Can I Turn a Queen Bed into a King?

Queen beds are 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, while king beds are 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. This means kings are 16 inches wider than queens, giving you extra room to spread out.

People often dream of bigger beds for more comfort and space. As families grow or couples want extra room to stretch out, a king size bed becomes very appealing. But there’s a problem—many already own a good queen bed frame and mattress they don’t want to throw away.

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It feels wasteful to get rid of furniture that’s still in great shape. Plus, buying a whole new bed set can be expensive.

This leaves many wondering if they can keep their queen bed and still enjoy the luxury of a king size bed.

With some clever thinking and a bit of work, it’s possible to modify a queen bed into a king. This solution lets you upgrade your sleeping space without wasting your old furniture or breaking the bank.

Things You Need

Before you start transforming your queen bed frame into a king size, you’ll need to gather some supplies. Here’s a list of tools and materials you’ll need to extend the bed and make this project a success.

Tools

To modify your bed frame, you’ll need some basic tools. These will help you work accurately and safely.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Measuring tape
• Drill
• Screwdriver
• Saw (hand saw or power saw)
• Level
• Safety goggles

Materials

The main things you’ll need are parts to make your frame bigger and stronger. Make sure to get materials that match your bed frame’s style and strength.

Your materials list should include:

• Extension rails or adapters
• Screws and bolts
• Wood or metal for additional support
• Extra slats (if needed)
• Sandpaper (for smoothing rough edges)
• Paint or varnish (if you want to match the new parts to your frame)

With these tools and materials, you’ll be ready to start your bed frame conversion project. Double-check your list before you begin to avoid any mid-project trips to the hardware store.

Steps to Convert a Queen Frame to a King

Turning your queen bed frame into a king size is a fun project that can save you money. Follow these steps to upgrade your sleeping space without buying a whole new bed set.

• Check your bed frame: Make sure it’s sturdy enough for the upgrade.
• Get the right tools and materials: Gather things like a drill, saw, measuring tape, extension rails, and screws.
• Measure and plan: Figure out how much wider your frame needs to be.
• Make the frame wider: Add extensions to the sides of your bed frame.
• Add more support: Put in extra slats to hold the bigger mattress. Installing bed rails could also prevent sliding
• Test and fix any problems: Try out your new setup and make adjustments if needed.

With these steps, you can transform your bed and enjoy more sleeping space. Remember, take your time and ask for help if you need it.

Important Things to Think About

Before you start your bed frame transformation project, there are some key factors to consider. These points will help you decide if converting your queen bed to a king is the right choice for you.

Your Bed Frame’s Material and Design

Look closely at your current bed frame. Is it made of wood, metal, or a combination of materials? Some frames are easier to modify than others. A simple, sturdy wooden frame might be ideal for this project.

However, if your frame has a complex design or is made of materials that are hard to work with, you might face more challenges. A metal frame will require specialty tools and an adjustable frame just can’t be expanded without some serious technical knowledge. If you have one of these, you’ll likely be better off just replacing it with a bigger frame.

Consider also whether your frame can handle the extra weight and size of a king mattress. Especially as many larger models have a mattress thickness between 14 to 17 inches.

How Much It Will Cost

Converting your bed frame isn’t free, but it can be cheaper than buying a new king-size bed. Add up the costs of all the materials you’ll need, like extension rails, extra wood, and new screws.

Don’t forget to include the price of any tools you might need to buy or rent. If you’re looking at hiring a professional to help, get an estimate on their labor costs.

Compare this total to the cost of a new king-size bed set. This will help you decide if the conversion is worth it financially. For comparison’s sake, you usually can find wooden frames for a few hundred dollars, sometimes even under $200.

How Much Room Space You Have

A king size bed takes up more room than a queen. Measure your bedroom carefully to make sure a bigger bed will fit comfortably. Remember to leave enough space to walk around the bed and open drawers or doors, especially if you have a bedroom without a closet.

Think about your other furniture too. Will you need to rearrange things or get rid of some pieces to make room for the larger bed? Consider how the bigger bed will affect the overall look and feel of your bedroom.

