There are three primary types of bed rails for a full size bed.

• The kind of rails the will convert a crib into a full size bed with headboard and footboard
• Replacement side rails which take the place of wood side rails that have broken.
• Free standing full size bed frame that bolts up head only or head and foot.

Wood side rails that have broken?

The steel side rails that are needed are inexpensive and very very strong and will work for most full size bed situation including taking the place of damaged, lost, or broken wood side rails. If you are lucky enough to have grandma’s old bed or perhaps the bed you grew up on don’t throw it away if the wooden sides are cracked or even broken. There is a cheap inexpensive solution to the problem and it is made by Glideaway manufacturing, their model #1 twin full side rails are built to hook into the old position of broken wood sides and there are no wooding slats necessary.

See our Bed Rails For Full Size Beds by Clicking the Photo

Have a Crib | Toddler Bed | 4 in 1 Bed?

Glideaway manufacturing’s model #1 twin full side rails will also work for converting multi position beds like 4 in 1 beds from crib beds, toddler beds, and daybeds into full size big boy and big girl beds with a headboard and footboard. A great solution that saves you money by utilizing your existing bed frame work and matching furniture leaving you only the full size mattress set to purchase. A really money saver!

Some people confuse bed rails with bed frames what is the difference?

Rails by industry definition are only the sides, while they can be considered a frame they are more commonly called side frames or bed side rails. Bed frames are the complete package and includes not only side rails but connecting bars that span the width at the head, middle, and foot end of the bed. Most bed frames are self supporting and can stand by themselves. The most popular are those with headboard attachments only like the 24 RR twin and full size bed frame which bolt up. Other models like the BB 24 full size bed frame will also include footboard attachments for those that design.

How much do bed rails cost?

Bed rails are cheap and can be taken home in a car or shipped by companies like UPS and Fedex. See our Cost For Bed Rails Here.

Article on Bed Rails For Full Size Bed

If you are not sure what kind of frame you need to support your mattress and boxspring this blog will answer that question. There are hundreds of different steel bed frames to choose from. Some bolt up, while some hook in using down hooks. There are models that have attachments that connect to a headboard, headboard and footboard, or neither if you so choose. There are even numerous center supports designed to replace old time wooden slats.

Start Here:
To determine what type or kind of bed frame you will need to purchase, simply browse the various bed configurations below that best matches what you have or plan to purchase.

2 Quick Definitions

· Wood headboard – any headboard /footboard made from wood. Examples: Oak, pine, cedar, spruce, cherry, etc.
· Metal headboard- All headboards/footboard constructed from these. Examples: Iron, brass, antique brass, metal, wrought iron, etc.
Wood Headboard only
These frames can either come as a bolt up or with down hooks

Metal Headboard only
These bed frames are normally only available as a bolt up style frame.

Wood headboard and footboard no wood side rails
This style bed uses a frame that traditionally has steel rails running head to foot. Down hooks attach the frame to the bed. King and queen models need center a support bar with support feet. These models typically do not bolt up because the bolt head are visible at the footboard end and are not aesthetically pleasing.

Metal headboard and footboard
A brass, metal, or iron bed is usually generically considered a metal bed. Metal beds nearly always bolt up at both the headboard and footboard ends using matching nuts, bolts, and lock washers. They are connected to long steel side frames that are made from angle iron or steel. King and queen models must have proper center supports and will prevent possible damage to your mattress set and bed.
Wood headboard and Footboard with wood side rails.

In the old days many companies and people simple cut wood slats to support the center spanning width. Often times the wood side rails, headboard, or footboard would split where they hooked in. Today we use multiple steel slats that screw in place of wooden slats and have adjustable feet that can bear some of the load increasing the life of your headboard, footboard, or wooden rails.

Still not sure what kind of bed frame you need? Let us help you find a frame that will fit your needs. Contact STLBeds at 636-296-8540

You can also visit our steel bed frames page to browse some of our various models.

Bed Frame For Heavy People

Standard frames are traditionally built for an adult couple of average body weight size. At STL Beds your special request bed frame is not a special order and is in stock.

One of our most common requests is for a heavy-duty bed frame to support large people, which often require additional support and strength. Standard bed frames on rug rollers, although convenient just do not make the grade for larger people. We have found that soft side waterbed frames fit the bill perfectly. This is because these stronger support structures will support a waterbed and is designed to support well over 2 thousand pounds it will easily handle the task of a regular mattress and box spring.

Most heavy-duty steel waterbeds can have up to 12 legs instead of 4 to 6, which are the norm on standard bed frames. Additionally steel waterbed frames are often made heavier gage steel for added strength. Another nice feature about these frames is that they can also be used just like a conventional frame. A person can use with most any headboard or headboard and footboard combination. These frames are easy and quick to assemble, most are not adjustable, and usually bolt together with strong nuts, bolts, and lock washers.

One of the biggest advantages to the beefed up frame is the flat padded feet instead of rollers, which can break, split, or roll out of position. Frames that won’t roll out of position are frequent requests by people with special needs or the elderly. Waterbed frames are significantly more stable, allowing people in wheel chairs or crutches easier access to their bed. In 24 years we have not seen a waterbed frame collapse.

Most major manufactures such as Leggett, Platt and Glideaway make complete lines of waterbed frames which can be used free standing, metal headboards, and even wood headboards. Waterbed frames can also be used with any type of mattress including airbeds, latex, memory foam and spring. They usually assemble with screws instead of key slots and pins, which can slip apart collapsing the bed. Waterbed frames usually cost a mere 15 to 20 percent more than a conventional a frame, which makes them a real value when all their benefits are considered.

Center Supports add necessary support for the boxspring and mattress. Center supports are available to fit Twin, Full, Queen, King and California King. Most mattress manufacturers require the use of a center support for their queen and king size mattress sets or the warranties will be considered void. You can verify this by reading your warranty card or calling the manufacturer or mattress retailer.

Mattress manufacturers usually do not require the extra support on twin and full size sets. Often for that reason twin and full size frames do not come with center support and are not necessary. If you feel you need the extra support because of above average weight on the bed or an active child or teenager we would suggest one.
The added steel cross supports have legs and adjustable feet, which give the mattress set needed stability. This stability is given where boxsprings are most vulnerable and  are even more important if you have a split boxsprings. Having the proper middle support can prevent sagging, bowing, and cracking that can take place in boxsprings, wooden headboards, and side rails.

Some mattress retailers offer a less expensive frame for free with a mattress set purchase; many times these do not have adequate center support. Be sure the store gives you one with center support. If they will not, offer to pay the difference and upgrade to one that does. Most of these center supports are very easy to assemble and usually cost 30.00 to 80.00.

Waterbed owners, center supports are also available for waterbeds for a little extra cost contact us with questions.