How to Connect a Wooden Footboard to a Metal Frame

Prop the footboard against the wall where it will ultimately rest. Lay the bed rails on the floor near each leg with the lip of the rails facing in on both sides.

Hook the keyhole fastener on the bed rail to the keyhole bolt on the corresponding footboard leg. Alternatively, fit mounting bolts with washers and insert them through the slots on the rails and into the bolt holes on the leg. If there are bolts included, screw them onto the other side of the footboard leg, hold them steady with an adjustable wrench, and tighten the bolts with a screwdriver.

Lay the center support horizontally across the center of the bed. Slide the notched ends of the center support onto the rails and line up the support and frame bolt holes. If the wheel or slide in the middle of the center support doesn't rest firmly on the ground, twist it clockwise to lower or counterclockwise to raise it until it does. Thread a washer onto the center support mounting bolts and insert the bolts through the bolt holes. Secure with nuts if included.

Place the box spring on top of the frame. Make sure it rests on both side rail lips. Place the mattress on top of the box spring. Push the mattress and box spring up against the headboard. Leave a gap between the mattress and the footboard for blankets and a comforter.