Last updated: March 2026
Will a Bed Frame Fit Up the Stairs?
Enter your bed frame dimensions and staircase measurements — the app checks headboards, side rails, and landing clearance.
Whether it fits depends on measurements most people get wrong.
Key Measurement
Headboard thickness (on edge) vs. stair width, and headboard width vs. landing pivot space
Standard Dimensions
Item: King headboard: 76–80" W × 48–65" H. Queen headboard: 60–65" W. Side rails: 80" L × 6–10" W
Space: Standard residential staircase: 36" wide, 80" ceiling clearance, 36" landing depth minimum
Actual clear openings are usually 1–2″ smaller than the labeled size.
Your exact dimensions probably aren't "standard." Small measurement errors cause big problems — 1 inch can be the difference between fitting and getting stuck.
Related Resources
Verdicts are calculated by comparing all 6 item orientations against the space dimensions using verified building code standards. See our methodology
Takes 10 seconds · No signup needed
1 inch can be the difference between fitting and getting stuck.
“Wish I'd used this before trying to force a fridge up the stairs.” — Lesson learned
Standards Referenced
- IRC R311.7Stairway width, headroom, and riser/tread dimensions View source
- IBC Chapter 10Means of egress — commercial corridor and door widths View source
Measurements verified by the ItemFits engineering team · Based on IRC R311.7, IBC Chapter 10 · Our methodology
Check Your Exact Fit
Standard sizes say it works — but your measurements are what matter.
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Related Item Guides
Related fit checks
What to Measure
- 1Side rail length vs. landing depth — king and queen rails are 80 inches long and must pivot at each landing, so the landing depth (not the stair width) is the bottleneck for rails
- 2Headboard width as the primary constraint — a king headboard (76–80 inches) must be tilted on edge to pass through a 36-inch stairway, requiring the headboard thickness (2–6 inches) to be your clearance dimension
- 3Disassembled piece count and hardware — bag all cam locks, barrel nuts, and bolts in a labeled zip bag attached to the headboard so nothing gets lost between floors
- 4Stair ceiling clearance for upright headboard carry — a 65-inch tall headboard tilted vertically needs 65+ inches of overhead space at every soffit drop along the route
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Carrying an assembled bed frame up stairs — the combined headboard, rails, and slats won't pivot at any landing; full disassembly into individual pieces is mandatory
- Measuring only stair width and ignoring landing depth — an 80-inch side rail needs the landing's longer dimension to be at least 42 inches for a diagonal pivot
- Losing cam lock hardware during the move — bed frame connectors are proprietary, and replacements require matching the exact manufacturer part number (keep them in a bag taped to the headboard)
- Not wrapping the headboard edges — solid wood and upholstered headboards gouge drywall at landing corners, and the repair cost often exceeds the moving blanket investment
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I disassemble the bed frame before carrying it upstairs?
Always. Bed frames are designed for disassembly — disconnect the headboard, footboard, and side rails. Remove slats and bag all hardware (bolts, cam locks, barrel nuts). Each piece fits up standard stairs individually. Label pieces and take photos for reassembly.
How do I get a king headboard up stairs?
A king headboard (76–80" wide) must be carried on its edge or tilted upright. On edge, it's only the thickness of the headboard (2–6") passing through the stair width. At landings, tilt it vertically and pivot around the corner. Two people are needed — one above guiding the top, one below supporting the base.
Will a platform bed frame fit up stairs?
Platform beds typically split into 2–4 frame sections plus slats. Each frame section is usually 40" wide or less and fits through any stairway. The slats are individual pieces (3–4" wide × 75–80" long) that are trivial to carry. Remove all drawers before disassembly if the platform has storage.
What about adjustable bed frames?
Adjustable (electric) bed frames are heavier (100–200 lbs for the frame alone) but typically fold or split into sections for transport. The head and foot sections detach from each other. The motor mechanism stays attached. King adjustable bases split into two twin XL halves — each half fits up standard stairs.