This past weekend we modified our king bed to a queen. We weren't able to cut the board down to queen size because of the size of the base (without totally redoing the base and we weren't about to do that, too much work, and would cut down on the underbed storage). But we were able to lop off 3 inches off the one side - the one closest to the door - gives us some much appreciated extra legroom. That left approx 2 inches of rough chipboard exposed on either side when the queen mattress went on. Not ideal, but workable. We'll cover it with something soon, maybe some foam and faux leather.
Another thing, now we bump our toes on the base on that side because there's no overhang - kick space or whatever it's called. Need to be aware of that
it hurts!
But we're loving our new mattress. We bought a SpringAir Back Supporter. Oh, just a reminder if you don't already know, ask the furniture store whether the guarantee is still good even if you're not using a foundation or boxspring, just a sheet of plywood.
We cut the board down with a jigsaw without removing it, just cut along the line we drew 3 inches in from the side. We did remove the piece of the board closest to the headboard to cut it down, just a few screws to get at it, and putting it back was a little dicey because the tension on those rods that hold the board ... well, I can't really describe it, but you'll see what I mean if you try this. Ask for further info if you wish, otherwise I won't go into it.
We used our central vac to suck up the sawdust as we went along. Still, dust and splinters flew around some, but it helped a lot.
All in all, we're really pleased we got the queen. We could have just gone to a custom-sized king, but it would have been double the money, ugh! and we wouldn't have gained that extra legroom around the bed. And we have a 30-day trial period on this mattress, which we wouldn't have been able to get on a custom size. And we can use the queen size bedding I've been storing.
Now the bed isn't centered to the headboard
but I hope to change that sometime anyway. Or leave it the way it is. You know, the things that really bug you at the beginning, after a while you hardly notice them, and it becomes a question of "is it really worth all the work and money"
I think it's important to take's one time (aka procrastination
) and not get all gung-ho changing things right away. Especially where money's concerned ... the important thing like a good mattress should not take a back seat to things like new curtains, or other cosmetic stuff. I still have many things I wish to do, but I'm going to try to make sure that the important things are bought and paid for before I attack the niceties (is that even a word?) Necessities before niceties?
So, maybe you don't have to totally remake your base because of the drawers? Maybe you can cut the board down enough on the sides, leaving the drawers intact?
Thought it was worth mentioning. Take good care - Lorna
