How to Put Bed Frame Together | Assembly Without Mistakes

Guides / By

Putting a bed frame together takes about 30 minutes with the right tools and a clear sequence of steps.

Most bed frames follow the same basic logic: connect the headboard and footboard to the side rails first, then add the slats or base, then tighten everything. The catch is that the exact hardware and order differ between models — what works for an IKEA MALM won’t match a SLÄKT or BRIMNES. So the smart approach is to learn the universal sequence, then follow your frame’s specific instructions for the details.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather your tools and clear a workspace before opening the box. Most frames need a Phillips screwdriver, a flat-head screwdriver, a hammer, and a rubber mallet or similar soft-faced tool for tapping parts into place. IKEA’s assembly instructions for frames like the SLÄKT call for exactly this set.

Lay out every part on the floor and sort them. Separate the screws, bolts, cam locks, dowels, and rails into groups so nothing gets mixed up mid-assembly. This five-minute step saves far more time than it costs.

Putting Bed Frame Together: The Step Order That Works

Start by installing the dowels or alignment pins into the headboard and footboard. These small pieces seat the panels together before any fasteners go in, and they make the rest of the process much easier. Tap them gently with the hammer if they sit tight.

Next, connect the side panels to the headboard and footboard. Line up the holes and insert the bolts, then turn the cam locks with a screwdriver to draw everything tight. Don’t force a misaligned bolt — if it won’t seat, loosen the cam lock slightly, adjust the panel, and try again. Misorienting a cam lock is the most common reason bolts won’t seat properly.

Attach the side rails and support pieces once the main rectangle is secured. The rail screws go in at the corners and along the sides. Leave them snug but not fully torqued down — you’ll do a final tightening pass after the slats are in.

Insert the slats or slatted base into their channels or grooves. Space them evenly so the mattress gets uniform support, and make sure each one is fully seated in its slot. A slat that’s only half in will shift under the mattress and create a soft spot.

Final Checks Before the Mattress Goes On

Do the final pass now: tighten every screw and bolt, then test the frame for stability by pushing on the corners and the headboard. If anything rocks or creaks, check the cam locks and rail screws before you put the mattress on — fixing it afterward means lifting the mattress off and starting over.

Skipping this stability check is the most common mistake. A wobbly frame is far easier to fix empty than loaded down with a mattress.

Overtightening is the other classic error. Screws and bolts should be firm, not forced — stripping a cam lock or snapping a dowel means ordering replacement hardware. Tighten until snug, then stop.

Model-Specific Notes Worth Knowing

IKEA frames are the ones most people assemble, and they differ meaningfully from each other. The MALM bed frame (product 902.494.78) and the MALM low version (instruction code AA-75286-15) share a similar layout, but the BRIMNES with storage (product 902.737.84) adds drawers that need their tracks aligned before the frame goes together. The SLÄKT uses a different rail attachment system entirely.

The takeaway: never assume two frames assemble the same way. Check the instruction sheet that came with your specific frame — the correct sequence and hardware are listed there. Compatibility of slats, rails, and fasteners depends on the exact model and mattress size, and the product-specific instructions are the final word.

One more thing to keep in mind: IKEA’s assembly files are region-specific. The US version of the instructions can differ slightly from the ones on other country sites, so use the sheet that shipped with your frame or the US version from IKEA’s site.

References & Sources

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