Build your own simple bed frame with our step by step tutorial and off the shelf lumber and minimal tools. We love the classic mission style, the easy construction, and the sturdy final product, sure to last and last. Boxsprings are optional. Free woodworking plans by Ana-White.com

Preparation
3 - 1x6 @ 8 feet long
4 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
1 - 4x4 @ 8 feet long (for headboard posts)
1 - 4x4 @ 6 feet long (for footboard posts)
4 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
7 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long (or similar for bed slats)
1 - 1/4" long brad nails (a couple hundred)
16 - 5" long self tapping wood screws OR 2-1/2" pocket hole screws if you have a Kreg Jig
40 - 2-1/2" long self tapping wood screws
HEADBOARD
- 2 - 1x6 @ 38-1/2"
- 14 - 1x6 @ 2-1/2"
- 6 - 1x4 @ 30"
- 2 - 4x4 @ 45"
- 1 - 2x6 @ 47-1/2"
FOOTBOARD
- 3 - 1x6 @ 38-1/2"
- 14 - 1x6 @ 2-1/2"
- 6 - 1x4 @ 23-1/2"
- 2 - 4x4 @ 32"
- 1 - 2x6 @ 47-1/2"
BED FRAME
- 2 - 2x4 @ 79-3/4"
- 2 - 2x6 @ 75" (cut to fit)
- 14 - 1x3 @ 38-1/2" - slats
Cut boards with a compound miter saw (preferred) or a circular saw with straight edge.
Avoid cutting very small pieces - instead, cut a small piece from a larger piece.
Instructions
Step 1
Headboard Construction
Lay out headboard panel as shown in diagram.
Glue and nail from the back side to hide nail holes.
The final small piece should be cut to fit for a perfect fit.
NOTE: If you plan to join the headboard panel to the legs with pocket holes, carefully place nails at the outer edges of the board to allow room for drilling pocket holes in next step.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 7
Step 8
Fill all holes with putty and sand and finish as desired. You can choose to assemble the bed (as in step 6) after the bed is finished and moved into the room. Just make sure you do a test fit first.
Comments
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 07/18/2011 - 17:19
Head and foot board size
Hi Ana
I am interested in having my husband make this bed for our 2 year old daughter. I was wanting a day bed but havent been able to find one. Are the head and foot board the same size? They look like they are. That is what I am wanting since I cant find a day bed. Thanks!
Heidi (not verified)
Fri, 09/09/2011 - 22:52
What if I change the 4 -
What if I change the 4 - 1"x6"x8' to 1"x4"x8' ? Would that work? They are way cheaper.
Heidi (not verified)
Fri, 09/09/2011 - 22:54
What if I change the 4 -
What if I change the 4 - 1"x6"x8' to 1"x4"x8' ? Would that work? They are way cheaper.
claydowling
Sat, 09/10/2011 - 20:21
Changing 1x6 for 1x4
You'd have to re-work the slat arrangement for the head and foot boards. Not hard to do at all, but if you're not up for it pay for the 1x6 instead.
laceylmm
Mon, 09/26/2011 - 11:41
Cheaper Version
Just wondered if you have posted the plans for
"I will also be posting a plan with a solid panel for the headboard and footboard, made of hardwood plywood, in a twin sized. This will be more economical." As you mentioned in one of your earlier comments to this post. Thanks.
I actually plan on making the Simple daybed, but would like to use a hardwood plywood to cut down the cost.
jon Schomacker (not verified)
Fri, 11/11/2011 - 10:49
Bunk beds
I am planning on making 2 of these beds and stacking them to make bunk beds. How do I attach them to make them safe. I have 2 boys that play rough.
Jack K. (not verified)
Fri, 01/27/2012 - 08:06
Type of nails (regular or finish)?
Hi Ana! Thanks for the instructions. Quick question though, which type of nails do you use in steps 1 and 2, regular or finish?
UCF99ENG (not verified)
Fri, 02/17/2012 - 11:34
Weekend project
I plan on making this bed this weekend for my daughter. I plan on using my nailgun for the 1.25" and 2" fasteners for the head and footboards. For the remaining screws, I'm going to use some self tapping screws to prevent wood splitting.
I like the pictures that are made in Google Sketchup. I just wished they were bigger because it's hard to see some of the text.
Thanks for making us novice woodworkers seem like professionals.
Guest (not verified)
Tue, 02/28/2012 - 10:56
Is there any way that we can
Is there any way that we can get bigger pictures for the instructions on the simple twin bed.All the pictures remain small even when they are clicked on
PedroAA
Tue, 03/27/2012 - 09:21
Suggestion... Baby crib!
Hi Ana.... It would be fantastic to see some baby crib plans!
A simple one, as well as something with a bit more 'flair'. :)