Conditions of a Mattress Warranty

Mattress warranties cover a variety of issues and defects. But in return, they ask you to invest a bit of care into your mattress, and that includes keeping it on a supportive bed frame.

Generally speaking, modifying a bed frame can void the warranty if it doesn’t meet specified conditions for mattress support. For example, any slats it has should be no more than three inches apart.

You can always try reaching out to the customer service team with a picture of the finished frame and ask if it meets their warranty requirements.

Tips for Success

Turning your queen bed into a king can be a rewarding project if done right. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your conversion is successful and looks great.

Measure Carefully

Accurate measurements are crucial for this project. Measure your current frame and the space where your new king-size bed will go multiple times to avoid mistakes.

Remember, a king mattress is 16 inches wider than a queen, so you’ll need to account for this extra width in your measurements. Double-check all your numbers before cutting any materials or making permanent changes.

If you have the new mattress you’ll place on the finished frame, you might want to measure the mattress just so you know exactly what dimensions you’re working with. Manufacturers often warn that it’s possible for a delivered mattress to be off from the standard dimensions by an inch.

Can I Use My Queen Mattress Too?

While it is possible to convert some queen frames into bigger king beds, turning a queen mattress into a king mattress is not something we can recommend.

The biggest issue is there’s a significant 16-inch difference in width between the two mattress sizes. This gap is too large to be easily filled or modified with foam fillers like you might when converting a full to a queen.

See, mattresses are manufactured as complete units with specific internal structures. They’re designed to maintain their shape and support properties based on their original dimensions. Attempting to add material to expand a mattress would likely compromise its structural integrity and support capabilities.

Even if you do somehow expand the mattress, the added portion would not match the original mattress in terms of comfort, support, or wear patterns. This would result in an uneven sleeping surface, potentially causing discomfort and affecting sleep quality. No one wants a sagging mattress that leaves them with a sore back.

Any modification to a mattress typically voids its warranty. Manufacturers do not support altering their products as it compromises the design and expected performance. A modified mattress may also not meet safety standards for flammability or other regulated aspects of mattress construction.

Furthermore, the materials, time, and effort required to attempt such a modification would likely approach or exceed the cost of simply purchasing a new mattress size, which would be properly constructed and come with a valid warranty.

If you’re looking to upgrade from a queen to a king, whether as a mattress for couples or just yourself, it’s much more practical and beneficial to purchase a new mattress. If budget is a concern, consider looking for sales, comparing different brands, or exploring online mattress options which often come at competitive prices.

If you’re in a situation where you temporarily need more sleeping space, consider alternatives like adding a separate twin mattress next to your queen for a similar total width to a king, or using mattress toppers to bridge gaps if you have two smaller mattresses side by side.

Other Options for a Bigger Bed

If converting your queen bed frame seems too challenging, don’t worry. There are other ways to enjoy more sleeping space without tackling a DIY project.

Buy a New King Bed

Purchasing a new king size bed is the most straightforward option for upgrading your sleep space. This choice guarantees a perfect fit and eliminates any worries about stability or appearance that might come with a converted frame.

However, it’s usually the most expensive option. When considering this route, factor in not just the cost of the new bed frame and mattress, but also new bedding and potential delivery fees.

Also, think about how to dispose of your old mattress and frame responsibly.

Use Two Twin XL Mattresses

An innovative solution is to use two twin XL mattresses side by side on a king bed frame. Making a split king bed like this allows for customization, as each person can choose their preferred mattress firmness. It’s also easier to move and rotate these smaller mattresses compared to a single king.

You can even improvise further with two twin beds into a king, as long as you can find foam mattress extensions that can fill in the 5-inch gap at the foot of the bed.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. You might feel a gap between the mattresses, which some couples dislike, and finding fitted sheets can be tricky.

Now, it’s possible to find mattress bridges to cover the space between beds. A mattress topper can more completely smooth out the surface, but it can be a bit pricy.

Weigh all these factors against the benefits to decide if this option suits your needs. Sometimes it’s better to know when to just call it quits and purchase a new model, as we discuss in our mattress topper or new mattress guide.

FAQs

Can a queen headboard fit a king bed?

