Build a wood platform bed out of boards in no time with this simple step by step diy plan. Wood platform bed features wood slats and a solid wood frame with wood legs. Inspired by Pottery Barn Teen Hampton Planked Platform Bed.

Additional Photos

Handmade from this plan >>

Projects built from this plan. Thank you for submitting brag posts, it's appreciated by all!

Handmade by: ethidda
Handmade by: EmilySueThreads
Handmade by: Rwethairyet

About Project

Author Notes:

Well, if yesterday's Beams of Light are my fav 2x4 project, Whitney from Shanty2Chic's platform bed for her son's room has got to be one of my favorite 2x6 projects.

Yep, those are 2x6 boards!

Today's plan is for the bed frame. We'll get to the headboard ... oooohh ... can't wait! ... in a few days.

Did you notice this fantastic memo board in the backdrop?

Of course Whitney made it and shares her tutorial for this memo board so we can all make this room on a tiny budget. Please take a second to stop over and visit Whitney at Shanty2Chic for lots more details and photos on this bed.

Thanks Whitney for sharing your bed today! Of course, plans follow!

Dimensions

Dimensions:

This bed is for full size mattresses. To convert to twin, subtract 15" from width. To convert to queen, add 6" to width AND 5" to length. This assumes bed sizes of TWIN: 39" x 75" FULL: 54" x 75" QUEEN: 60" x 80"

Materials and Tools

Shopping List:

4 – 2x6 @ 8 feet long or stud length
2 – 2x2 @ 8 feet long
1 – 2x4 @ 10 feet long
1 – 1x2 @ 8 feet long
3 – 1x3 @ 8 feet long
Additional 1x3 boards, bed slat system or box spring
2 ½” pocket hole screws or wood screws
2” finish nails
2” wood screws for screwing down slats if using

Tools:

measuring tape

square

pencil

safety glasses

hearing protection

drill

circular saw

sander

countersink drill bit

Cut List

Cut List:

2 – 2x6 @ 75”
2 – 2x6 @ 57”
2 – 2x2 @ 75”
1 – 2x4 @ 75”
2 – 1x3 @ 79”
1 – 1x2 @ 54”
1 – 1x3 @ 54”
4 – 2x4 @ 7”
14 – 1x3 @ 54 OR Box spring measuring 54” x 75” max overall

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Step 1

Build the 2x6 frame as shown above.

Step 2

Attach cleats to inside for supporting slats. Use 2" screws and glue.

Step 3

This middle support is important for full size or larger beds. Attach so top is level with top of cleats.

Step 4

Now we can start trim out. Add trim so it's flush on insides and at head of bed.

NOTE: Kreg Jig users make frame first, and then attach complete frame to bed.

Step 5

Then add the trim to top and bottom as shown in diagram, with glue and screws.

Step 6

You can taper the legs, or even use store bought tulip feet for a fancier foot. Attach to base of bed.

Step 7

Now add the slats. Slat placement and number of slats is dependent of your mattress requirements.

Step 8

If you find your bed needs a little extra support in the center, here's the best way to beef it up.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions:

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth. It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

May I Suggest a Finish?

Staining and Finishing Tabletops

Walnut Minwax Express Color on Cedar

Minwax Two Tone Oil Based Stain on Pine

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What's going on up here in Alaska.

gorgeous!!!

posted by jennifer T (not verified) | on Wed, 2012-01-18 13:40

It is gorgeous! I can't wait

It is gorgeous! I can't wait to build it!! Ana, you are SO amazing!!!

posted by Scentsy Gal (not verified) | on Thu, 2012-01-19 14:03

King?

I notice King is left out as an option. Is that because you wouldn't recommend going that big?

posted by Kristie (not verified) | on Wed, 2012-01-18 14:27

clips

Hi Kristie, for a king, sizes

Hi Kristie, for a king, sizes vary. This bed can be easily modified, just add a second support to divide the slat support weight up, and then more legs on it to support a king mattress.

posted by Ana White | on Wed, 2012-01-18 15:08

Thanks, Ana! I've been

Thanks, Ana! I've been wanting a platform bed for ages, but couldn't justify the cost.

posted by Kristie (not verified) | on Wed, 2012-01-18 16:05

I love that bed so much more

I love that bed so much more than the inspiration bed! Beautiful. :)

posted by Caitlin (not verified) | on Wed, 2012-01-18 18:26

love that bed

OMG!! I love the bed!! what a great idea. might have to think about it for my king size bed. love the simplicity of it! thanks for sharing

posted by Guest (not verified) | on Thu, 2012-01-19 02:48

Platform Bed

Question ~ if I have a boxspring, I just omit the additional 1x3's? I can't wait to make this for my son !!

posted by Guest (not verified) | on Thu, 2012-01-19 10:44

Simply Easy and Looks Cool

I've done 2 of your projects so far (Bunk Bed and Lockers)and this will most likely be my next! Thanks for the awesome designs. Keep it up!

posted by Beinterra | on Thu, 2012-01-19 17:07

Platform Bed Feet

I love the look and ease of the directions of this bed. However, I was wondering how difficult it would be to raise the bed more. Much more. I'm one of those people who prefer high beds. Any thoughts on how to switch it up?

