The simplest ways to add height to a platform bed

The most direct method is to place bed risers — small blocks or cylinders — under each leg or support point of your platform bed frame. Risers typically add 5 to 12 inches of height and cost between $20 and $60 for a set. They sit flat on the floor and your bed frame sits on top of them, requiring no tools or permanent changes to the bed itself.

If your platform bed has a solid base rather than legs, you can still use risers, but you need ones designed for that shape — usually flat platforms that slide under the entire perimeter. Measure your bed frame's footprint before ordering to may support the risers are large enough to support it safely.

A second option is to build a wooden platform or frame underneath your existing bed. This is more involved but gives you exact control over height and can look intentional as part of your bedroom design. The platform sits on the floor, and your bed frame sits on top of it.

Key Takeaways

  • Bed risers are the fastest solution and add 5 to 12 inches of height without tools or permanent changes to your bed frame.
  • Risers must support the weight evenly — place one under each leg or support point, and check weight limits before buying.
  • A wooden platform built underneath your bed gives you custom height and a finished look but requires basic carpentry and materials.
  • Metal bed frames and platform beds with solid bases need different riser styles, so measure your bed's structure before ordering.
  • Never stack risers on top of each other or use unstable materials like books or bricks, which can shift and cause the bed to collapse.

Choosing the right risers for your bed type

Platform beds come in two main structures: those with visible legs and those with a solid base that sits directly on the floor. If your bed has legs, you need leg risers — hollow cylinders or blocks that slip over each leg. They come in plastic, wood, or metal and typically fit legs between 1 and 4 inches in diameter. Measure your leg diameter and the distance between legs before ordering, because risers that are too small will fall off and ones that are too large won't fit.

If your platform bed has a solid base — a wooden frame with no visible legs underneath — you need platform risers instead. These are flat blocks or frames that slide under the entire perimeter of the bed base. They are wider and more stable than leg risers but take up more floor space. Some come with wheels, which makes it easier to move the bed for cleaning.

Check the weight limit on any risers you consider. A typical set is rated for 1,000 to 2,000 pounds total, which works for most beds, but if you have a heavy platform bed or a larger mattress, verify the rating matches your setup. Divide the bed's total weight by the number of risers to see the load per riser.

Installing risers step by step

Clear the floor around your bed completely. Remove any items stored underneath and sweep away dust and debris, because risers need to sit flat on a clean, level surface. If your floor is uneven, place a level on top of the risers after installation to check — if the bed tilts, you may need shims (thin wedges) under some risers to balance it.

Lift one corner of the bed frame slightly — just enough to slide a riser underneath. If you are alone, use a furniture dolly or ask someone to help you lift. Slide the riser all the way under the leg or support point so it sits flush against the frame. Repeat for each corner and any middle support points. A queen-size platform bed typically has four corners, but larger beds may have additional supports in the center.

Once all risers are in place, check that the bed is level by placing a level on the mattress or frame. If one corner is higher than the others, remove that riser and place a thin shim underneath it, then recheck. Test the bed's stability by pressing down on each corner — it should not rock or shift. If it does, the risers are not seated properly or the floor is uneven.

Building a wooden platform for custom height

A wooden platform gives you exact control over height and can be built to match your bed's dimensions exactly. Start by measuring your bed frame's length, width, and the height you want to add. A typical platform is 4 to 12 inches tall, built from 2-by-10 or 2-by-12 lumber arranged in a rectangle.

You will need four pieces of lumber (two for length, two for width), wood screws (3-inch deck screws work well), a drill, a level, and a saw if you need to cut the pieces to length. Lay the four pieces on the floor in a rectangle, then drill pilot holes and screw the corners together. Check that the frame is square by measuring diagonally from corner to corner — both measurements should be equal. Place the frame where your bed will sit and check it with a level.

Slide your platform bed frame onto the wooden platform. The bed's weight will hold the platform in place, so no additional fastening is needed. If you want to add a finished look, you can attach plywood to the top of the platform or paint the wood to match your bedroom.

What to avoid when raising a platform bed

Never stack risers on top of each other to gain extra height. Stacked risers are unstable and can shift under the weight of the bed and sleepers, causing the bed to collapse suddenly. If you need more height than a single set of risers provides, build a wooden platform instead.

Do not use books, bricks, concrete blocks, or other makeshift materials as risers. These shift easily, do not distribute weight evenly, and can damage your floor or the bed frame. Risers are designed to hold weight safely — anything else is a safety risk.

Avoid placing risers on carpet or soft flooring without a solid base underneath. Carpet compresses under weight, causing the risers to sink and the bed to become uneven. If your bedroom has carpet, place a thin plywood sheet under the risers first to distribute the weight across a wider area.

Do not raise a platform bed so high that you cannot get in and out safely. A bed that is too high can be difficult to climb into and increases the risk of falling. Most people find 24 to 30 inches from floor to mattress top to be comfortable; anything higher than 36 inches becomes awkward for most adults.

Storage and other reasons to raise a platform bed

The most common reason to raise a platform bed is to create storage space underneath. A bed raised 10 to 12 inches leaves room for under-bed storage boxes, drawers, or shelves. Measure the clearance after installation to see what size containers will fit, and remember that you need at least a few inches of space for air circulation to prevent moisture buildup.

Raising a bed also makes cleaning underneath easier — you can vacuum or sweep without moving the entire bed. It can also improve the look of a small bedroom by making the space feel less cramped, since you can see more floor area.

Some people raise platform beds for health reasons, such as making it easier to get in and out if they have mobility issues or joint pain. A higher bed requires less bending and is gentler on the knees and hips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bed risers on a platform bed with a solid base?

Yes, but you need platform risers rather than leg risers. Platform risers are flat and wide enough to support the entire base of the bed. Leg risers will not work because there are no legs to slip them over.

How much weight can bed risers hold?

Most bed risers are rated for 1,000 to 2,000 pounds total. Check the manufacturer's rating before buying. Divide the total weight by the number of risers to see the load per riser — for example, a 1,500-pound bed on four risers puts 375 pounds on each one.

What if my floor is not level?

Use a level to check after placing the risers. If the bed tilts, place thin wooden shims under the lower risers until the bed is level. Shims are available at hardware stores and cost a few dollars.

Can I move a bed that is on risers?

Yes, but lift carefully. The risers stay in place on the floor, and you lift the bed frame off them. If your risers have wheels, you can roll the entire bed to a new location without removing the risers.

How high should I raise my platform bed?

Most people find 24 to 30 inches from floor to mattress top comfortable. Anything higher than 36 inches becomes difficult to climb into. Consider your height, mobility, and how much storage space you need underneath when deciding on a height.