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Essential Platform Bed Frame

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diy bed frame free plans
Difficulty
Beginner
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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.

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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
Room
Teens
Bedroom
Style
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans
Farmhouse Furniture
Rustic Furniture Plans

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 01/18/2012 - 23:48

OMG!! I love the bed!! what a great idea. might have to think about it for my king size bed. love the simplicity of it! thanks for sharing

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 01/19/2012 - 07:44

Question ~ if I have a boxspring, I just omit the additional 1x3's? I can't wait to make this for my son !!

~Melody (not verified)

Thu, 01/19/2012 - 15:54

I love the look and ease of the directions of this bed. However, I was wondering how difficult it would be to raise the bed more. Much more. I'm one of those people who prefer high beds. Any thoughts on how to switch it up?

I was thinking instead of using tapered 2x4's for the feet, to use straight cut 4x4's in the taller measurement that I'm interested in. Thoughts? Suggestions?

Ash (not verified)

Sat, 02/18/2012 - 12:09

Wonderful project. I just finished making the bed and applied the stain. should I be applying a poly protective coat after the first stain coat? I applied the stain with a natural bristle, is it recommended or cloth is better? will be starting the headboard next :)

Thanks for sharing this great project.

Amanda Crawford (not verified)

Wed, 02/22/2012 - 16:20

Is there another link for the headboard and how/where to attach it to the platform bed frame? This bed is awesome!

Michelle Wolff… (not verified)

Tue, 03/13/2012 - 21:49

Hi - we tried to use the print friendly version of the bed plans but it prints blank pages past the first views and the pdf version will not load - just fyi - thx for posting the plans!

Terry H. (not verified)

Mon, 04/30/2012 - 16:18

Hi Ana,

I'm interested in using some of your information and photos in an ebook I'm writing. Would you be agreeable to that? Of course, I would credit you for your work as well as displaying clickable links to your website.

Thanks,
Terry

KirstinD (not verified)

Wed, 05/02/2012 - 10:01

My best friend is getting ready to build this bed for my son's room. We just went and bought all the wood and the stain today. I can't wait to see it all done and in his new room. He's going to love it!!

Thanks for posting this, your ideas are beautiful and brilliant!

James (not verified)

Sat, 06/09/2012 - 19:15

I would love to get the headboard instructions.

I also was wondering about changing it so the bed is set on an existing base? I have a waterbed frame base that I believe would look great. I like a high bed cause of my height. Suggestions on setting the paltform bed on a base? I hope this makes sense.

Nicole McRae (not verified)

Fri, 06/15/2012 - 05:50

Hi all, you can find the headboard plans if you search "hailey" on this site. Two plans will come up, one is the headboard and one the frame itself. They both have the same picture!

I'm about to cut, stain and assemble today...had to buy spruce bc the stores didn't have pine in the dimensions I needed. Had the big pieces cut at the store (went with 2x10's for the base) and the smaller pieces I'm cutting with a handsaw using a square to mark. Also, since I'm not building the headboard, I extended the length of the 1x3's on the side by 1" and and going to use a 1x3 trim at the top. I have two pieces I'd wall trim, so this should allow clearance for that.

Cheers!

Kat Bartle (not verified)

Fri, 06/15/2012 - 15:12

Hi,

I am planning on tackling this project this weekend; my first project with my brand new Kreg Jig!

But, I am having a bit of trouble working through the trim application in my head. The plans note that KJ users should make frame first and then attach it to the bed.....would you recommend putting the frame together with three inch screws (countersunk) from the outside of the frame? I'm having trouble thinking of another way. One couldn't do it with a Kreg Jig (to my knowledge), because of the 1.5" maximum thickness.

Once the frame assembly problem is solved, would you attach it by drilling pocket holes into inside the main (original/big) bed frame with the trim being the screw-receiving lumber?

Katherine Bartle (not verified)

Fri, 06/15/2012 - 15:15

Hi,

I am planning on tackling this project this weekend; my first project with my brand new Kreg Jig!

But, I am having a bit of trouble working through the trim application in my head. The plans note that KJ users should make frame first and then attach it to the bed.....would you recommend putting the frame together with three inch screws (countersunk) from the outside of the frame? I'm having trouble thinking of another way. One couldn't do it with a Kreg Jig (to my knowledge), because of the 1.5" maximum thickness.

Once the frame assembly problem is solved, would you attach it by drilling pocket holes into inside the main (original/big) bed frame with the trim being the screw-receiving lumber?

WWRookie

Thu, 07/12/2012 - 10:05

Good afternoon, I am fairly new to the wood working world, I would like to build this bed for my daughter and I have printed the plans for both the frame and the headboard. I'm curious how you bolt them together? the headboard looks flush from top to bottom but the frame is going to have an overhang of approx an inch and a half? That's the only part I'm having a hard time with!

