How to Build Bed Rails

Beds are easier to make from scratch than you might think. Although beds may be large, important pieces of furniture, they follow a basic rectangular shape that even beginner handymen can assemble out of a few two-by-fours. Building bed rails is even simpler. Whether you plan to make an entire bed from scratch, or whether you want to attach bed rails to an existing bed, a few simple steps is all it takes.

• 1

  Cut the rails to size. The length you need for the bed rails depends on the size of the bed they are for. The simplest way to determine the length you need is to measure your mattress and add several more inches to allow for space when you lay the mattress on the frame. If you already have the frame assembled, then make a very exact measurement of the length between the bedposts on either side.

• 2

  Cut grooves into the corner posts of the bed, about 1.5 inches deep, at the desired height for the bed rails.

• 3

  Drill two quarter-inch holes about four inches deep into the side of each post, and hammer two-inch-long metal rods into the holes. The rods support the bed frame. Use a long nail to seat the rods completely.

• 4

  Apply carpenter's glue into the holes, and insert the wooden dowels. Once the glue has started to dry, saw off the top of the dowels, and sand the wood smooth.

• 5

  Fit the bed rails into the grooves so that they are supported by the metal rods. Make sure they are secure. If the structure seems unstable, consider adding a slatted bed base to your project that attaches to the side rails for added stability.

• 6

  Varnish, finish, or paint the rails as desired. If you are adding rails to a pre-existing bed frame, this step is especially important for matching the look of the rails to the rest of the bed.