We are constantly asked how to make a rope foundation on which to put a mattress. It’s a bit complex, but basically you need good rope and a strong twist.

The rope that was widely used in the 18^th and 19^th centuries was made from a plant called hemp. It gave the tightest weave and lasted the longest without loosening. Unfortunately, certain people found that if you smoked this curious plant from India, you really worried less about how up tight either you or the bed were. Eventually, the importation of this plant became illegal. Today, rope is available in natural or synthetic fibers. We prefer natural fiber rope for both its pliability and its authentic appearance.

After making a knot in one end of the rope, you start with the holes in the cross rails, weaving back and forth, parallel to the side rails. To put it another way, you go from head to foot lengthwise up and down the bed. Then, continue from one corner and go across, weaving the rope at right angles this time between each of the lengthwise strands you just did. About now you wish you could use hemp.

Next, find something called a bed “key”, which is a “T” shaped stick, approximately 12 inches long, with a notch in one end. By putting the notch in between the rope and the rail and turning, the rope becomes tight. You then wedge a pin in the hole through which the tightened rope goes, so it won’t go slack again when you move the key to the next rope. You repeat this until all the strands are tight (and FORBID the kids to jump on the bed). The trick is to make the final tie-off knot without loosening the rope. Hence, the old saying “sleep tight”.

One word of caution: If you get over-enthusiastic about tightening the ropes, you may warp the bed frame.