Bed Frame for Full Size Mattress

Difficulty

Beginner Projects

Bed frame for a full sized mattress. Made mainly from 2 inch thick wood.

This plan makes a bed for a full size mattress. The mattress it was made to fit was 54 inches wide by 79.5 inches long. If yours is a different size then you might want to adjust the plans to accommodate.

Preparation

Shopping List

Size Length Quantity 1 by 2 6 Feet Quantity 2 1 by 4 6 feet Quantity 11 1 by 6 8 feet Quantity 3 2 by 4 8 feet Quantity 2 2 by 6 8 feet Quantity 4 2 by 8 6 feet Quantity 1 2 by 8 8 feet Quantity 2

Common Materials

1 1/4 inch screws

2 1/2 inch screws

1-1/4" Pocket Hole Screws

2-1/2" Pocket Hole Screws

Elmer's Wood Glue

primer

wood conditioner

paint

paint brush

Cut List

See PDF file you can download for full cut list and which board to cut each piece from to minimize number of boards required

Tools

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

Make the four feet by joining the 13 inch lengths of 2 by 6 together. Use 2.5 inch pocket holes to join them on the inside. Use glue as well as screws for added strength.

Step 2

Attach two of the feet to the foot board as shown. I used four 2.5 inch wood screws to fix each foot to the foot board. If you don’t want to miter the corners that is fine you will just have to adjust the length of the side rails and make those a bit shorter. Use glue as well as screws for added strength.

Step 3

Make the headboard support from the other two legs already made and the two 40 inch pieces of 2 by 4 and the 6 inch piece of 2 by 4. The back of the headboard support will actually be hidden by the head board and so you can place the pocket holes on the rear side so they cannot be seen. Use glue as well as screws for added strength.

Step 4

Make the headboard frame from the two 49.5 inch 2 by 6 pieces, the two 46 inch 2 by 6 pieces and the 38.5 inch 2 by 6 piece. Place the pocket holes on the rear side.

Step 5

Step 6

At this point I stained all the separate pieces of: • Foot board • Headboard support • Headboard • Headboard inserts • Side Rails • Centre support rail

Step 7

If you decided to do the headboard inserts a different color then fit those into the headboard now.

Step 8

Join the headboard support to the headboard making sure the bottom edges are flush and an equal gap on each side. I used 2.5 inch wood screws and fixed through the back of the headboard into the headboard support

Step 9

This bed is heavy and so once you have it in the room it is going fit the side rails to the foot board and headboard. I used 2.5 inch wood screws to fix through the inside of the foot into the rail and I also used pocket hole screws on the headboard end towards the top of the rail. I didn’t use glue as thought maybe I might need to take it apart one day to move it elsewhere.

Step 10

Add the 67 inch long 1 by 2 inch slat supports to the inside of the outer rail making sure the top is flush with the top of the leg. I used 1.25 inch wood screws. Add the center support as well using 2.5 inch pocket hole screws on the sides.

Step 11

Add the slats. I found 11 slats gave more than adequate support and fixed in place at the edges with 1.25 inch wood screws.

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.

Finish Used

The bed shown in the picture was Varathane Carrington and two coats of Satin Poly. The headboard inserts were finished in Minwax Jacobean.

Project Type

Beds and Bed Frames