on it tonight.  It makes sense to have the extra support in the center.  The dovetailing of the slats is a great idea.  It will be out of mahogany and once it is done, she will want me to do the matching side tables, dresser, chest,...

   Thanks for the info

2. 
   BG | Nov 05, 2002 03:27am | #2

   I have a king size bed and three kids...so listen carefully if you want to be an uncle...lol

   Seriously, there is no king size box spring, but two seperate box springs. So your really building two boxes with a shared center board.  I have a king size headboard..but that is all.  With a foot and sides it would be really big... 

1. 
   Marcello | Nov 05, 2002 04:05am | #4

   "lol" will be all i'll get paid...plus the cost of the wood.  Maybe they'll name their first kid after me...NOT.   A bed this size will need to have a name, like a ship.  I could carve "Titanic" on the head board!!  I don't think she would appreciate that too much.  I suggested making a secret compartment in it so she can put one notch for every husband she goes thru - she didn't think it was too funny either {:-)

3. 
   ian | Nov 05, 2002 02:28pm | #5

   Marcello

   This is going to sound like an ad, but you should check out Jeff Miller's Beds book.  Intro covers how to size the frame for different mattress styles and sizes, the pro and cons of the different construction techniques, etc.   I recently build Jeff's sleigh bed, using Jeff's intro to resize the design and to change details like how the side rails attach to the head and foot boards.    

   As a tip, get your sister to decide now whether she wants under bed storage or not. 

   Ian 

1. 
   Marcello | Nov 05, 2002 06:12pm | #6

   Thanks, I'll look the book up.