Can You Cut the Metal Legs of a Daybed to Make It Lower?

Daybeds

• A daybed is a twin bed enclosed on three sides by a frame. It has a back and arms, making it look like a sofa. Because it functions as a bed and couch, this versatile option is appropriate for a guest room that is also used as a den or home office. Daybed frames are commonly wood, metal or a mix of the two materials. Some daybeds have mattresses underneath that can be pulled out to expand sleeping space.

Saws

• When a metal-frame daybed has legs that are too tall, the legs can be cut down with a jigsaw or reciprocating saw. A jigsaw cuts through 1/8-inch mild steel, non-iron pipes and 10-gauge sheet metal, according to The Family Handyman, an online and print do-it-yourself resource. A reciprocating saw slices through metal tubing in the same way but can be lighter and easier to manipulate.

Blades

• Blades intended to cut metal should have between 18 and 24 teeth per inch and be marked for cutting metal. Blades that are mixtures of carbon steel and high-speed steel are more expensive and last longer than other blades. When cutting through metal, set your saw to a low speed. Keep multiple blades on hand because they wear down quickly.

Process

• To cut the legs down on your metal daybed, determine how much shorter you want the legs to be. Mark the measurement on each leg to ensure all four are even. Remove the mattress. Turn the bed upside down. Pry off the plastic cap or caster at the end of each leg. Set them aside. Put on eye protection. Load your saw with a blade. Set the saw to low speed. Cut through each leg in turn. Replace the blade if begins to get dull. Sand down any rough edges. Replace the plastic caps and casters.

Considerations

• The legs of a daybed that's fitted with a trundle bed should not be shortened. Shorter legs could impair the function of the trundle.