How to Attach a Standard Headboard to a Queen Mattress

Measure the width between the outside edges of the headboard mounting brackets located on the queen sized bed frame with a tape measure.

Cut a 1-inch thick by 3-inch wide pine board to the length obtained in step one. Use a miter saw to obtain a clean, square cut.

Position the board across the mounting brackets on the queen sized bed frame and transfer the mounting holes from the mounting brackets to the wooden board with a pencil.

Drill out each mounting hole location with a drill bit that matches the diameter of the holes in the mounting brackets on the queen sized bed frame.

Secure the board to the mounting brackets on the bed frame with bolts, nuts and a ratchet.

Center the standard headboard against the board you just installed so you have equal distances between each edge of the bed frame and each edge of the headboard.

Transfer the mounting holes from the headboard to the wooden board bolted to the frame. Drill out each hole with a drill bit that matches the diameter of the holes on the headboard.

Secure the headboard to the board bolted the bed frame with bolts, nuts and a ratchet.

Before you drill the holes and mount the board to the bed frame, you can stain or paint the board to match the color of the headboard. This will add a uniform look to the bed. However, depending on your needs, this is optional.