How to outfit a pegged bed (sacking bottom?)

by tickbittie
(williamsburg VA)

I have had a nice old "rope" bed for some years now. Got ready to rope it up and use it after many years of storage, but when I looked up how to rope it, I found this: http://www.countrybed.com/beds/bed_documents/rope.htm#sacking
Since my bed does have pegs, I assume it's one of these "sacking bottom" beds. Is there anyone who makes the bottoms? Are they as supportive as ropes? Can you put a board on them to even out the support of a mattress, as you can on a rope bed? I'm confused, and don't want to get rid of this thing or cut the pegs off it or anything, but can't figure how to use it like it is!