Waterbed Frame Assembly
There are two types of waterbeds that we’ll be addressing in these instructions: Box Type and Bookcase Type. Lay out your frame and hardware. Note that the backboard and footboard have a 3/4″ groove and they should be facing one another with all boards finished side down.
Box Frame with Flat Headboard: Attach your headboard to your backboard with the hardware provided (Make sure the groove is facing the inner part of the bed). Attach your “L” braces on the backboard at each end. Make sure and leave about an 1/8″ inset from the end of the board and your “L” brace.
This ensures a tight fit later. Now come down to the end of your side rails and attach your “L” braces to the end of each side rail. Again leave your brace about 1/8″ inset. Now attach your footboard to each side rail. Ensure you have a flush fit. Here’s where the slight differences come in. On your Box Frame simply attach your backboard flush to the end of the side rail. Tip: Six screws total go in each corner. Most Waterbed “L” brace hardware has a locking hole. Use one screw in each corner in your locking hole. This insures your frames stability
Bookcase Frame: With a Bookcase style frame the side rails are roughly 8″ longer than a Box style frame. This is the extension for your headboard to rest on. The mounting of your backboard can be accomplished by taking one of your deck boards as a measuring tool. Slide your deck board in the groove of the footboard. Then bring your backboard forward until it fits tight in its groove. Attach your backboard with three screws on each side. This insures a near perfect fit when you place your frame back on your deck. Remove the deck board and proceed to the next step.
Riser & Drawer Assembly
You will have one of two situations. Either a Standard Riser or an Under Drawer Dresser. Both provide the same function of bringing your bed up off the floor to a more acceptable height. An Under Drawer Dresser is nice to have so as not to waste the space under your bed. There are several manufactures of Under Drawer Dressers and while most are very similar there are slight differences in their center support assembly. We’ll address some of those differences.
Standard Riser: Standard Riser is basically building a box. There are four extrusions to attach your corners. There are two types that are common. The first is called a pressure extrusion (metal) in which a rubber mallet is needed to tap the extrusion down onto the corner. The other is a Slot Extrusion in which the is an 1/8″ groove cut in the Riser board vertically for the (plastic) Extrusion to slide down into. Once you have your outer box built assemble your center “X” pieces. Center your riser on all four sides.
Under Drawer Dressers: Under Drawer Dressers come in a variety of heights and types of wood. Their assembly is generally very simple. There is a left and right hand side that is placed inside your frame. Spacers connect the halves and provide center support for your waterbed. A solid spacer is generally used, however some manufactures use 2″ x 2″ spacers that slide into a groove on each half. This allows for a door at the foot for center storage. Once your Under Drawer Dresser is in place, refrain from moving it around. Now you’re ready to install your deck.
Waterbed Deck Assembly
Your decking is the flat support for your water mattress and what your frame rests on. King takes (3) boards 24″ x 851/2″. Queen takes (2) 24″ x 85 1/2″ and (1) boards 12″ x 85 1/2″. Super Single takes (2) boards 24″ x 85 1/2″. Some older waterbeds you might find a variety of different combinations of sizes. The bottom line is the outside dimension is the same.
Lay your deck boards down on top off your Riser or Under Drawer Dresser. Center as best as possible on your Riser or Under Drawer Dresser. Carefully bring you frame down on your decking fitting it in the grooves that are cut in the footboard and the backboard. Install four “L” braces on each rail. If you have addition “L” braces install at least two well centered on the side rails. These “L” braces prevent your frame from bowing.