Skip the box spring or the metal bed frame and build your own DIY bed frame - costs about the same as a bed skirt! It's easy - just screwing together some lumber and adding legs. In this step by step plan you'll find a detailed shopping list, cut list, and diagrams.
For about the price of a box spring or metal bed frame, you could DIY this -
It's easy to do and looks so much better than a metal bed frame or a mattress on the floor. Just build the frame, add the legs, and you, my friend, are done!
Beginner Friendly
You won't need a ton of tools or woodworking experience. This is a beginner friendly project that almost anyone can tackle. No pocket holes, no miters required.
Where Do I Find the Furniture Legs? How Much Do They Cost?
This bed works with furniture legs between 4" and 7" tall. The legs shown in this photo are 7" tall. I ordered from Amazon for about $20. You can also use hairpin legs, wooden legs or other styles of metal legs. I do recommend a leg that is attached at the corner, like these, instead of just a leg with a single socket attachment point.
Is There a Build Video I Can Watch?
I'm sorry I did not do a video for this bed frame, but it is very similar to this bed, and here's that video:
DIY Bed Frame Plans
The plans for this bed frame follow. Thank you for using my plans, I hope this project goes well for you. If you have a chance, please send us a photo, we love seeing how your projects turn out!
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Preparation
Twin (38" x 75")
- 3 - 2x6 @ 8'
- 2 - 2x2 @ 8'
- 5- 1x4 @ 8' (used for slats, can be scrap wood material)
- 25 - 2-1/2" long self tapping screws (star bit) for general construction
- 20 - 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping screws (star bit) for screwing down slats
Full (54" x 75")
- 2 - 2x6 @ 8'
- 2 - 2x2 @ 8'
- 1 - 2x6 @ 10' - can be cut in half for transport, used for the 57" cuts
- 1 - 2x4 @ 8'
- 5 - 1x4 @ 10' or 10 - 1x4 @ 8' (used for slats, can be scrap wood material)
- 30 - 2-1/2" long self tapping screws (star bit) for general construction
- 20 - 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping screws (star bit) for screwing down slats
Queen (60" x 80")
- 4 - 2x6 @ 8'
- 2 - 2x2 @ 8'
- 1 - 2x4 @ 8'
- 5 - 1x4 @ 10' or 10 1x4 @ 8' (used for slats, can be scrap wood material)
- 30 - 2-1/2" long self tapping screws (star bit) for general construction
- 20 - 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping screws (star bit) for screwing down slats
Standard King (76" x 80")
- 4 - 2x6 @ 8'
- 2 - 2x2 @ 8'
- 1 - 2x4 @ 8'
- 10 - 1x4 @ 8' (used for slats, can be scrap wood material)
- 40 - 2-1/2" long self tapping screws (star bit) for general construction
- 20 - 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping screws (star bit) for screwing down slats
California King (72" x 84")
- 4 - 2x6 @ 8'
- 2 - 2x2 @ 8'
- 1 - 2x4 @ 8'
- 10 - 1x4 @ 6' or 5 - 1x4 @ 12' (used for slats, can be scrap wood material)
- 40 - 2-1/2" long self tapping screws (star bit) for general construction
- 20 - 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping screws (star bit) for screwing down slats
Twin (38" x 75")
- 2 - 2x6 @ 75"
- 2 - 2x2 @ 75"
- 2 - 2x6 @ 41"
- 10 - 1x4 @ 38"
- 4 - 2x6 @ cut both ends at 45 degrees (optional corner supports)
Full (54" x 75")
- 2 - 2x6 @ 75"
- 2 - 2x2 @ 75"
- 2 - 2x6 @ 57"
- 1 - 2x4 @ 75"
- 10 - 1x4 @ 54"
- 4 - 2x6 @ cut both ends at 45 degrees (optional corner supports)
- 2 - 2x4 @ about 11" - measure and cut to fit - center "legs"
Queen (60" x 80")
- 2 - 2x6 @ 80"
- 2 - 2x2 @ 80"
- 2 - 2x6 @ 63"
- 1 - 2x4 @ 80"
- 10 - 1x4 @ 60"
- 4 - 2x6 @ cut both ends at 45 degrees (optional corner supports)
- 2 - 2x4 @ about 11" - measure and cut to fit - center "legs"
Standard King (76" x 80")
- 2 - 2x6 @ 80"
- 2 - 2x2 @ 80"
- 2 - 2x6 @ 79"
- 1 - 2x4 @ 80"
- 10 - 1x4 @ 76"
- 4 - 2x6 @ cut both ends at 45 degrees (optional corner supports)
- 2 - 2x4 @ about 11" - measure and cut to fit - center "legs"
California King (72" x 84")
- 2 - 2x6 @ 84"
- 2 - 2x2 @ 84"
- 2 - 2x6 @ 75"
- 1 - 2x4 @ 84
- 10 - 1x4 @ 72"
- 4 - 2x6 @ cut both ends at 45 degrees (optional corner supports)
- 2 - 2x4 @ about 11" - measure and cut to fit - center "legs"
Instructions
Step 1
On the side 2x6s, attach 2x2 cleats to the inside with the 2-1/2" screws.
Step 2
Attach top and bottom to the sides.
Step 3
Add the center 2x4, so the top is at the same height as the 2x2s.
Step 4
If additional support is desired, add corner bracing.
The corner bracing is simply 2x6s with both ends cut down to 45 degrees. This will add considerable strength to the bed frame. Screw from both sides.
Step 5
Lay slats on the 2x2s and the 2x4s and attach.
You can also use half slats if using up scrap lumber.
Step 6
Attach the bed legs to the base with screws.
Step 7
For king sized beds, add the center leg supports to support the weight from the center.
Comments
homefor3
Thu, 07/28/2022 - 04:58
An idea
I love the simplicity of this plan! And glad to hear lumber is coming down in price. I made a similar bed - one of your plans - years ago and because my daughter moved so frequently, I ended up attaching two strips of heavy cotton webbing to the spread out slats so we wouldn’t have to keep screwing them in each time she moved. I’m sure we just attached the strips with a staple gun. Just thought I’d share what has been a huge timesaver for us! I also did it when I made another bed (same plan) for my son. Thanks for all your amazing plans!!