Lukemeister (not verified)

Tue, 08/28/2012 - 21:41

Very nice, I've been toying with building something like this for a king, thanks for the insight regarding the construction approach, would probably add more supports with a king and maybe more legs but looks doable... and I'd maybe drop it down a few more inches to keep our cats from hiding out underneath

triskelion

Sun, 07/07/2013 - 16:41

I was looking at making this into a king sized bed as well and was wondering if you had come up with the dimension and appropriate design changes. Would love to know if you have.

Thanks!!!

momofour09

Mon, 11/26/2012 - 11:14

What would be the cut-list for a twin? And as the one commenter asked, can I use a boxspring and mattress or just the mattress?

ancutrer

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 19:17

i would love to build this in a KING both bed and headboard. Can you please email me the plans for both? Also is there something explaining how to connect the two?

Brad L.

Tue, 07/16/2013 - 18:54

I'm considering doing this for my 1st project from this site. I haven't really seen anybody use red cedar to build with. Would that be a decent wood to choose?

toya0908

Mon, 08/19/2013 - 10:52

there is one on here that is for a twin platform bed and I made it for my son and it is with real wood and very sturdy and he loves it. Today I am building this full size one I hope you do it

toya0908

Mon, 08/19/2013 - 10:53

there is one on here that is for a twin platform bed and I made it for my son and it is with real wood and very sturdy and he loves it. Today I am building this full size one I hope you do it

edgarIII

Wed, 10/23/2013 - 15:51

This may be dumb as I am just a beginner, but does anyone know what kind of wood and stain is used in the actual picture? I love that look. Thanks!

Livelife7

Sun, 12/29/2013 - 11:39

I am in love with this bed frame! Being new to building, is there any way I can get the dimensions for building this bed as a standard King sized bed for the base and headboard?

ibthemom

Tue, 02/11/2014 - 11:45

How would I adjust the height for this bed? I want to use it with a box spring and mattress

ibthemom

Tue, 02/11/2014 - 11:45

How would I adjust the height for this bed? I want to use it with a box spring and mattress

calexander0814

Tue, 04/01/2014 - 18:19

If I was to use a box spring with my mattress would I leave out the slats and just use the edging or just adjust the depth of the edging, slats, and middle support with legs? Also, would you change the feet for the bed too?

I really like this bed and would like to tackle this bed for my sons first big boy bed, which I think he will love moving into.

Any advise would be great.

skyzen

Wed, 04/30/2014 - 12:16

I have a small room and a 6 inch mattress to put on it. Can i make it using 1x6 boards instead of 2x6s? I am thinking of using 2x4 as center support and then putting a plywood on top.

redredbeard

Fri, 01/16/2015 - 23:33

Ok, since everyone was asking, here are the details for the King size... I have added another support to the frame with additional feet (8 total, instead of originally 6) to accommodate the larger size. This is the 2x4 that goes top to bottom between the frame, in this version you will have 2, both with legs. This is assuming a standard US king size of 76" x 80". To do the math yourself, add 5" to length and 22" to width from standard measurements.

Shopping List: Same, but add an extra 2x4x10 (you might be able to get away with an 8)

Length and Width cuts will be marked with (L) and (W) respectively.

Cutouts:
2 - 2x6 @ 80" (L)
2 - 2x6 @ 79" (W)
2 - 2x2 @ 80" (L)
2 - 2x4 @ 80" (L)
2 - 1x3 @ 84" (L)
1 - 1x2 @ 76" (W)
1 - 1x3 @ 76" (W)
8 - 2x4 @ 7" (Feet)
15 - 1x3 @ 76" (W - Slats)

If people like this I will do this for the headboard as well.

mad212

Wed, 02/25/2015 - 10:41

Can anyone confirm if my queen size cuts are right (which I doubt they are)? I've never built anything except for a couple speaker boxes when I was a kid. I really want to try to build it this weekend as I just got a new queen mattress.

2 - 2x6 @ 80" (L)
2 - 2x6 @ 63" (W)
2 - 2x2 @ 80" (L)
2 - 2x4 @ 80" (L)
2 - 1x3 @ 84" (L)
1 - 1x2 @ 60" (W)
1 - 1x3 @ 60" (W)
4 - 2x4 @ 7" (Feet)
14 - 1x3 @ 60" (W - Slats)

Ana White Admin

Wed, 02/25/2015 - 11:25

Be sure to measure your mattress. As stated in the plan just above the "cut list" . "This bed is for full size mattresses. To convert to twin, subtract 15" from width. To convert to queen, add 6" to width AND 5" to length. This assumes bed sizes of TWIN: 39" x 75" FULL: 54" x 75" QUEEN: 60" x 80"."