On our big moving day, we had about 7 adults working to get everything from the old house to The Mad House. Since it was a really short move, that was plenty of people. We really only ran into one problem: our queen sized box spring.
That sucker was just not going to fit up these steps. The clearance between the ceiling over the landing and the newel post of the banister was just too small. Even with five intelligent, adult men working on it, my mom directing traffic, and me helpfully yelling, “PIVOT!” from the living room, it just wasn’t meant to be.
We looked into buying a split box spring for our bedroom, but they cost a few hundred bucks that we didn’t have to spare. My mom did some online research and found that it was possible to cut our existing box spring in half, fold it, and fit it up the stairs.
I was skeptical, but we figured the worst that could happen is that it wouldn’t work and we would have to spend the money to buy a split box spring. We had nothing to lose but a little time.
I am pleased to say that cutting the box spring worked PERFECTLY! The process was easier than I imagined it to be, and now our bed is comfortably set up in our master bedroom and not in our downstairs hallway.
IMPORTANT: This tutorial works for what is known as a semi-flex box spring (which consists of a wood frame with metal top frame and fabric covering). If you have a different kind of box spring, this tutorial won’t work for you.
CUTTING AND BENDING THE BOX SPRING
The first step in the whole process is the worst step. Lay the box spring face down on the floor and begin removing ALL the staples holding the top piece of fabric down. Plan on scooting around the box spring for a good half hour, popping out staples with needlenose pliers or a flat-head screwdriver. Save the fabric for later.
TIP: Carry a plastic cup with you as you go and deposit the staples inside. Nobody wants to step on a rogue mattress staple a week later.
Once the staples are out, remove the top piece of fabric exposing the inside of the box spring. So THAT’S what is inside of those things!
Determine where you will cut the box spring in half. It should be just to one side of the middle crosspiece. Remove the staples holding down the mattress cover, just for a few inches on either side of this mark. You will need to pull the mattress cover back to fold the box spring in half, and the cover would keep you from being able to do that. You don’t have to take it all the way off; you just have to be able to push it out of the way.
Using a handsaw, cut through the frame JUST to the left or right of the middle crosspiece. Do NOT cut any crosspieces! Repeat on the opposite side and the middle, like this:
PUTTING THE BOX SPRING BACK TOGETHER
Set the box spring on your bed frame, add the mattress and bedding, and enjoy your new bed!
Great instructions. I’ll be trying them out today! Thanks!
I’m so glad I came across this. I saw a few other sites that had instructions, but none seemed like they would work. I followed you directions and it worked like a charm! I’m so glad to not be sleeping on the floor and to not have had to fork out more money for a split box spring. Thanks!
Fantastic news! It is definitely a money-saver!
Thanks for posting this. I will be trying your method the day before moving day. Wish me luck!
Great advice. Thanks for the info. We did it and the whole process worked out just fine.
Took us about 45 minutes, but then we’re not carpenters. You suggested 1×1 s for supports, but
we used 1 x 2 instead. Box spring frame is now even stronger than before we modified it.
Charlis
So glad to hear that it worked so well for you!
Very helpful tutorial, which we will be trying in the very near future. However – let’s say you’ve succeeded in disassembling/reassembling the boxspring. What about if/when you have to move again – can this be easily recreated for the descent back down the steps to a new location? Just thinking ahead…
We, thankfully, haven't had to move again since we cut our box spring, so I can't speak to how well the process works a second time. Sorry!
Thank you for this awesome tutorial! Worked like a charm and saved us from spending more $$$$ on a 2 piece box spring!
Awesome! I am so glad to hear that!
Thank you so much for posting and with pictures and detailed instructions. My wife and I were about to buy split box springs when I found this and figured I would give it a shot. It worked like a charm. You saved us a couple of hundreds of dollars! Thank you!
So glad it worked for you!!!