1. Home
  2. Plan Catalog

Fillman Platform Twin Platform Bed

|save this plan
Submitted by Ana White on Fri, 09/27/2019 - 10:08
Difficulty
Beginner
| Print this plan

How to build a platform bed for $30. Simple step by step plans with diagrams and shopping list and cut list.

Build the matching headboard with these plans.

platform storage bed twin size

You can find the headboard plans here.  And today's plan is for the bed frame itself, which can be used independent of a headboard.  

 
 
 

 

 

 

More Details and Photos

And make sure you check out Whitney's post here on the bed for lots more photos!  Thanks Whitney!
Dimensions
twin platform bed frame plan dimensions
Dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 3 – 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 – 2x3 @ 2 feet long (or use 2x4)
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 8 feet long
  • 3 – 1x3 @ 8 feet long
  • 1x2 or 1x3 slats or box spring (about 6 boards, 8 feet long - can also use various scraps as long as the thickness matches)
  • 2 1/2" screws or 2 1/2" pocket hole screws
Cut List
  • 2 – 2x4 @ 76 1/2"
  • 2 – 2x4 @ 39”
  • 4 – 2x3 @ 5 1/2" (can use 2x4s here as well)
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 70 1/2"
  • 2 – 1x3 @ 75”
  • 1 – 1x3 @ 44”
  • 1x3 @ 39” for slats (not accounted for in cut list)
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
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!

Instructions

Step 1

So we just build a 2x4 box. Easy peasy!

Check to make sure the box is square by taking diagonals from opposite corners.

Step 2

Now add the legs. You can use 2x4s here in absence of 2x3s. You can also taper the legs if you want - or even use decorative feet.

Step 3

These are the cleats for supporting the slats. Attach with predrilled holes and 2 1/2" screws.

Step 4

Now we are going to start adding the lip to give the platform bed that platform feel. Make sure you glue and screw down.

Step 5

Screw the footboard piece to the bottom of the bed with 2-1/2" screws and glue.

Step 6

And now just add the slats. Depending on your mattress quality, you may be able to get away with less slats.

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.
Help Improve This Plan

We apologize if there was an error in this plan. Please help us out and report any errors here.

Project Type
Beds and Bed Frames
Twin
Room
Bedroom
Style
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans
Farmhouse Furniture

Comments

LisaT (not verified)

Fri, 02/24/2012 - 09:37

Ana, great plans! Whitney and Ana-what an inspiration! The bed turned out beautiful!!!!

claydowling

Fri, 02/24/2012 - 11:07

There's nothing wrong with pocket screws, but looking at this plan there's no reason you couldn't build it without pocket screws. That would be a real salvation for somebody who didn't own one. I see it's mentioned in a note in the drawing, but worth calling out separately.

Instead of assembling the frame with pocket screws, attach the frame components to the legs with countersunk wood screws. As a tip, I've found that a drill is not the best tool for driving screws. I've had a lot better luck with a brace equipped with a screwdriver bit. I almost never strip a screw and it drives just as fast.

I'd also like to mention that there's no point in using wood glue on the end grain of the frame pieces, as the plan suggests. That won't hold under any kind of stress. If you glue the frame components to the legs though, it's going to be pretty strong.

Larryshandywife

Wed, 08/22/2012 - 21:32

Hi,I just made this bed yesterday in just a few short hours and did not use wood glue as you have mentioned not to do and instead of doing poketholes I used wood screws and just drilled them straight in using the screwdriver bit as you have metioned and that was a way better way to make this bed....I enjoy reading your comments on different ways to make different things......Thank You for the advice!! :).....And I love this bed,it is awesome for the exchange student that will be here in 2 days,BUT of course im going to be sleeping on it to see how comfortable it is to sleep on,hahaha

Carli (not verified)

Mon, 02/27/2012 - 10:20

Is there an easy modification for making this into a double, or even queen size bed? Or is it less practical with larger mattresses. Thanks!! :-)

Megan Woodside (not verified)

Mon, 02/27/2012 - 20:24

Where is that gorgeous bedding from?

Latonia (not verified)

Wed, 02/29/2012 - 13:42

I love this bed!!! I also want to make one for a full size bed. Also queen size bed.Can you please send me the plans to modifiy for both these sizes. Thank You.

Alex Traynor (not verified)

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 05:08

the length of a queen mattress is 4" bigger so you just need to add 4" to the length and if your sizes are the same as UK then add 36" to the width i would advise a center piece down the middle of the frame for support of the slats, I know this was over a year ago you asked the question but hope this helps

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:10

we are making this bed for my 2 daughters and not sure about the head borad! can you give more info on the headboard?

Daniele (not verified)

Fri, 06/08/2012 - 09:16

Thanks for the plans for the headboard and platform. 2 questions for ya- do you have dimensions for a full bed? And what type of wood/stain did you use? thanks!