How to Build a Box to Put a Queen Mattress On

Measure the length and width of your queen-sized mattress with a tape measure. In general, it should measure 60-inches wide by 80-inches long. However, given the wide range of manufacturers, the size may differ slightly.

Cut two 10-inch wide by 1-inch thick boards to a length of 80 inches and then cut two of the same boards to a length of 58 inches.

Set the biscuit joiner depth at 1/2-inch and then cut a biscuit joint across the 10-inch faces of each 80-inch board. The biscuit joiner cuts a joint, or groove, into the wood that you will use to join two pieces of wood together, according to the Wood Zone website. Do this at each end of each board. To cut the groove, hold the base of the jointer against the 1-inch edge of the board and then slide the blade across the board.

Cut biscuit joints along the 1-inch edge of the 58-inch boards with the joiner. To cut the joints, place the base of the joiner on the 10-inch face and then run the joiner across the board. Do this at each end of each 58-inch board.

Apply a bead of glue into each biscuit groove and then place wood biscuits into the groove. Wood biscuits are small, usually oval pieces of compressed wood that swell when soaked in glue, securing the joint, according to the Wood Zone website. Secure the boards together to create a rectangle box. Place bar clamps around the wood frame to secure it together while the glue dries. Allow 24 hours for the glue to dry and then remove the clamps.

Cut a piece of 1-inch thick furniture grade plywood to 60-inches by 80-inches with the table saw.

Place the plywood top on top of the wood frame and secure it by driving 2-inch wood screws through the top of the plywood and into the top edge of the wooden frame. Space the screws approximately every 10 inches.

Sand any rough edges with an orbital sander equipped with a 600-grit sanding pad and then wipe down the wood with a tack cloth.

Paint or stain the surface of the wood with a paint roller or a rag respectively. Allow 24 hours for the paint or stain to dry before you place the box spring and mattress onto the box.