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Essential Platform Bed Frame

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Build your own bed frame!  This platform style bed frame is easy to build with off the shelf lumber and basic construction.  Stain or paint to match your style or decor.  Our free plans include step by step diagrams, shopping lists and cut list.

Related: Pair with our matching headboard plans.

Collections
Hailey Storage Bedroom Collection
wood platform bed frame diy
diy platform bed frame
diy platform bed frame
Getting mattresses off the floor is essential to bedroom form and function.  A bed frame creates the room structure, makes it easy to make the bed, and differentiates the mattress from the floor. 
For about the cost of a box spring or metal bed frame, you can build a wood bed frame that removes the need for a bed skirt.  A wood bed frame is much more beautiful, adds texture to the room design, and is sturdy and substantial.
In this free plan, I'll show you how to build a wood bed frame using dimensional lumber (ie 2x4s) and two power tools: a drill and a saw to cut the wood.  

Matching Headboard

This bed frame is designed to work with a variety of headboards, and we have also designed a headboard that matches this bed frame perfectly.  Free plans for the matching headboard are here.

This bed was designed and built in partnership with my friend Whitney at Shanty2Chic. Please take a second to stop over and visit Whitney at Shanty2Chic for lots more details and photos on this bed.

 

Pin for Later!

Love this bed frame?  Pin it to save to build for later!

Hailey Platform Bed Frame

Essential Platform Bed Frame Plans

The free plans for this wood bed frame follow.  If you build, please add a brag post - this keeps me inspired and helps other users see different options and creative decisions.  Thank you for using Ana White plans.

Dimensions
wood platform diy bed frame
Dimensions shown for a full size mattress, bed height is adjustable by increasing leg length

Preparation

Shopping List

TWIN SIZE SHOPPING LIST (38x75)

  • 3 – 2x6 @ 8' long
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 8' long
  • 2 – 1x3 @ 8' long
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 4' long
  • 1 – 1x3 @ 4' long
  • 5– 1x3 or 1x4 furring strips @ 8' long - bed slats
  • 32 - 2-1/2" to 3" long self tapping star bit construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
  • 50 - 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping star bit construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
  • wood glue
  • sand paper
  • 1-1/2" long brad nails can be used as a substitute for the shorter screws

FULL SIZE SHOPPING LIST (54x75)

  • 2 – 2x6 @ 12' long
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • Additional 2x4 or 2x6 needed for the bed legs
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 8' long
  • 3 – 1x3 @ 8' long
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 8' long
  • 7 – 1x3 or 1x4 furring strips @ 8' long - bed slats
  • 40 - 2-1/2" to 3" long self tapping star bit construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
  • 60 - 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping star bit construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
  • wood glue
  • sand paper
  • 1-1/2" long brad nails can be used as a substitute for the shorter screws

QUEEN SIZE SHOPPING LIST (60x80)

  • 2 – 2x6 @ 12' long
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • Additional 2x4 or 2x6 needed for the bed legs
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 8' long
  • 3 – 1x3 @ 8' long
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 8' long
  • 7 – 1x3 or 1x4 furring strips @ 8' long - bed slats
  • 40 - 2-1/2" to 3" long self tapping star bit construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
  • 60 - 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping star bit construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
  • wood glue
  • sand paper
  • 1-1/2" long brad nails can be used as a substitute for the shorter screws

STANDARD KING SIZE CUT LIST (76x80)

  • 4 – 2x6 @ 8' long
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 8' long
  • 3 – 1x3 @ 8' long
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 8' long
  • 10 – 1x3 or 1x4 furring strips @ 8' long - bed slats
  • 40 - 2-1/2" to 3" long self tapping star bit construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
  • 60 - 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping star bit construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
  • wood glue
  • sand paper
  • 1-1/2" long brad nails can be used as a substitute for the shorter screws

CALIFORNIA KING SIZE CUT LIST (72x84)

  • 4 – 2x6 @ 8' long
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 8' long
  • 3 – 1x3 @ 8' long
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 8' long
  • 10 – 1x3 or 1x4 furring strips @ 8' long - bed slats
  • 40 - 2-1/2" to 3" long self tapping star bit construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
  • 60 - 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping star bit construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
  • wood glue
  • sand paper
  • 1-1/2" long brad nails can be used as a substitute for the shorter screws
Cut List

TWIN SIZE CUT LIST (38x75)

  • 2 – 2x6 @ 75” - side rails
  • 2 – 2x6 @ 41” - top and bottom rails
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 75” - inside cleat
  • 2 – 1x3 @ 79” - side trim
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 38” - top trim
  • 1 – 1x3 @ 38” - bottom trim
  • 4 – 2x4 or 2x6 @ 7” (can be cut longer for longer legs, use a 2x6 for a more modern look) - bed legs
  • 10– 1x3 @ 38" - bed slats

FULL SIZE CUT LIST (54x75)

  • 2 – 2x6 @ 75” - side rails
  • 2 – 2x6 @ 57” - top and bottom rails
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 75” - inside cleat
  • 1 – 2x4 @ 75” - center support 
  • 2 – 1x3 @ 79” - side trim
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 54” - top trim
  • 1 – 1x3 @ 54” - bottom trim
  • 4 – 2x4 or 2x6 @ 7” (can be cut longer for longer legs, use a 2x6 for a more modern look) - bed legs
  • 21 – 1x3 @ 27"  slats are cut in half to maximize materials of an 8' long board or 10 - 1x3 @ 54" - bed slats

