How to Make an Antique Bed Frame More Sturdy

Place the tip of a measuring tape inside the bed frame near the headboard against one side rail. Stretch the measuring tape to the opposite side rail and write down the measurement.

Measure the width near the foot of the bed in the same manner. If the measurement is the same as the first one, the frame is square and requires all the same width of boards. If the measurement varies by 1/2-inch or more you will need additional measurements.

Take additional measurements of the width of a twin size bed frame in four equal distances down the length of the bed. Measure a queen bed frame in five places and a king bed frame in six equal distances. Number your measurements on a piece of paper with slat one near the headboard, then slat two, three and so forth with a measurement for each one.

Subtract 1/2-inch from each measurement. Cut a 1-inch by 4 inch board with a saw for each bed slat in this size and number each one on the board with a marker.

Place the slats in the antique bed frame. Tighten all of the nuts and bolts or screws on the frame with an adjustable wrench or screwdriver. You can place a mattress directly on the slats for a platform bed or first place box springs and then a mattress for extra sturdiness.