How to Attach Rails to the Headboard & Footboard

Metal bed rails support the box springs and mattress, but aren't very decorative. When you want to create a certain style or look in the bedroom, choose a headboard and footboard that will enhance the sleeping space. Check whether your rails have headboard brackets -- pieces that bolt to the end of the rail and have bolt holes set at a 90-degree angle from the rail. If not, you can easily order headboard and footboard adapter kits to work with metal rails on headboards and footboards.

Metal bed rail with bolts
Headboard brackets with bolts
Headboard
Footboard
Footboard brackets with bolts

Instructions

- 1
  Mount the headboard brackets to the bed rails by aligning the bolt holes. Place a bolt through both pieces, and secure it with a nut. Repeat on the other side.
- 2
  Mount the footboard brackets to the other end of the bed rails. Remove any end caps, if present. Slide a bolt through the bolt holes in both the bracket and the frame. Twist a nut onto the bolt until the bracket is securely on.
- 3
  Place the headboard next to the headboard brackets. Align the bracket bolt holes with the headboard post holes. Insert a bolt and secure it in place with a nut. Repeat with the other end of the headboard.
- 4
  Attach the footboard the same way as the headboard, by inserting bolts into the footboard bracket bolt holes, all the way through the footboard. Secure the bolts with nuts.

How to Attach Steel Frames to a Wooden Headboard and Footboard

How to Make a Mirrored Bed

Beds