A queen headboard is typically not suitable for a king bed without modifications. The standard queen headboard is about 60-62 inches wide, while a king bed is 76 inches wide, leaving a noticeable gap on either side.

This discrepancy in size can look disproportionate and unfinished. However, if you’re willing to get creative, you could potentially use the queen headboard as a centerpiece within a larger, custom-built king-sized headboard frame. You could also opt to do without rather than install a headboard.

One method is to add wings or extensions to either side of the queen headboard to increase its width. You’ll need to carefully match the material, color, and style of the original headboard for a seamless look. Another option is to create a new, larger backing for the headboard and attach the original queen headboard to its center, effectively framing it within a king-sized structure.

Is it difficult to convert a queen bed frame to a king?

The difficulty level depends on your DIY skills and the type of bed frame you have. Simple wooden frames are usually easier to modify than complex or metal ones.

If you’re comfortable using basic tools and following instructions, you should be able to handle this project. If not, you might still be able to save by shopping around for a gently used king frame. Or getting a new frame during one of the year’s big mattress and bedding sales.

Can I put a queen mattress on a king platform frame?

Technically yes, but we can’t recommend it. It will leave a significant gap between the mattress and the frame. This gap can be unsightly and potentially dangerous, as you may accidentally slip into it during sleep. Additionally, the queen mattress won’t be properly supported by the larger frame, which could lead to sagging and reduced mattress lifespan.

Now, you might be able to make it work if you fill the gap with storage bins and such, helping you keep bedroom and nightstand essentials close at hand without a side table. You can also use non-slip pads to help keep the queen mattress in place.

But it can still be a lot of a hassle for a mismatched-looking bed, and you might be better served by a standard king mattress.

Can I convert any type of queen bed frame to a king?

While many queen frames can be converted, not all are suitable for this project. Simple platform beds or basic wooden frames are often the easiest to modify.

Frames with intricate designs, built-in storage, or made from materials hard to work with might not be good candidates for conversion. We also can’t recommend trying to convert an adjustable bed frame, due to the complexity of its parts.

If you have any doubts about the feasibility and safety of a conversion project, it’s best to just replace it with a new king frame. Remember, you’ll be sleeping on it every night and you want to be able to trust the craftsmanship.

How long does it typically take to convert a queen frame to a king?

The time needed can vary based on your experience and the complexity of your frame. Most people can complete this project in a weekend. It’s best to set aside at least two days so you can work carefully without rushing.

How much money can I save with this project?

The cost savings can vary, but you could save hundreds of dollars compared to buying a new king-size bed set. Your main expenses will be materials like extension rails, wood, and screws. Just don’t forget to factor in the cost of tools if you don’t already own them.

We should also note that this estimate of how much you’ll save relies on your success. If you’re not so handy and you don’t create a properly supportive frame, you might instead rack up costs such as a replacement mattress. Have an honest assessment of your capabilities to be sure this is a project you can pull off.

Do I need special tools to convert my bed frame?

You’ll need some basic tools like a measuring tape, drill, screwdriver, and possibly a saw. If your frame is metal, you might need tools for cutting metal. Most of these tools are common household items, but you may need to borrow or buy some depending on what you already own.

What should I do if I’m not confident about doing the work myself?

If you’re unsure about your DIY skills, it’s okay to seek help. You could ask a handy friend or family member to assist you. Alternatively, consider hiring a local handyman or carpenter to do the conversion for you.

Remember, it’s better to get help than to risk damaging your bed frame or creating an unsafe sleeping situation.

Conclusion

Converting your queen bed frame to fit a king size mattress can be a smart way to upgrade your sleeping space without breaking the bank. It allows you to keep a beloved piece of furniture while enjoying the extra room of a larger bed.

However, this project isn’t for everyone. Consider your DIY skills, budget, and bedroom size before deciding.

If conversion seems too challenging, remember that buying a new king size bed or using two twin XL mattresses are valid alternatives. The best choice depends on your unique situation and preferences.

Whatever option you choose, the goal is the same: to create a comfortable, spacious sleeping environment that meets your needs and helps you rest better at night.