Why and How to Lift Your Bed Frame

Raising a bed frame means adding height between the floor and the bottom of the frame using supports underneath. The most common reasons are to create storage space below, improve air circulation around the mattress, or make the bed easier to get in and out of. You can raise a frame anywhere from 4 inches to 12 inches higher, depending on what you're trying to accomplish and what supports you use.

The method you choose depends on your frame type, how much height you need, and what's underneath your bed. A platform bed (solid wood or metal base with no box spring) raises differently than a frame that sits on a box spring. The supports must be stable enough to hold the weight of the mattress, frame, and anyone sleeping on it without shifting or collapsing.

Key Takeaways

  • Bed risers—plastic or metal blocks that slide under each leg—are the fastest and safest way to raise most frames, adding 4 to 12 inches of height.
  • Before raising your frame, measure the leg diameter and check the weight limit of any risers you buy, since oversized legs or heavy sleepers can exceed capacity.
  • Platform beds and frames with wheels or casters need different raising methods than traditional frames with four legs.
  • Always place supports directly under the legs or frame rails, never under the mattress or box spring, to prevent sagging and damage.
  • Test the bed's stability after raising it by explore firm pressure to all corners before sleeping on it.

Using Bed Risers for Standard Frames

Bed risers are the most straightforward option for raising a frame with four legs. They are hollow plastic or metal blocks, usually 3 to 4 inches tall, with a cup-shaped top that holds the leg and a flat base that sits on the floor. You slide one riser under each of the four legs. Most sets come in packs of four and cost between $15 and $40.

To install risers, first remove the mattress and box spring (if you have one) and set them aside. Lift one corner of the frame slightly and slide a riser under the leg until the leg sits fully in the cup. Repeat for all four corners. Lower the frame slowly and check that all four risers are sitting flat on the floor with no rocking. If the frame rocks, one riser is not making full contact—lift that corner again and reseat the riser.

Before buying risers, measure the diameter of your bed legs. Most risers fit legs between 1 and 2 inches in diameter. If your legs are thicker or tapered, standard risers will not hold them securely. Check the weight limit on the package—many risers support up to 1,000 pounds per set, but lighter plastic versions may support only 500 pounds. If you weigh more than 250 pounds or have a very heavy mattress, choose heavy-duty metal risers.

Stacking Materials for Extra Height

If you need more than 12 inches of height or want a custom height, you can stack materials under the legs. Wood blocks, concrete pavers, or cinder blocks all work, but they must be stable and level. Never stack risers on top of each other—the top riser can slip off the bottom one.

Cut or buy wood blocks that are at least 4 inches wide and as long as your bed leg is wide. Place one block under each leg, making sure the leg sits in the center of the block. If you need more height, add a second layer of blocks on top of the first, but only if the bottom layer is completely stable and level. Use a level tool to check that the bed is not tilting in any direction. Uneven stacking can cause the frame to sag on one side and damage the mattress.

Concrete pavers and cinder blocks are heavier and less likely to shift than wood, but they are also harder to remove. If you rent, check your lease before using permanent-looking materials—your landlord may consider them alterations. Wood blocks are easier to remove and leave no marks.

Raising Platform Beds and Frames Without Legs

Platform beds have a solid base (usually wood slats or plywood) instead of four separate legs. Risers designed for legs will not work because there is nowhere for the cup to grip. Instead, you can use flat shims, rubber pads, or short wood blocks placed under the frame rails at the corners and at the midpoint of each long side.

Measure the width and length of your frame rails (the outer edges that run the length of the bed). Buy rubber shims or wood blocks that are at least 2 inches wide and as long as the rail is thick. Slide the frame forward slightly, place shims under the front rails at both corners and the center, then slide the frame back and repeat for the rear rails. Make sure all shims are making contact with the rail and the floor. Check the bed for rocking by pressing down firmly on all four corners.

If your platform bed has a center support beam running down the middle, place a shim under that as well. Center beams carry a lot of weight and can sag if not supported. A sagging center beam will eventually crack the slats and damage the mattress.

Dealing with Wheels, Casters, and Adjustable Frames

Beds with wheels or casters (swiveling wheels) cannot use standard risers because the wheels need to roll freely. If you want to raise a wheeled bed, you have two options: remove the wheels and install risers on the legs underneath, or use wheel blocks that sit under the wheels to prevent rolling while keeping the bed at its current height.

Removing wheels requires a wrench or socket set and takes about 10 minutes per wheel. Once the wheels are off, you will see the legs or frame rails underneath. Install risers or shims as you would for a standard frame. If you think you might want to move the bed again later, keep the wheels in a labeled bag.

Adjustable beds (beds that move up and down electronically) should not be raised with risers because the movement can cause the riser to slip. If you need extra height under an adjustable bed, contact the manufacturer for approved raising methods. Most will recommend a platform or solid base rather than risers.

Checking Stability and Preventing Damage

After raising your bed, test it before sleeping on it. Push down firmly on all four corners of the mattress. The bed should not rock, creak, or shift. If it does, stop and check that all supports are seated properly and making full contact with both the leg and the floor. A rocking bed can damage the frame and is unsafe.

Check the bed again after one week of use. Supports can settle slightly as the weight distributes, and you may need to reseat them. If you notice any creaking or movement after the first week, the supports have likely shifted—lift the frame and reseat them again.

Raising a bed can put extra stress on the frame joints, especially if the frame is old or made of thin metal. If your frame starts to creak or sag after raising it, the frame itself may not be strong enough to support the extra leverage. In this case, lower the bed or reinforce the frame with additional support beams underneath.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use books or stacks of paper under my bed legs?

No. Books and paper compress over time and can shift under weight, making the bed unstable. Use only rigid materials like wood, plastic risers, concrete, or metal. Soft or compressible materials will settle unevenly and cause the bed to rock.

Will raising my bed damage the frame?

Raising a bed with proper supports will not damage a sturdy frame. However, very old frames or frames made of thin metal may develop creaks or sags because the extra height increases stress on the joints. If creaking starts after you raise the bed, lower it or have the frame inspected.

How high can I safely raise a bed?

Most people safely raise beds 12 inches or less. Beyond 12 inches, the bed becomes harder to get into and out of, and the extra height puts more stress on the frame. If you need more than 12 inches of height, consider a lofted bed frame designed for that height rather than stacking supports.

Do I need to raise all four corners equally?

Yes. If you raise the corners to different heights, the bed will tilt and the mattress will sag toward the lower side. Use the same height risers or shims at all four corners, and check with a level tool to confirm the bed is even.

Can I raise a bed with a box spring underneath?

Yes, but the risers must support both the frame and the box spring. Check the weight limit of your risers and make sure they can handle the extra weight. Place risers under the frame legs, not under the box spring itself, so the box spring rests on the frame as it normally does.