.

How to Assemble a Wood Frame Waterbed
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There are 3 types of frame, Basic, Extended or Bookcase and the 4 post frame.

Basic Style Frame ( 4 Board or 5 Board )

Be sure to inventory all parts and tools before you begin

Lay out your frame and hardware. Note that the footboard and backboard each have a rabbet joint or grooves at the bottom . The grooves should face in towards each other. Make sure all frame boards have finished surfaces facing down on the floor.  The grooves will be used to hold the frame in place over the decking later. 
image 1


laying it out
 
Frames that come with a headboard should attach the headboard to back frame board using the hardware and screws supplied.  Remember: The groove in the frame board must face inward once the headboard is secured.
yeadboard
 
Assemble The Frame using the brackets and screws provided, assemble the frame. The headboard should be located in the up position.
yeadboard
 
Position the assembled frame where it will ultimately rest in the room. Go on to building the pedestal.
yeadboard


 
Extended Frame (Bookcase)
This style frame has longer side rails. The extended portion at the head is used for bookcase or cabinet headboards. 		 
Lay out your frame and hardware. Note that the footboard and backboard usually have grooved bottoms. The grooves should face in towards each other. Make sure all frame boards have finished surfaces facing down on the floor. layout  
Assemble the frame with the hardware, usually corner brackets. Be sure to use the screws provided. The side frame boards extend past the headboard. This is to support the bookcase headboard.

You can use a deck board to ensure the internal distance is right. Lay one piece of the decking down at the foot. Then bring the head up to the decking until it fits (usually in a groove). Attach hardware, then remove decking board.		 Assemble  
Position your frame exactly where you want it in your room. positioning  
This photo shows the headboard being positioned. This is only a check, it should not be attached at this time. laying it out  
4 Post Frame
  
Lay out your frame, posts and hardware. Make sure all frame boards have finished surfaces facing down on the floor. laying it out  
Mount the footboard to the two shorter posts using the hardware provided which is usually brackets and screws. Normally there are predrilled holes to facilitate attaching the brackets. Be careful to keep the height the same at both ends. laying it out  
Mount the headboard to the two taller posts using the hardware provided. headboard  
Mount each side frame board to the headboard and footboard. Make sure the finished edges of the frame boards face up. sides  
Position the assembled frame where you want it in the room. positioning  
Pedestal Riser
  

After the frame you assemble the Pedestal. The Pedestal is basically a box that sits on the floor, a deck boards are placed on top of that and the frame on top of the decking. The mattress sits on top of the decking inside the frame. The pedestal provides the needed height for easy entry and exit.

Layout the pieces of your standard pedestal inside the frame as pictured. The finished sides when assembled will face outside. These are often painted black.

 positioning  
Slide the plastic corner brackets into each corner of the pedestal base. Slide the corner bracket in at an angle to start, for easier assembly. corner brackets  
Firm pressure is usually required to slide the corner brackets on. Do not use a hammer. brackets  
Assemble the two sets of the center support system by inserting the slotted pieces into each other. Position the two sets of center supports in the cnter of the bed head to foot and side to side.

Alternately you may receive a single long support with two shorter supports. Position it down the middle of the pedestal base.		 brackets  
The pedestal should be accuratly centered inside the frame. Use a tape measure to ensure accuracy. center it  
While not disturbing the pedestal, tilt one side of the frame up and let it rest on its side. This is so you can place the decking boards on top of the pedestal.

Step not required for many four post models.		 set it aside  

The Decking

  

With a California King Size frame, position the three boards on the pedestal. Be sure the pedestal is equally recessed on all four sides so that the weight of the waterbed may be evenly distributed.



 king size deck  
The cut corner(s) should be at the head of the bed so that the waterbed heater wires may pass out and under the frame and be plugged into an outlet. Do NOT install the heater at this time. If your corners are not cut, trim off a triangular piece of the corner about 3" from the corner nearest the electrical wall outlet using a small handsaw or jigsaw.
 cutout  

The California Queen size typically has three boards of two sizes. Position the three boards on the pedestal with the narrower board in the middle. Be sure the pedestal is equally recessed on all four sides so that the weight of the waterbed may be evenly distributed.

The cut corners should be at the head of the bed so that the waterbed heater wires may pass under the frame and be plugged into an outlet. Do NOT install the heater at this point.		 queen size deck  
The Super Single size typically has two boards. Position the boards on the pedestal with the narrower board in the middle. Be sure the pedestal is equally recessed on all four sides so that the weight of the waterbed may be evenly distributed.

The cut corners should be at the head of the bed so that the waterbed heater wires may pass under the frame and be plugged into an outlet. Do NOT install the heater at this point.		 supersingle deck  

Install Frame

    
Lower the frame onto the deck. Make sure the grooves overlap the deck boards. Recheck that the frame is centered on the decking.

Check to be sure the decking is still centered on the pedestal.		 install frame  
The grooves at the bottom of the headboard frame overhang the decking. The frame sides are outside the decking. overhang  
Attach the "L" brackets to the frame and decking. This secures the frame to the decking.

Spread these out appropriately. If there are three brackets, put one in the center and the others between the center and the frame boards at the head and foot. If two brackets per side, put each about 1/3 down or up from the head and foot.

Warning: File down rough burrs and tape over with duct tape to protect liner and mattress from sharp areas of hardware.		 overhang  
If you have a bookcase headboard, attach the bookcase with the brackets and screws supplied. The flat brackets are screwed in from underneath the headboard and behind the frame.

You may have to slide the frame assembly out from the wall while this is being done. Be sure to put the frame back so that the decking is once again centered over the pedestal.		 screws  
If you purchased rail caps, this is a good time to put these on.

If you find they are a little too loose later on, they may be secured by glueing hook & pile tape to the rails and the top of the frame.

This is a good time to check everything over for loose tools and other sharp items that might ruin your new waterbed. Check that the frame/decking assembly is centrally located on all four sides.		 rails