DIY Bed Risers: 15 Cheap, Sturdy Ways to Raise Your Bed

Need extra storage without buying a new bed? DIY Bed Risers are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to create more space under your bed. Whether you live in a small apartment, college dorm, or family home, raising your bed can instantly provide valuable storage for boxes, bins, luggage, and seasonal items. If you’re upgrading a spare room, don’t miss our guide on Guest Bedroom Ideas for practical decorating tips that pair perfectly with extra under-bed storage.

The best part is that you don’t need expensive furniture accessories. With a few basic materials and simple tools, you can build homemade bed risers that are strong, stable, and attractive. From wooden bed risers to concrete blocks and PVC pipe designs, there are many budget-friendly options suitable for beginners.

In this guide, you’ll discover 15 practical DIY bed risers, along with safety tips, materials, estimated costs, and easy instructions to help you choose the perfect solution.

Why Choose DIY Bed Risers?

Buying commercial bed risers can cost anywhere from $20 to over $80. Making your own often costs much less while allowing you to customize the height, size, and style for DIY Bed Risers.

Benefits include:

• More under bed storage
• Better room organization
• Affordable home improvement
• Easy weekend DIY project
• Custom height options
• Stronger materials if built correctly

DIY furniture projects also allow you to match your bedroom décor while saving money.

Benefits of Raising Your Bed

Before starting your project,DIY Bed Risers; it’s helpful to understand why many homeowners choose to raise bed height.

Extra Storage Space

The biggest advantage for DIY Bed Risers is creating room underneath the bed for:

• Storage bins
• Shoe organizers
• Suitcases
• Seasonal clothing
• Extra bedding
• Holiday decorations

Improved Cleaning

A higher bed gives you more room to vacuum, sweep, and clean underneath with ease. 

Dust doesn’t collect as quickly when there’s enough clearance underneath.

Better Accessibility

Some people find taller beds easier to get into and out of, especially older adults or individuals with minor mobility challenges.

Modern Appearance

A slightly elevated bed often gives bedrooms a cleaner, more stylish appearance for a DIY Bed Risers. If you enjoy creative bedroom furniture, explore our Boxing Ring Bed Ideas for bold, sports inspired bed designs that can transform an ordinary bedroom into a standout space.

Materials You’ll Need

Different DIY methods require different materials for a unique DIY Bed Risers.

Common supplies include:

• Hardwood blocks
• Pressure treated lumber
• PVC pipes
• Concrete pavers
• Rubber furniture pads
• Screws
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper
• Drill
• Measuring tape
• Saw
• Paint or wood stain

Choose materials based on your bed’s weight and the desired height.

15 DIY Bed Risers

1. Wooden Block Bed Risers

Estimated Cost: $10–20

Difficulty: Easy

One of the strongest and most reliable options is using solid hardwood blocks.

Materials

• 4 hardwood blocks
• Sandpaper
• Wood stain
• Rubber pads

Steps

1. Measure each bed leg.
2. Cut wood into equal blocks.
3. Drill shallow holes for bed legs.
4. Sand every surface.
5. Apply stain or paint.
6. Attach rubber pads.
7. Place beneath each bed leg.

This design creates durable wooden bed risers that can last for years.

2. Stacked Plywood Squares

Estimated Cost: $12–18

Difficulty: Easy

Cut several plywood squares and glue them together until reaching your desired height.

After sanding, paint or stain them to match your furniture.

These are ideal for platform beds.

3. PVC Pipe Bed Risers

Estimated Cost: $15

Difficulty: Beginner

PVC pipes are inexpensive and surprisingly strong when cut correctly.

Materials

• Thick PVC pipe
• End caps
• Measuring tape
• Saw

Steps

1. Measure the desired height.
2. Cut four equal pieces.
3. Attach end caps.
4. Smooth rough edges.
5. Position under each bed leg.

PVC works best for lighter beds.

4. Concrete Paver Risers

Estimated Cost: $8–15

Concrete pavers provide exceptional strength.

Simply stack flat pavers evenly beneath each bed leg.

Use rubber padding between layers to prevent slipping.

This method works well for heavy wooden frames.

5. Scrap Lumber Cube Risers

If you have leftover lumber, build hollow cubes using wood screws and glue.

These homemade risers look professional after painting and can support significant weight.

6. Wooden Box Risers

Instead of simple blocks, build small wooden boxes.

These distribute weight evenly while offering excellent stability.

You can customize the height from 2 to 8 inches depending on your storage needs.

7. Laminated Hardwood Risers

Glue several hardwood boards together before cutting them into blocks.

The laminated layers increase strength and reduce splitting over time.

This is an excellent option for larger beds such as queen or king sizes.

8. Adjustable Wooden Bed Risers

Estimated Cost: $20–30

Difficulty: Intermediate

If you want flexibility, adjustable wooden bed risers are a smart choice. They let you change the bed height whenever your storage needs change.

Materials

• Hardwood boards
• Wood screws
• Drill
• Measuring tape
• Sandpaper
• Wood finish

Steps

1. Build a square base for each riser.
2. Create stackable sections that fit securely.
3. Sand all edges smooth.
4. Apply paint or wood stain.
5. Test each riser before placing the mattress back.

These are perfect for people who may want to increase or reduce the height later.

