Can I Turn a Queen Bed into a King?

Have you ever wondered if you can turn a queen bed into a king? As families grow or couples want more room to spread out, a king-size bed is very appealing. But many of us already have a good queen bed frame and mattress we don’t want to get rid of. Getting rid of furniture that’s still in great condition feels wasteful, and buying a whole new bed set is expensive. So many of us are left wondering if we can keep our queen bed and still have a king-size bed.

With some clever thinking and some work, it’s possible to modify a queen bed into a king. This solution lets you upgrade your sleeping space without wasting your old furniture or breaking the bank. But before you start, you need to know the process, the materials you’ll need and the factors to consider.

Understanding the Difference Between Queen and King Beds

Queen and king beds differ mainly in size and dimensions. A standard queen bed is 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. This size is great for two people, making it a favorite for couples and those who like extra space. A king bed, on the other hand, is much larger. It measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. This size offers more room and comfort, perfect for couples who want more space while sleeping.

The extra width of a king bed is great for those who move a lot in their sleep. It’s also good for families with kids or pets who might sleep on the bed. Both bed sizes fit standard bedding and mattresses, but the choice depends on personal taste, bedroom size, and how you sleep.

Why Convert a Queen into a King?

There are several reasons you might want to convert a queen into a king:

• More Sleeping Space: If you’re cramped at night a king size bed gives you more room to spread out and sleep better.
• Growing Family: As families grow, so do the sleeping arrangements. Parents may want more space for kids who occasionally sleep with them.
• Comfort for Couples: Couples may appreciate the extra space for personal comfort especially if one partner moves around a lot during sleep.
• Future Proofing: If you’re planning to upgrade to a bigger bed in the long term converting your existing frame is a smart choice.

Pros and Cons of Converting a Queen into a King

While turning a queen into a king sounds great it’s important to consider the pros and cons.

Pros

• More Space: A king bed gives you more room to sleep, suitable for couples or individuals who like to spread out.
• Cost Effective: Depending on your approach, converting can be cheaper than buying a whole new king-size bed.
• Versatile: Some methods are future proof and can be used for twin beds.

Cons

• Limited Actual Size Increase: Some solutions, like mattress toppers, don’t increase the physical space to sleep in.
• Structural Changes: Modifying a bed frame can be tricky and may require extra tools or expertise.
• Instability: DIY solutions may not be as stable or durable as a standard king bed.

What You’ll Need to convert your queen bed frame

Before you start converting your queen bed frame into a king size you’ll need to get some supplies. Here’s a list of tools and materials you’ll need to extend the bed and make this work.

• Tools: measuring tape, drill, screwdriver, saw (hand saw or power saw), level, safety goggles
• Materials: extension rails or adapters, screws and bolts, wood or metal for extra support, extra slats (if needed), sandpaper (for smoothing rough edges), paint or varnish (if you want to match the new parts to your frame)

How to Transform Your Queen Bed into a King?

Turning your queen bed frame into a king size is a fun project that can save you money. Follow these steps to upgrade your sleeping space without buying a whole new bed set.

• Check your bed frame: Make sure it’s sturdy enough for the upgrade.
• Get your tools and materials: Drill, saw, measuring tape, extension rails, and screws.
• Measure and plan: How much wider does your frame need to be?
• Widen the frame: Add extensions to the sides of your bed frame.
• Add support: Put in extra slats to hold the bigger mattress. Installing bed rails will also prevent sliding.
• Test and fix: Try it out and adjust if needed.

See Also: How to Make a Full Bed into a Queen

Key Considerations Before Starting Your Bed Frame Transformation

Before you convert your queen into a king, consider some things. These will help you decide if modifying your current bed frame is the best option for you.

Material and Design of Your Bed Frame

First, check the material and construction of your bed frame. Is it wood, metal or a combination? Some materials are easier to modify than others. A simple, solid wooden frame is usually more adaptable for this kind of project, while complex designs or hard-to-work-with materials might be more challenging. Metal frames will require special tools and adjustable frames might be impossible to extend without technical expertise. In some cases, replacing the frame with a larger one might be more practical. Also, make sure your frame can support the extra weight and size of a king mattress, since many king mattresses are 14 to 17 inches thick.

Cost

Converting your bed frame has costs, but it’s usually cheaper than buying a new king size bed. Calculate the cost of materials like extension rails, extra wood and new hardware. Don’t forget to include the cost of any tools you’ll need to buy or rent. If you’re hiring a professional, get an estimate for labor costs. Compare the total conversion cost to a new king-size bed set, which can sometimes be found for a few hundred dollars, to decide if it’s worth it.

Space

A king size bed takes up more space than a queen. Measure your bedroom to see if the bigger bed will fit. Leave enough room to walk around the bed and open drawers or doors, especially if you don’t have a closet. Think about your other furniture too. Will you need to move or remove some of it to fit the bigger bed? How will the bigger bed change the look and feel of your room.

Mattress warranty conditions

Mattress warranties cover many things but often require you to have the mattress on a proper support frame. Modifying your bed frame may void the warranty if it doesn’t meet their support requirements. For example slats should be no more than 3 inches apart. You can contact the customer service team with a photo of your finished frame to see if it meets their warranty conditions.

