I pretty much followed the original plans. I added a chamfer on the outside corners of the posts and on the top boards on the head and foot boards. I also stained these to match the nightstands. Since I used a foam mattress, i built a platform by gluing/screwing a 2x4 inside the side rails. Then I set 1x6s on the 2x4 to support the mattress.
I use the free version of Sketchup to design the bed and estimate materials needed.
Lessons learned
- Take extra time to figure out how to connect the side rails to the head and foot boards. I thought i could use a sliding lock but this wouldn't work for my design. I improvised using 3x7 tie plates and screwed the two components together. For the headboard, I lined the 2x4 with the inside headboard post. For the footboard, I bent the tie plate 90 degrees and screwed the 2x4 to the footboard. It worked very well.
- I would recommend chamfering the outside top of the side rails. I didn't and my wife complains that she bumps her shins on it.
- Top boards are 1x5s, which in my are are only sold at home depot. The other wood is readily available.
It's not that difficult of a project. It is time consuming, though.
Estimated Cost
About $150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Latex semi-gloss enamel for everything except the top boards which were stained and polyurethaned.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
markswoodprojects
Fri, 10/16/2020 - 13:48
Love this look.
I love the look of your version. Do you have the SketchUp file anywhere that I can download? I would really like to make this version as I love your proportions and the color scheme.