9. Thick Rubber Block Risers

Estimated Cost: $15–25

Difficulty: Easy

Heavy-duty rubber blocks provide excellent grip and reduce slipping on hardwood or tile floors.

Advantages

• Non-slip surface
• Quiet when moving
• Floor-friendly
• Water resistant

Rubber risers are ideal if your bedroom has smooth flooring.

10. Reclaimed Wood Bed Risers

Want an eco-friendly project? Reclaimed wood is a great option.

Old fence posts, pallets, or furniture pieces can be transformed into attractive homemade bed risers.

Materials for DIY Bed Risers

• Reclaimed wood
• Wood glue
• Screws
• Sandpaper
• Paint or stain

This method saves money while reducing waste.

11. Layered MDF Bed Risers

Estimated Cost: $10–18

Difficulty: Easy

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is affordable and easy to cut.

Glue several identical squares together to create thick, sturdy risers.

Seal the MDF with paint to protect it from moisture.

12. Brick Bed Risers

Bricks are one of the cheapest ways to raise bed height.

Tips

• Use solid bricks instead of hollow ones.
• Use rubber cushioning between the bed legs and the bricks to reduce movement and increase stability. 
• Make sure every brick is level.

Although simple, bricks should only be used on solid flooring.

13. Heavy Duty Plastic Composite Risers

If you have leftover composite decking material, cut it into equal blocks.

Composite material is durable, weather-resistant, and supports significant weight.

It’s a long lasting alternative to traditional wood.

14. Furniture Leg Extension Blocks

Instead of lifting the entire bed frame, build custom extension blocks that attach directly to each bed leg.

Benefits

• Clean appearance
• Strong support
• Custom fit
• Easy installation

These work especially well with wooden bed frames.

15. Decorative Wooden Bed Risers

If style matters as much as function, decorative risers are an excellent project.

Paint them white for farmhouse décor, black for modern bedrooms, or stain them to highlight the natural wood grain.

You can even round the edges for a finished furniture quality appearance.

Choosing the Right DIY Bed Riser

Not every riser works for every bed. Consider these factors before building:

Bed Weight

Heavier beds require hardwood, laminated wood, or concrete support.

Floor Type

• Hardwood floors: Use rubber pads.
• Carpet: Wider risers provide better stability.
• Tile: Choose non-slip materials.

Desired Height

Most DIY bed risers increase height by:

• 2 inches: Small storage boost
• 4 inches: Most common option
• 6 inches: Excellent storage
• 8 inches: Maximum height for most beds

Avoid raising the bed too high unless the frame remains completely stable for DIY Bed Risers.

Practical Tips

Follow these tips for the best results:

• Measure all bed legs carefully.
• Make every riser exactly the same height.
• Sand rough wood to prevent splinters.
• Add felt or rubber pads to protect your floor.
• Test each riser before sleeping on the bed.
• Tighten loose bed frame screws before installation.
• Inspect risers every few months for wear or damage.
• Store heavier items near the center under the bed for better balance.

These simple steps help ensure your DIY Bed Risers remain sturdy and safe for years.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many DIY projects fail because of small mistakes.

Avoid these common problems:

Using Weak Materials

Soft wood or thin plastic can crack under heavy weight.

Uneven Heights

Even a small height difference can make the bed wobble.

Skipping Sanding

Sharp edges may damage flooring or cause injuries.

Ignoring Weight Capacity

Always consider the combined weight of:

• Bed frame
• Mattress
• Bedding
• People sleeping on the bed

Forgetting Non Slip Pads

Without rubber pads, risers may slide on smooth flooring.

Avoiding these mistakes will make your project safer and more durable.

Safety Tips

Safety should always come first when building sturdy bed risers.

• Use high-quality materials.
• Inspect each riser before installation.
• Never stack unstable objects like books or random wood scraps.
• Keep all risers level.
• Check for movement after placing the mattress back.
• Replace cracked or damaged risers immediately.
• Do not exceed the material’s weight limit.
• Ask someone to help lift heavy bed frames.

A few extra minutes spent checking stability can prevent accidents later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are DIY bed risers safe?

Yes. DIY bed risers are safe when made from strong materials, built evenly, and tested for stability before use.

2. What is the best material for homemade bed risers?

Hardwood is one of the best choices because it is durable, supports heavy weight, and lasts for many years.

3. How high should I raise my bed?

Most people raise their bed between 4 and 6 inches, which provides plenty of storage while maintaining good stability.

4. Can DIY bed risers support heavy mattresses?

Yes. Hardwood, laminated wood, and concrete risers can safely support heavy mattresses when properly built and installed.

5. Do bed risers damage floors?

Not if you use rubber or felt pads underneath each riser. These pads protect hardwood, tile, and laminate flooring from scratches and slipping.

Conclusion

Building DIY Bed Risers is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to improve your bedroom. Whether you choose simple wooden blocks, PVC pipes, reclaimed wood, or decorative risers, you can create valuable under-bed storage while giving your room a cleaner and more organized look.

The key to success is selecting durable materials, measuring carefully, and following proper safety practices. With a little time and creativity, you can build cheap bed risers that are strong, attractive, and built to last. Best of all, this beginner-friendly project can save money while adding both function and style to your home.