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Rustic Modern 2x6 Platform Bed

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Submitted by Ana White on Wed, 09/16/2015 - 12:25
Difficulty
Intermediate
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How to build a platform bed out of 2x lumber

platform bed diy

I decided to go with a platform bed for the cabin because of the low ceiling height upstairs.  We love the low height and it makes the room feel wide open and lofty.  The bed is made entirely of 2x lumber - all leftover from the cabin build.  

Check out the plans following! (If this is the homepage you'll need to click READ MORE below).

XO Ana

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Rustic Modern 2x6 Platform Bed

Dimensions
DIY rustic platform bed plans
Dimensions shown above - queen size

Preparation

Shopping List

12 - 2x6 @ stud length (may be able to use less lumber if can haul long lengths)

10 - 2x4 @ 10 feet long (slats)

5 - 2x4 @ stud length (remaining slat and headboard piece)

1 - 1x3 or 1x4 @ 8 feet long

Common Materials
2 inch screws
2-1/2" Pocket Hole Screws
Elmer's Wood Glue
Cut List

Headboard

6 - 2x6 @ 79" or length of headboard

1 - 2x4 @ 79" or length of headboard

3 - 1x3 or 1x4 @ 31-1/2" - back cleats

END

1 - 2x6 @ 61"

1 - 2x4 @ 65"

SIDES

2 - 2x4 @ 79"

2 - 2x6 @ 79"

SLAT SYSTEM

3- 2x6 @ 79"

11 - 2x4 @ 58" (for 4" gaps in between slats - check with your mattress to make sure this is sufficient)

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Power Sander
Drill Bit Set
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

I ended up deciding to go with a cleat on the back of the headboard instead of Kreg Jigging the boards together (which could also be done).  You will also need to attach the headboard to the wall to keep it from cupping forward.

Step 2

Build the two side rail pieces by attaching the 2x6 upright to the 2x4 platform with 1-1/2" pocket holes and 2-1/2" pocket hole screws.  Also drill 1-1/2" pocket holes on ends for attaching to headboard and footboard in later steps.

Step 3

Build the "footboard" piece as shown above, with the platform top piece overexending the upright piece by 2" on ends, everything is flush on the back.

Step 4

Once the sides and end pieces were made, we stained them.  Then on assembly, we joined the side pieces to the end with 2-1/2" pocket hole screws.

Step 5

Step 6

Lay the cleats in the bed and attach to side rails with 2" - 2-3/4" long screws (you can use pocket hole screws, you will only need three per cleat).  Also attach center cleat to footboard and headboard.

Step 7

Set the slats in the bed frame and screw down.

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
Queen
Room
Bedroom
Style
Farmhouse Furniture
Green or Eco-Friendly Style Furniture
Industrial Style Furniture Plans
Modern Style Furniture Plans
Rustic Furniture Plans

Comments

AzAdventurer

Mon, 09/12/2016 - 11:19

Hi Anna,

Thanks for the awesome plans, I updated my brag post with more details, but for some reason even after saving it several times, I don't see the changes reflect, I was wondering if you need to do something on your end to push the updates. I'm sure you're super busy, but thanks. 

Also, what do you use for creating your plans and the pictures with the cuts, measurements and pocket hole details?

Ditti

Ana White

Mon, 09/12/2016 - 12:54

Hi, I am so sorry you are having brag post issues.  It has to do with either the site caching or the browser caching.  If you reset your browser cache, it should show up pretty quickly.

 

I use sketchup - it is free for personal use and easy to learn.

 

Thank you for bragging!  great project! Ana

braxtonjay

Thu, 03/01/2018 - 14:08

If a standard Queen is 60"x80", based on the dimensions in your plan, does a mattress fit into the bed, or sit slightly on top?

 

I plan on building this frame this weekend, and just want to make sure I'm not overlooking anything. I want my mattress to fit into the frame.

username.

Fri, 03/02/2018 - 19:22

Hey man I actually just built the bed, and I myself was wondering how that made sense also. Then after looking at the other people who have made the bed I could tell that the slats are actually flush with the edges. So the top is completely flush, meaning it would sit on and not in. I though, am wanting it to actually sit in the bed frame a little, so I may deviate a little, as I already have with a few things. 

 

Hope this helps 

ohanzee6

Sat, 08/24/2019 - 11:39

Hi Ana,

Is it possible to complete this project for a king size bed? I wasn't sure if there were constraints in the length of 2x6 you could get from local hardware stores. Thank you for the help!

Dana_1027

Mon, 04/19/2021 - 18:52

I am wondering if anyone has converted this to a king size? I am new to building and untrusting to try to do it myself. I'm not sure if there are limited length on this size wood? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

JonBowman

Sat, 11/13/2021 - 00:09

Question..don't know if I missed something in the text of the plans. Why aren't all the boards in the headboard 2x6?

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