I was thinking instead of using tapered 2x4's for the feet, to use straight cut 4x4's in the taller measurement that I'm interested in. Thoughts? Suggestions?

posted by ~Melody (not verified) | on Thu, 2012-01-19 18:54

Just Curious if you have

Just Curious if you have posted the headboard instructions yet?

posted by Allison (not verified) | on Sat, 2012-01-21 09:41

Beautiful!!

posted by carolellens@hotmail.com (not verified) | on Sat, 2012-01-21 10:32

Cant wait for the headboard

Cant wait for the headboard instructions!!!

posted by Guest (not verified) | on Sat, 2012-01-21 20:16

Wonderful project. I just

Wonderful project. I just finished making the bed and applied the stain. should I be applying a poly protective coat after the first stain coat? I applied the stain with a natural bristle, is it recommended or cloth is better? will be starting the headboard next :)

Thanks for sharing this great project.

posted by Ash (not verified) | on Sat, 2012-02-18 15:09

Headboard?

Is there another link for the headboard and how/where to attach it to the platform bed frame? This bed is awesome!

posted by Amanda Crawford (not verified) | on Wed, 2012-02-22 19:20

hailey bed

Hi - we tried to use the print friendly version of the bed plans but it prints blank pages past the first views and the pdf version will not load - just fyi - thx for posting the plans!

posted by Michelle Wolff-McAnally (not verified) | on Tue, 2012-03-13 23:49

Hi Ana, I'm interested in

Hi Ana,

I'm interested in using some of your information and photos in an ebook I'm writing. Would you be agreeable to that? Of course, I would credit you for your work as well as displaying clickable links to your website.

Thanks,
Terry

posted by Terry H. (not verified) | on Mon, 2012-04-30 18:18

Can't Wait!!

My best friend is getting ready to build this bed for my son's room. We just went and bought all the wood and the stain today. I can't wait to see it all done and in his new room. He's going to love it!!

Thanks for posting this, your ideas are beautiful and brilliant!

posted by KirstinD (not verified) | on Wed, 2012-05-02 12:01

Headboard & other

I would love to get the headboard instructions.

I also was wondering about changing it so the bed is set on an existing base? I have a waterbed frame base that I believe would look great. I like a high bed cause of my height. Suggestions on setting the paltform bed on a base? I hope this makes sense.

posted by James (not verified) | on Sat, 2012-06-09 21:15

Headboard

Hi all, you can find the headboard plans if you search "hailey" on this site. Two plans will come up, one is the headboard and one the frame itself. They both have the same picture!

I'm about to cut, stain and assemble today...had to buy spruce bc the stores didn't have pine in the dimensions I needed. Had the big pieces cut at the store (went with 2x10's for the base) and the smaller pieces I'm cutting with a handsaw using a square to mark. Also, since I'm not building the headboard, I extended the length of the 1x3's on the side by 1" and and going to use a 1x3 trim at the top. I have two pieces I'd wall trim, so this should allow clearance for that.

Cheers!

posted by Nicole McRae (not verified) | on Fri, 2012-06-15 07:50

Trim with Kreg Jig?

Hi,

I am planning on tackling this project this weekend; my first project with my brand new Kreg Jig!

But, I am having a bit of trouble working through the trim application in my head. The plans note that KJ users should make frame first and then attach it to the bed.....would you recommend putting the frame together with three inch screws (countersunk) from the outside of the frame? I'm having trouble thinking of another way. One couldn't do it with a Kreg Jig (to my knowledge), because of the 1.5" maximum thickness.

Once the frame assembly problem is solved, would you attach it by drilling pocket holes into inside the main (original/big) bed frame with the trim being the screw-receiving lumber?

posted by Kat Bartle (not verified) | on Fri, 2012-06-15 17:12

Kreg Jig and Trim?

posted by Katherine Bartle (not verified) | on Fri, 2012-06-15 17:15

Attaching the headboard to the Frame

Good afternoon, I am fairly new to the wood working world, I would like to build this bed for my daughter and I have printed the plans for both the frame and the headboard. I'm curious how you bolt them together? the headboard looks flush from top to bottom but the frame is going to have an overhang of approx an inch and a half? That's the only part I'm having a hard time with!

posted by WWRookie | on Thu, 2012-07-12 12:05

Wood Selection

Are you all just using the white wood found at your local hardware store? e.g. http://www.lowes.com/pd_27172-99899-24SE10_0__?productId=3664526&Ntt=whi...

Or do I need to look from something that is dried?

posted by Scot (not verified) | on Tue, 2012-08-28 22:39

Like It

Very nice, I've been toying with building something like this for a king, thanks for the insight regarding the construction approach, would probably add more supports with a king and maybe more legs but looks doable... and I'd maybe drop it down a few more inches to keep our cats from hiding out underneath

posted by Lukemeister (not verified) | on Tue, 2012-08-28 23:41

posted by momofour09 | on Mon, 2012-11-26 14:14

KING PLEASE

i would love to build this in a KING both bed and headboard. Can you please email me the plans for both? Also is there something explaining how to connect the two?

posted by ancutrer | on Sun, 2013-02-24 22:17

Most clear instructions I've seen

Wow, this is actually the best I've read on platform bed instructions to date. I just started with this one: http://www.amateurdiy.com/category/woodworking/platform-storage-bed/ But I'm glad I didn't get too far as it's overkill and the instructions aren't near as clean or clear as yours! Nice job.

posted by lan99 | on Sat, 2013-03-02 14:55

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Getting Started

Plan Catalog

Other Stuff >>

Hailey Platform Bed

Additional Photos

Handmade from this plan >>

About Project

Dimensions

Materials and Tools

Cut List

General Instructions

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Finishing Instructions

May I Suggest a Finish?

Full, Beds, Hailey Storage Bedroom Collection, Bedroom, Teens, Beginner, $20 - $50, Children's

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