QUEEN SIZE CUT LIST (60x80)

  • 2 – 2x6 @ 80” - side rails
  • 2 – 2x6 @ 63” - top and bottom rails
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 80” - inside cleat
  • 1 – 2x4 @ 80” - center support 
  • 2 – 1x3 @ 84” - side trim
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 60” - top trim
  • 1 – 1x3 @ 60” - bottom trim
  • 4 – 2x4 or 2x6 @ 7” (can be cut longer for longer legs, use a 2x6 for a more modern look) - bed legs
  • 21 – 1x3 @ 30"  slats are cut in half to maximize materials of an 8' long board or 10 - 1x3 @ 60" - bed slats

STANDARD KING SIZE CUT LIST (76x80)

  • 2 – 2x6 @ 80” - side rails
  • 2 – 2x6 @ 79” - top and bottom rails
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 80” - inside cleat
  • 1 – 2x4 @ 80” - center support 
  • 2 – 1x3 @ 84” - side trim
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 76” - top trim
  • 1 – 1x3 @ 76” - bottom trim
  • 4 – 2x4 or 2x6 @ 7” (can be cut longer for longer legs, use a 2x6 for a more modern look) - bed legs
  • 10 – 1x3 @ 76" - bed slats

CALIFORNIA KING SIZE CUT LIST (72x84)

  • 2 – 2x6 @ 84” - side rails
  • 2 – 2x6 @ 75” - top and bottom rails
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 84” - inside cleat
  • 1 – 2x4 @ 84” - center support 
  • 2 – 1x3 @ 88” - side trim
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 72” - top trim
  • 1 – 1x3 @ 72” - bottom trim
  • 4 – 2x4 or 2x6 @ 7” (can be cut longer for longer legs, use a 2x6 for a more modern look) - bed legs
  • 10 – 1x3 @ 72" - bed slats
Cutting Instructions

Precise cuts are very important to the success of this project.

I recommend cutting with a compound miter saw or chop saw.

Alternatively, cutting with a circular saw using a cutting guide or straight edge will work, but it is difficult to get precise cuts this way, even for experienced carpenters.

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Drill
Circular Saw
Power Sander
Drill Bit Set
General Instructions

For larger beds, it may become difficult to move into the room after final assembly.  You can prefinish pieces first, and build inside the room.  Prefinish all 2x6s, the 1x2 and 1x3 top trim boards, and the legs.

Instructions

Step 1

Build the 2x6 frame using two screws per corner, 2-1/2" long to 3" long self tapping star bit screws (spax or similar).

Adjust the frame for square by taking opposite diagonals and making sure the two diagonals match.

Step 2

Attach cleats to inside for supporting the slats in later steps. Use 2-1/2" screws and glue, screws about every 8-12".

Step 3

This middle support is important for full size or larger beds. Attach so top is level with top of cleats, as bed slats will sit on top.  Use two screws per end.

Step 4

Now we can start trim out. Add trim so it's flush on insides and at head of bed. Attach with either 1-1/2" long self tapping screws or brad nails and glue.

TIP: If you have a Kreg Jig, building the frame first with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws, will result in a nicer overall finished bed.

Step 5

Measure and cut the trim for the top and bottom, with the 1x2 trim at the top.

Attach with nails or the shorter screws and glue.

Step 6

For the bed legs, cut the legs from either 2x4 or 2x6.  The 2x6 will result in a stronger bed leg.  

You can taper the legs, or even use store bought metal bed feet.

Attach to base of bed, use 3 screws per leg, with glue.

For full size and larger, flip the bed over and measure and cut center legs to support the center 2x4 and attach. (see step 8)

Step 7

Now add the slats. Slat placement and number of slats is dependent of your mattress requirements. Screw the slats down with the shorter screws. 

To help take any wobble out of the bed, on a end slats, screw down with four screws (two per end)

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.
Project Type
Beds and Bed Frames
Full Size Beds and Full Bed Frames
Room
Teens
Bedroom
Style
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans
Farmhouse Furniture
Rustic Furniture Plans

Comments

travis.j.lynch

Sun, 12/13/2015 - 15:17

I really like this, but I move alot. How can I make it easy to take it apart to move it and then put it back together without too much trouble?

travis.j.lynch

Sun, 12/13/2015 - 15:17

I really like this, but I move alot. How can I make it easy to take it apart to move it and then put it back together without too much trouble?

travis.j.lynch

Wed, 02/03/2016 - 03:29

Great looking bed. Thanks for the plans, I plan on building two.... I move alot though, what do I need to do in order to make it be able to break down easily into smaller pieces? Thanks!

Aussydog

Sat, 06/04/2016 - 16:14

I've got a small house and space is at a premium. So my plan is to take this general bed design and elevate it so that i can fit a front loading washer and dryer under it. Do you have any suggestions? Thx!

ilcjbrcs

Sun, 11/27/2016 - 20:54

Can this bed be made without the feet? If so, does it need any extra reinforcement? If not, do you have any designs that the bed sits directly on the floor? My pet peeve is cleaning under beds, and would like to have beds that don't have that requirement.