How to Build a Waterbed Frame

Key Takeaways

Determine the size of your waterbed mattress to calculate the frame dimensions and ensure the materials (wood or metal) can support the weight.
For a standard 80 x 60 x 6-inch (203 x 152 x 15-cm) mattress, construct the frame using wood boards, screws and dowels, ensuring you've cut and drilled all the parts to the correct specifications.
Assemble the frame by aligning and connecting the rails with dowels and glue, attaching the baseboard with screws to complete the structure and allowing the glue to dry before installing the water mattress.

Waterbed frames are made of wood or metal. Before you buy materials, determine the dimensions of the mattress and use it to calculate the size of the frame. Make sure the wood or metal is strong enough to support the filled mattress [source: Waterbed Frames].

We'll show you how to build a wood frame for an 80-by-60-by-6-inch mattress. If your mattress size differs, adjust the dimensions accordingly. Here's what you'll need:

C clamps
Drill and countersink bit
Hammer
Wood glue
One 86-by-66-inch (2.18-by-1.68-meter) baseboard, at least ½-inch (1.27-centimeter) thick
Two 86-by-3-by-6½-inch boards for side rails
Two 60-by-3-by-6½-inch boards for end rails
Eight 6-by-¼-inch dowels
2-inch wood screws

Let's build the waterbed frame:

Drill holes along the baseboard 1½ inches (3.81 centimeters) from each edge and spaced 7½ inches (19.1 centimeters) apart.
Ream each hole with the countersink bit until the tops of the wood screws sit flush with the top of the baseboard.
Stand all four rails on their side edges and position them to form a rectangle.
Draw a line along the center of each side rail's end edge. Draw cross lines two and four inches (5.1 and 10.2 centimeters) along the edge.
Cut a shallow groove along the length of each dowel.
Clamp each side rail to the edge of each end rail so that the end rail covers the edge of the side rail.
Mark each rail pair so you can put them together after drilling holes.
Drill a 6-inch (15.2-centimeter) deep hole at each cross mark, going through the side rail and into the end rail.
Coat the dowels with glue and tap them into the holes.
Apply a coat of glue along the top edge of each rail.
Place the baseboard on the frame so its edges are even with the frame edges. Clamp the baseboard to the frame.
Fasten the base to the frame with the wood screws. Make sure the tops of the screws are flush with the baseboard.
Wipe away any excess glue and allow it to dry.
Turn the frame over and install the water mattress [source: Building the Waterbed Frame].

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of wood to use for a waterbed frame?

Hardwoods such as oak or maple are best for their strength and durability, which are necessary to support the weight of a water-filled mattress.

How do I waterproof the wood in a waterbed frame?

Apply a waterproof sealant or varnish to the wood to protect it from potential water damage and to extend the life of the frame.