Can I Use My Queen Mattress Too?

While you can convert some queen frames into bigger king beds, converting a queen mattress into a king mattress is not recommended.

The biggest problem is the 16 inch width difference between the two mattress sizes. This is too big to be filled or modified with foam fillers as you would when converting a full to a queen.

See, mattresses are manufactured as complete units with specific internal structures. They are designed to maintain their shape and support properties based on their original dimensions. Adding material to expand a mattress would compromise its structure and support.

Even if you do manage to expand the mattress, the added part won’t match the original mattress in terms of comfort, support, or wear patterns. This would result in an uneven sleeping surface, potential discomfort, and an effect on sleep quality. No one wants a sagging mattress that will leave them with a sore back.

Any modification to a mattress voids the warranty. Manufacturers don’t support altering their products as it compromises the design and expected performance. A modified mattress may not also meet the safety standards for flammability or other regulated aspects of mattress construction.

Plus, the materials, time, and effort required to make such a modification would probably be the same or more than buying a new mattress of the right size, which would be properly constructed and have a valid warranty.

If you’re upgrading from a queen to a king whether for couples or just for yourself, it’s more practical and better to buy a new mattress. If budget is a concern, look for sales, compare different brands or check online mattress options, which are often cheaper.

If you need more space temporarily, look into alternatives like adding a twin mattress beside your queen to get the same width as a king or using mattress toppers to bridge the gaps if you have two smaller mattresses side by side.

Other Options to Expand Your Bed Space

If converting your queen bed frame is too much to handle, don’t worry. There are other ways to have more sleeping space without DIY.

Buy a New King Bed

Buying a new king-size bed is the easiest way to upgrade your sleep space. This way, you’ll get a perfect fit with no worries about stability or appearance and it comes with a converted frame. However, this is usually the most expensive option. When you consider this route, factor in not just the cost of the new bed frame and mattress but also new bedding and potential delivery fees. Also, think about how to dispose of your old mattress and frame properly.

Two Twin XL Mattresses

A clever solution is to use two twin XL mattresses on a king bed frame side by side. Making a split king bed like this allows customization, as each person can choose their preferred mattress firmness. It’s also easier to move and rotate these smaller mattresses compared to a single king. You can even DIY further with two twin beds into a king as long as you can find foam mattress extensions that can fill the 5 inch gap at the foot of the bed.

But there are some drawbacks to consider. You might feel the gap between the mattresses, which some couples don’t like, and finding fitted sheets can be a challenge. Now you can find mattress bridges to cover the space between beds. A mattress topper can smooth out the surface but can be a bit pricey. Weigh all these factors against the benefits and decide if this option suits you. Sometimes, it’s better to just admit defeat and buy a new one, as we discuss in our mattress topper or new mattress guide.

FAQs

Is it hard to convert a queen bed frame to a king?

It depends on you and the type of frame you have. Wooden frames are easier to modify than metal or complex ones. If you’re handy with tools you can do it. If not you might be better off buying a new or used king bed frame especially during sales.

Can I use a queen mattress on a king-size frame?

Yes you can but it’s not recommended. There will be a gap between the queen mattress and the king frame which is unsafe and uncomfortable. It can also make your mattress sag faster. Some people try to fill the gap with storage boxes or use non-slip pads to hold the mattress in place but it’s still not ideal. It’s usually better to stick with a king mattress for a king frame.

Can I convert any queen frame to a king?

Not all queen frames can be converted. Simple wooden or platform beds are the easiest to work with. Frames with complicated designs or built-in storage might not be worth the trouble. Adjustable bed frames are also hard to convert. If you’re unsure about safety or if it’s possible, it’s probably better to buy a new king frame.

How much can I save?

You can save a few hundred dollars compared to buying a new king bed set. The main cost will be for materials like extension rails, screws and wood. But don’t forget to factor in the cost of tools if you don’t already own them. And be honest about your skills – if the frame doesn’t turn out right you might have to spend extra money to fix the problems or even replace the bed.

What if I don’t feel confident doing it myself?

If you’re not sure about your DIY skills it’s okay to ask for help. You can ask a friend or family member who’s good with DIY projects. You can also hire a handyman or carpenter to do the conversion for you. It’s better to get help than to risk damaging your bed or making it unsafe!

Do I need special tools to convert my bed frame?

You’ll need basic tools like a measuring tape, drill, screwdriver and maybe a saw. If you’re working with metal you’ll need tools that can cut metal. Most people have these at home but you might need to borrow or buy a few things.

Conclusion

Converting your queen bed frame to fit a king-size mattress is a smart way to upgrade your sleeping space without incurring a big expense. You get to keep a piece of furniture you love and have the extra room of a bigger bed. But this isn’t for everyone. Consider your DIY skills, budget and bedroom size before you decide. If conversion seems too hard, remember that buying a new king-size bed or using two twin XL mattresses are valid options. The best option is up to you and your situation. Whatever you choose the goal is the same: to create a comfortable, spacious sleeping space that meets your needs and helps you sleep better at night.