Learn how to build a box spring with these free box spring plans. Easy project that is less than half the cost of a new box spring!
I recently moved from Missouri to Minnesota, and in the process Marie Kondo-ed a bunch of things. Except, instead of asking “does this bring joy” I asked “is this a pain to move?”
What item is always a pain? A box spring.
It’s big. It’s bulky. It doesn’t bend. Basically, moving my boxspring pretty much requires hiring movers. And movers are expensive.
So the boxspring gets left behind.
In the past, I’ve gone and bought a new boxspring. $100 boxspring is cheaper than $1000 movers. But this time? This time I built it myself.
Total cost? $50. Win.
Ideas and Planning
I have a queen bed, so I planned for a boxspring that was 60″ x 80.” Here are the dimensions of other bed sizes:
- Twin: 39″ x 75″
- Twin XL: 39″ x 80″
- Full: 54″ x 75″
- King: 76″x 80″
- California King: 72″ x 84″
The standard box spring height is 9″, but I really like having a taller mattress, so I boosted by box spring to be 12″ tall. This is easily adjustable, so if you’d prefer a shorter or taller box spring, it’s no problem.
The plans are written for a 9″ queen box spring, however instructions are included for changing the height.
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Materials
- (17) 1″ x 4″ x 8′ Furring Strips
- (3) 2″ x 4″ x 8′
- Wood glue and brad nails*
*I have a brad nail gun, which makes this a breeze. If you don’t, you could always use a hammer or screws and a drill/driver.
Grab the free printable plans for full cutlist, and instructions for altering plans for other bed sizes.
DIY Box Spring
Step 1: Make All Cuts
Per the plans make all cuts for the boxspring size you desire.
Step 2: Build Support Beams
Three main support structures run the length of the boxspring. Start by lining up (5) 2×4 pieces along a 1×4:
I eyeballed the locations, doing my best to space these evenly.
Then put a line of glue along the top of each 2×4.
Place the second 1×4 in place, and secure with brad nails.
Filp the 1×4/2×4 structure over, and repeat with the second 1×4.
Repeat for the other two support beams.
Step 3: Assemble
I highly recommend assembling the box spring in place, on the bedframe. That way, you don’t have to worry about getting the thing from wherever you built it into the bedroom.
Start by spacing the support beams evenly so that they create a space 60″ wide. Take two 1x4s and use them to attach the ends of the support beams together. See picture below for 1×4 placement.
Be sure to repeat this on both ends of the box spring.
Then lay out the remaining 1×4 pieces on top of the box spring, spacing them out evenly. I eyeballed this, but I actually think it would have been easier to measure.
Secure in place with wood glue and brad nails. Then the box spring is done!
FAQs
Will this void my mattress warranty?
Probably. Despite the fact I designed the boxspring to be pretty much structurally identical to boxsprings on the market, mattress manufactures look for any reason to void warranties.
Any DIY boxspring is probably going to void the warrenty. I’m sorry.
How long does a DIY box spring take to build?
If you’re working with wood glue and brad nails, under two hours. The bulk of the time is in cutting the pieces.
If you don’t have a nail gun, and are using a hammer or driving screws, it’ll probably take a bit longer.
I learn better with video. Do you have a video of this project?
Cost Considerations
Since I just moved, I didn’t have any scrap wood to use, so I bought all of the lumber new. Here’s how the cost breakdown worked out:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| (17) 1″x 4″x 8′ | $34 |
| (3) 2″ x 4″ x 8′ | $15 |
| Total | $49 |
I purchased the lumber from Menards (rebate-happy Midwestern home improvement store,) so I will get a few bucks back in rebates, but I think $49 is a decent estimate of what a DIY boxspring should cost.
This is about half the price of purchasing a box spring new. It’s a quick project, and I think the money savings is worth the time investment.
Final Thoughts
While this isn’t the most glamorous project I’ve ever done, it’s practical and a nice money-saver.
Plus my extra tall box spring has so much nice storage!
If you think you might build your own, be sure to grab the plans and save this project to Pinterest so you can find it again later!
Mab
Monday 21st of September 2020
you are putting a mattress on these widely spaced boards? the constant rubbing from the movement of the mattress will wear out the bottom of your mattress and holes will appear in no time. I think this was not a good idea.
MissLindsayFay
Monday 21st of September 2020
This is an interesting thought. Store-bought box springs use exactly the same design, but add a mesh-y fabric on top that hides the wood. That might be worth doing if you're concerned. Although I'll also point out that many platform beds on the market use a wood slat design without issue.
Also - well spaced boards are important. Any moisture that builds up underneath the mattress needs to be able to dry out, and this design allows that.