How much does it weigh?

• The first thing to think about when considering a water bed frame is the total weight of the bladder when full. The traditional California King water bed bladder weighs in at 1857 pounds when filled. The next thing to think about is the amount of space required to support this weight. A house that is built to normal building code can support 54 pounds per square foot of floor space. So, going with that ideal, a California King mattress would need about 36 square feet of floor space, or an area 66 inches by 78 inches, to ensure the bed remains in the bedroom and not below. Now that we know the dimensions of the base, we can determine what needs to be done to build it.
  
  

How to build it?

• Now that the weight issue is decided, the actual building can begin. In order to properly build a strong water bed frame, everything needs to be screwed together with at least 1-1/2 inch screws. So, the base needs to be 66 inches by 78 inches, and the second level needs to be 72 inches by 84 inches. This difference leaves a 6-inch overhang all the way around the frame. For wood, the bottom section of the frame should be built out of 2 inch by 6 inch standard lumber, and the top of the frame needs to be built out of 2 inch by 12 inch standard lumber and 2 inch by 4 inch standard lumber. Now for the assembly.
  
  

How to assemble?

• The first layer of the frame is built just like a normally framed wall. The wood will be on edge, with additional supports every 12 inches across the short length. After all of that is screwed together, the base needs one side covered with 1/2 inch plywood. Now the second layer needs to be built. The second layer is framed on the out side with 2 x 12 lumber, and then the 2 x 4 supports are run across the short length every 12 inches. Once the supports and frame are screwed together, place the second layer on the first, remembering to leave a 6-inch overhang all the way around, and screw the top to the bottom. Now cover the supports with 1/2 inch plywood, and the bed is ready to take the weight of a water bed. Remember to build this bed in place, or as close as possible. Once built, this frame will weight about 200 pounds. This frame can also be used for a standard mattress, or made smaller to fit different beds.