How to Make Bed Risers

Are you tired of your bed being too low? You can easily elevate your bed with the help of bed risers. Bed risers are simple yet effective tools that lift the legs of your bed frame to create more space underneath.

How to make bed risers are a fantastic way to create additional storage space under your bed, improve comfort, or even enhance the aesthetic appeal of your room. Whether you need extra room for storing shoes and boxes or just want to elevate your bed to a more comfortable height, making your bed risers can be simple and cost-effective.

This guide will walk you through the materials required and the step-by-step process to create sturdy and functional bed risers at home. With just a few tools and some basic DIY skills, you’ll be able to raise your bed to the desired height efficiently and safely.

What are the Benefits of Bed Risers?

There are countless benefits to using bed risers. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider making your own bed risers:

• Creating Extra Storage Space: One of the main reasons people use bed risers is to create additional storage space under their beds. If you live in a small apartment or have limited storage options, elevating your bed can provide much-needed space to store items such as shoes, boxes, or seasonal clothing.
• Improving Comfort: Raising your bed can also improve your comfort while sleeping. If you struggle with getting in and out of a low bed, elevating it to a more suitable height can make a significant difference. It can also benefit those who suffer from back pain, as a higher bed can be easier to get in and out of.
• Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal: Bed risers can also add an aesthetic touch to your room. They come in various colors, styles, and materials, allowing you to choose ones that match your bedroom decor. With the right bed risers, you can elevate the look of your bed and give your room a more polished and put-together look.
• Cost-Effective Solution: Purchasing bed risers from a store can be expensive, especially if you have a larger bed or need multiple sets. Making your own bed risers at home is a cost-effective solution that can save you money in the long run.

These are just a few of the benefits of using bed risers. Now, let’s dive into how you can make your own bed risers at home.

What Will You Need?

• 4×4 Wooden Posts: The most important material for making sturdy bed risers is 4×4 wooden posts. You’ll need four pieces, one for each leg of your bed frame.
• Saw: A saw is necessary for cutting the wooden posts to the desired height. If you don’t have a saw, you can ask your local hardware store to cut them for you.
• Measuring Tape: A measuring tape will help ensure that all four bed risers are the same height.
• Sandpaper: Sandpaper will be useful for smoothing out any rough edges on the wooden posts.
• Paint or Stain (Optional): If you want to add some color or match your bed risers to your room’s decor, you can use paint or stain. This step is optional but can enhance the overall look of your bed risers.

Once you have all the necessary materials, you can start making your bed risers.

11 Easy Steps on How to Make Bed Risers

Step 1. Measure the Bed Legs

Start by measuring the width and height of your bed legs to ensure your bed risers will fit securely. Use a measuring tape to determine the dimensions of each leg. It’s important to get accurate measurements to provide a stable foundation for the risers.

If your bed legs are round, measure the diameter; if they are square or rectangular, measure both the length and width. With these measurements in hand, you will know the size of the holes or indentations you’ll need to create in the wooden blocks or posts.

Step 2: Cut the Wooden Blocks or Posts

With your measurements ready, it’s time to cut the wooden blocks or posts to the desired height. Use a saw, either a hand saw or a circular saw, to carefully cut the wood into pieces.

The height of the blocks will determine how much your bed will be elevated, so choose the height based on your needs—whether it’s for storage space or a more comfortable bed height. Make sure the cuts are straight and even to prevent instability once the bed rests on the risers.

Step 3: Sand the Edges

After cutting the wooden blocks or posts to the correct height, the next step is to sand the edges. Sanding smooths out any rough or splintered edges, which not only improves the overall appearance of the bed risers but also ensures safety by preventing splinters or scratches. Use sandpaper to gently sand all sides and edges of each block.

Start with a coarser grit to remove any large imperfections and then switch to a finer grit for a smooth finish. If you prefer, you can use an electric sander to expedite the process, but hand sanding will work just as effectively if done thoroughly.

