How to Convert a Double Bed Metal Frame to a Queen Size Frame

Queen beds are a few inches wider and longer than double beds, which are also known as full beds. While full beds were standard in the early and mid-20th century, Americans now prefer queen-sized beds. You can still use heirloom double-bed frames as long as you replace the traditional rails with converter rails. These specialized rails are the same width as a double bed, but they feature extension clips on each side to support the wider queen mattress. The rails are also longer to conform to the queen mattress length. When assembled correctly, a converted bed frame is just as sturdy and beautiful as the original double-bed frame.

Converter rails
Screwdriver
Wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the mattress and box springs from the bed frame, and set them aside. Take the headboard and footboard off the rails by unscrewing the nuts and removing the bolts that attach the rails. Lean the headboard against the wall. Set the full-bed rails out of the way.
- 2
  Set the converter rails out so they are lying perpendicular to the headboard. Align the bolt holes on the converter rail with the holes on the headboard leg. Attach them with the bolts and hand-tighten the nuts. Repeat with the opposite headboard leg and converter rail.
- 3
  Attach the footboard to the converter rails by inserting the bolts through the footboard legs and the rails. Tighten the nuts onto the bolts by hand.
- 4
  Use a wrench to tighten all the nuts on the four corners of the bed to make the frame sturdy.
- 5
  Screw the center support rail ends to the centers of each rail. Align the bolt holes on the center support rail with the pre-drilled holes on each rail. Insert the bolts and tighten the nuts with a wrench.
- 6
  Place queen-sized box springs on the converted rails. Position the box springs so the sides are within two metal clips on each side of the bed. Place the mattress on top of the box springs.

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