Can I Use a Waterbed On My Current Bed Frame

Hardside and Softside waterbeds using them with a current bed frame?

Can I use a waterbed on my current bed frame? Many people have purchased waterbeds since their beginnings in the early 1970’s and over the years the old clunky 1970’s water beds have evolved into something that can work in any modern bedroom décor. So how can I use a waterbed on my current bed frame? First it depends on what you are defining as your bed frame.

Fitting your bed to a water bed frame

The headboard or headboard and foot board by industry definition is not considered the bed frame; they are actually part of the bed itself. Most of us realize that frame stands on the floor and is the supporting structure that the boxspring foundation rests on while raising the mattress up off the floor.  It also supports the foundation or boxspring portion of the set. However hardside waterbeds do not have box springs and because they have different dimensions will NOT work on your current bed frame. Softside waterbeds the kind that looks like a regular bed offers waterbed owners the ability to use their current  bed and room set.

Softside Waterbed

Softside waterbeds: the modern waterbed that fits regular beds?

Softsides sides were designed in the image of a traditional mattress set even using the exact width and length measurements making them a perfect fit for any regular bed. There is an Important NOTE HERE. While they can be used with nearly any bed, the fact is most of these beds cannot support the extreme weight of a waterbed plus the weight of an adult couple. Frame companies make special frames to support the weight of a softsided waterbed while adapting to a regular bed.

What kind of frame will work with both my waterbed and bed?

Note: All of  the following frames not only work for waterbeds but heavier plus size people.

Down Hook Frames and Super Duty Applications and Waterbeds

1. If you have a bed with hook in side rails that are wood that need replacements for the old wooden bed slats, check out our 4 bar set of Super Heavy Duty Support Bars to fit king and queen size beds. Each one comes with 12 feet and are made exclusively for STL Beds. Each of these will take the place of old wooden slats which are notorious for bowing, warping, or breaking. The weight distribution is ideal for the extra applied pressures of heavier applications like softside waterbeds and when properly installed will keep side rails from cracking and splitting out or damaging the bed.
2. If your bed has steel hook in side rails at head and foot ends of the bed, a 63CSWB for queen with 9 legs and a K83 with 9 legs is the is a great choice for perfect waterbed support.

Bolt Up, Hook In, Stand Alone Frames

The best bolt up type frame with headboard only connections while supporting the weight of a waterbed or even larger people for that matter is STL Bed’s Extremely Heavy Duty Steel Bed Frame. All of the waterbed weight is applied to the bed frame while securing a bolt up headboard in a solid position.

• King and Queen includes 10 Legs
• Full and Twin includes 7 Legs

You can view the Extremely Heavy Duty Steel Bed Frame Here.

This super heavy duty frame assembly is compatible with beds that bolt up at both ends, including certain brass, metal, and wood models. With plenty of legs supporting the frame, the weight of a softside waterbed or regular mattress is evenly distributed, reducing the strain on the headboard and footboard by preventing damage from excessive load. The models we use for this purpose are displayed below in various sizes. 

• King and Queen beds that include head and footboard brackets, 10 legs, and head and foot mounting brackets of choice.  Click here to view super duty bed frame for headboards and footboards in queen and king size.
• Full and Twin beds that include head and footboard brackets, 7 legs, and head and foot mounting brackets of choice.

🛠️ Versatile Setup Options For This Style Frame

Stand Alone: No head or footboard required:
🔩 Bolt-On or 🔗 Hook-In Configuration
No matter if your bed needs a bolt-on or hook-in setup, our Ultra Strong Frame caters to both. It effortlessly connects to headboards and footboards, making it a reliable cornerstone for your bed support needs. Ideal for heavy-duty applications like softside waterbeds or for those who need extra support, the7 or the 10-leg frame holds up under considerable weight—think around 1300 pounds from a waterbed, plus the bed itself and its occupants. With its sturdy build, it far exceeds the capabilities of standard frames.

🔗 Hook-In Specifics
Our specialized frame integrates flawlessly with slot-type wooden headboards and footboards, ensuring a secure and elegant foundation. Perfect for supporting a softside waterbed, this frame is also excellent for memory foam, gel foam, and latex mattresses, as well as traditional mattress and box spring setups. It features hook-in side rails crafted from robust high-carbon railroad steel, includes three center support bars with three adjustable feet each to balance weight distribution, and allows for adjustable foot heights ranging from 8-11 inches.