Step 4: Drill Holes or Create Indentations

Depending on the shape and size of your bed legs, you will need to either drill holes or create indentations on the top surface of the wooden blocks to fit the legs securely. Use a drill with an appropriately sized bit if you need to make circular holes, or a chisel and hammer for square or rectangular indentations.

The depth of these holes or indentations should be roughly one-third to one-half of the height of the bed legs to ensure a stable fit. It’s crucial to center these holes or indentations on each block to evenly distribute the weight of the bed.

Step 5: Test Fit the Bed Legs

Before continuing with any finishing touches, test fit each bed leg into its respective hole or indentation in the wooden blocks. Place the blocks under the bed legs and ensure they fit snugly and securely.

If any adjustments are needed, now is the time to make them. You might need to sand a bit more or deepen the holes slightly for a better fit. Ensuring a perfect fit at this stage will prevent any instability once the bed is fully elevated.

Step 6: Optional – Apply Wood Glue

If you want to add extra stability to your bed risers, consider applying wood glue to the inside of the holes or indentations. Using wood glue can help keep the bed legs securely in place, reducing the bed shifting or wobbling risk.

To do this, apply a small amount of wood glue around the inside edges of each hole or indentation. Be careful not to use too much glue, as it can ooze out and create a mess.

Once applied, let the glue set according to the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding to the next step. This additional measure, although optional, can contribute to the overall durability and security of your bed risers.

Step 7: Paint or Seal the Wooden Blocks

You can paint or seal the wooden blocks for a polished and professional look. Painting or sealing not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your bed risers but also provides a layer of protection against moisture and wear.

Select a paint or sealant that matches the decor of your room or complements the existing furniture. If you choose to paint, apply a primer first to ensure the paint adheres well to the wood.

Follow up with one or two coats of your chosen paint color, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. If sealing, use a wood sealant according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring even coverage on all sides and allowing sufficient drying time.

Step 8: Position the Bed Risers

Once the paint or sealant has dried and the wooden blocks are ready, position the bed risers under each leg of the bed. Carefully lift each corner of the bed and slide the riser into place. If your bed is particularly heavy or large, consider enlisting the help of a friend to make this process easier and to avoid injury.

Ensure each riser is aligned correctly and the bed legs sit securely in the holes or indentations. Double-check that the risers are stable and level, ensuring there is no wobbling or tilting.

Step 9: Check for Stability

After positioning the bed risers under each leg of the bed, it’s essential to thoroughly check for stability. Carefully attempt to move the bed in various directions to ensure that it remains secure and does not wobble or tilt.

Pay particular attention to each riser, confirming that they all support the bed evenly. If you notice any instability, inspect each riser to ensure that it is properly aligned and fitted.

Adjustments may involve slightly repositioning the risers, adding more wood glue if necessary, or even sanding down areas that could cause imbalance.

If the bed still wobbles, you may need to rethink and remeasure certain parts of the risers to enhance their stability. This testing phase is crucial to ensuring your elevated bed remains safe and comfortable.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Elevated Bed

Once you have confirmed that your bed risers are stable and secure, you can start enjoying the benefits of your newly elevated bed.

The increased height can provide additional storage space underneath, making it easier to keep your room organized and clutter-free. Moreover, the adjusted height could contribute to a more comfortable sleeping experience, depending on your personal preferences.

Take this time to rearrange your belongings, utilizing the extra space effectively. Remember to periodically check the stability of your bed risers, especially after moving or making significant adjustments to the bed, to ensure long-term safety and functionality.

Step 11: Enjoy the Extra Space and Comfort

With your bed risers securely in place, you can enjoy additional space and improved bed height. Utilize the newfound storage space under the bed to keep seasonal clothing, shoes, or boxes neatly organized.

The elevated bed height can also provide a more comfortable and ergonomic sleeping position, making it easier to get in and out of bed. Take a moment to admire your DIY project’s practical benefits to your living space.

