Why and when to raise your bed

Raising a bed means lifting the frame higher off the floor, usually by adding legs, blocks, or a platform underneath. People do this for several practical reasons: to create storage space beneath the bed, to make getting in and out easier as you age, to improve air circulation under the mattress, or straightforward to change the look of a bedroom.

The most common reason is storage. A bed raised 12 to 18 inches creates room for under-bed containers, suitcases, or seasonal items. Raising it also helps if your mattress sits too low and you have trouble standing up, or if you want better airflow to prevent moisture buildup that can damage the mattress over time.

Before you raise your bed, check the frame itself. Metal frames with a solid base can usually be raised safely. Wooden frames with a box spring or platform base can too, as long as the legs are sturdy. Platform beds (those with a solid wood or metal surface instead of a box spring) are heavier and may not be good candidates for raising unless you use a very stable method.

Key Takeaways

  • Bed risers—plastic or wood blocks that slip under existing legs—are the simplest and cheapest way to raise a bed 4 to 12 inches without tools.
  • Adjustable metal bed frames with threaded legs let you raise the bed by hand, usually up to 14 inches, and are stable for most mattress types.
  • Stacking cinder blocks or wooden blocks under the legs works but requires checking stability and ensuring the frame sits level before you sleep on it.
  • Never raise a bed on wheels unless you lock the wheels first, and always test the height and stability before putting your full weight on it.
  • Raising a bed more than 18 inches can make it unsafe to get in and out of, and may void the warranty on some frames.

Using bed risers for a quick raise

Bed risers are the easiest method. They are plastic or wood blocks, usually 4 to 12 inches tall, with a cup-shaped top that holds the bed leg. You straightforward slide them under each leg of the frame—no tools, no assembly. Most sets come in packs of four, one for each corner.

Risers work best on frames with legs that are at least 1 to 2 inches in diameter and sit flat on the floor. Before you buy, measure your bed legs and check the riser's cup size to make sure they fit. Plastic risers are lighter and cheaper but can crack if you have a very heavy mattress or if someone jumps on the bed. Wood risers are sturdier but heavier to move.

To install risers, lift one corner of the bed frame slightly (or ask someone to help), slide the riser underneath the leg, and lower the frame onto it. Do this for all four corners, then check that the bed is level by looking at it from the side. If one corner sits higher than the others, adjust the risers until the frame is even. A bed that tilts can feel unstable and may cause the mattress to shift.

Adjustable metal frames with threaded legs

Some metal bed frames come with legs that screw in and out, letting you adjust the height by hand. These are common on platform beds and metal frames sold at furniture stores. The legs usually have a threaded rod that twists into the frame, and you straightforward turn the leg clockwise to raise it or counterclockwise to lower it.

This method is stable because the legs are part of the frame itself, not separate blocks underneath. You can raise the bed in small increments—usually a quarter turn at a time—until you reach the height you want. Most threaded legs allow a raise of 8 to 14 inches from the lowest setting.

To adjust, turn each leg evenly so the frame stays level. If you raise one leg much higher than the others, the mattress will tilt and the frame may wobble. Turn all four legs the same number of times, then check the level before you sleep on the bed. If the frame has wheels, lock them first so the bed does not roll while you are adjusting.

Stacking blocks under the frame

If you do not have risers or an adjustable frame, you can stack cinder blocks, wooden blocks, or concrete pavers under the legs. This is the cheapest option but requires more care to do safely. The blocks must be solid, level, and able to support the weight of the bed and mattress without cracking or shifting.

Use blocks that are at least 4 inches thick and the same height on all sides. Cinder blocks are common and inexpensive, but they can crack if the weight is not distributed evenly. Wooden blocks (like 4x4 lumber cut into sections) are sturdier but can rot if exposed to moisture. Concrete pavers are solid and less likely to crack than cinder blocks.

Stack the blocks directly under each leg, making sure they are aligned and level. Place one block under each leg first, then add more blocks on top if you need extra height. Before you put the bed frame on the blocks, test the stack by pressing down hard on it to make sure it does not shift or tip. Once the frame is in place, check that the bed is level from all angles. If it rocks or feels uneven, remove the frame and adjust the blocks until they sit flat and stable.

Checking stability and safety

After you raise your bed by any method, test it before you sleep on it. Push down on all four corners of the mattress with your hands to feel for wobbling or movement. The bed should feel solid and not shift under pressure. If it moves, the risers or blocks are not sitting evenly, and you need to adjust them.

Check the legs or risers from underneath to make sure nothing is cracked, bent, or loose. If you used risers, make sure each one is fully under the leg and not partially off to the side. If you stacked blocks, make sure they are not tilted or leaning. A bed that feels unstable is not safe to sleep on and can collapse if weight is unevenly distributed.

If your bed has wheels, lock them before raising it. Wheels can roll when you are adjusting the height or when you move around on the mattress, which can cause the bed to shift and the risers or blocks to slip out of place. Some wheels have a lever or button to lock them; others require you to turn a screw. Check your frame's instructions to find the lock mechanism.

How high is too high

Raising a bed more than 18 inches off the ground can make it difficult and unsafe to get in and out of, especially for older adults or people with mobility issues. A bed that is too high can also look out of proportion in a small bedroom and may make it harder to make the bed or change sheets.

Most people find that 12 to 14 inches is a comfortable height for storage without sacrificing ease of access. This height gives you room for under-bed containers while keeping the bed at a level where you can sit on the edge and stand up without strain. If you need more storage, consider using shallow containers that fit under a lower bed, or adding shelving to the walls instead.

Before you raise your bed, check the warranty on your frame or mattress. Some manufacturers void the warranty if the bed is raised above a certain height or if risers or blocks are used that are not approved by the company. Call the manufacturer or check the warranty paperwork to confirm what methods are allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I raise a bed with a box spring?

Yes. Beds with a box spring and metal frame can be raised with risers or blocks under the frame legs. The box spring sits on top of the frame, so raising the frame raises the entire bed. Make sure the risers or blocks are rated to support the combined weight of the frame, box spring, mattress, and anyone sleeping on it.

What if my bed frame has wheels?

Lock the wheels before raising the bed. If the wheels do not lock, consider removing them or replacing them with fixed legs. Wheels can roll when you adjust the height or move on the mattress, which can cause the risers or blocks to slip and the bed to collapse.

Will raising my bed damage the mattress?

Raising the bed itself does not damage the mattress. However, if the frame becomes unstable or tilts after being raised, the mattress can shift and wear unevenly. Make sure the bed is level and stable before you sleep on it, and check it regularly to may support nothing has shifted.

Can I use books or stacks of wood instead of risers?

No. Books compress over time and can shift, making the bed unstable. Stacks of loose wood can also shift or tip. Use solid, rigid blocks like cinder blocks, concrete pavers, or purpose-made risers that are designed to support weight without deforming.

How do I know if my bed frame is strong enough to raise?

Check the frame for cracks, bends, or rust. Metal frames should be solid steel with no visible damage. Wooden frames should have sturdy legs and no rot or splitting. If the frame is already wobbly or damaged, raising it will make the problem worse. If you are unsure, contact the manufacturer or a furniture repair person to assess the frame before you raise it.