By following these steps, you can easily elevate your bed and create a more functional and comfortable living space.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Choose the Right Material: Depending on the weight of your bed and the desired height, select sturdy and durable materials such as hardwood, metal, or heavy-duty plastic. Avoid weaker materials that could potentially break under pressure.
2. Measure Twice, Cut Once: Accurate measurements are crucial to ensuring that all bed risers are of equal height. Use measuring tape and a level to double-check your dimensions before cutting.
3. Reinforce for Extra Stability: To increase the stability of your bed risers, consider adding reinforcements such as extra screws or brackets. This is especially important for taller risers that may be prone to wobbling.
4. Add Non-Slip Pads: To prevent the bed from slipping or sliding off the risers, attach non-slip pads to the top and bottom surfaces of the risers. This will also protect your floors from scratches.
5. Consider Aesthetic Finishes: If the bed risers are visible and you want them to blend in with your room decor, consider painting or staining them to match your bed frame or furniture. Decorative finishes can also make your DIY project look more professional.

With these additional tips and tricks, you can ensure that your bed risers are functional, sturdy, and aesthetically pleasing. Don’t be afraid to get creative with materials and finishes to make your DIY project truly unique!

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Using Weak Materials: Avoid using flimsy materials such as thin plastic or soft wood that cannot support the weight of your bed. Weak materials can lead to potential breakage and pose safety hazards.
2. Skipping Measurements: Never skip the measuring process. Incorrect measurements can result in bed risers of uneven heights, causing an unstable and potentially dangerous sleeping setup.
3. Neglecting Weight Distribution: Do not overlook the importance of even weight distribution. Ensure that the bed risers are placed correctly at all corners of the bed to maintain balance and prevent tilting.
4. Ignoring Floor Protection: Avoid placing bed risers directly on delicate flooring without protective pads. This can cause scratches, dents, or other damage to your floor surfaces.
5. Overlooking Structural Integrity: Remember to reinforce your bed risers if needed. Inadequate support or a lack of reinforcements can make taller risers prone to wobbling, compromising the overall stability of your bed.

By steering clear of these common mistakes, you can create bed risers that are safe, stable, and durable. Proper planning and attention to detail are key to a successful DIY project.

Do Plastic Bed Risers Work?

Plastic bed risers are a popular and affordable option for raising the height of your bed. They can work effectively when used correctly and with appropriate weight distribution.

However, it is important to note that plastic bed risers may not be as sturdy or durable as other materials, such as hardwood or metal. Consider the weight of your bed and any potential reinforcement needed before choosing plastic risers.

It is also important to regularly check and replace plastic bed risers if they show signs of wear or damage, as they may not be as long-lasting as other materials. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference and the specific needs of your bed setup. 

How to Make Bed Risers Look Better?

If you want to make your bed risers look more aesthetically pleasing, several options are available. Some ideas include:

• Painting or staining the risers to match your bed frame or furniture
• Covering the risers with decorative fabric or adhesive wallpaper
• Using washi tape or other decorative tapes to add a pop of color or pattern
• Adding adhesive decals or stickers
• Use decorative brackets or furniture legs to elevate the risers and add a touch of style.

Get creative and have fun with your bed riser makeover! Just ensure that any materials used are safe secure, and do not compromise the structural integrity of the risers. 

Conclusion

How to make bed risers can be a rewarding project that combines practicality with creativity.

By choosing the right materials, measuring accurately, and adding thoughtful reinforcements, you can ensure that your bed risers are both functional and durable. Additionally, considering aesthetic improvements can make your DIY risers blend seamlessly with your room decor, enhancing the overall look of your space.

Avoid common pitfalls such as using weak materials or neglecting measurements to ensure your risers are safe and stable.

Whether you opt for wooden, metal, or plastic risers, regular checks and maintenance will help prolong their lifespan. With a little bit of effort and attention to detail, you can create bed risers that perfectly suit your needs and style. So, gather your tools, plan carefully, and enjoy the process of making your bed risers truly unique!