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Modern Platform Bed Frame with Chunky Legs

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Submitted by Ana White on Wed, 07/31/2019 - 09:49
Difficulty
Beginner
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For about the price of a box spring you can build your own modern platform bed frame.  You'll just need a few basic power tools and off the shelf lumber to build - and our free step by step plans with diagrams and shopping list.  

diy modern platform bed frame

Reader submitted photo

This bed frame can be paired with this headboard 

modern bed frame platform diy

This bed frame can also be upholstered as done here

diy upholstered bed

Dimensions
diy bed frame dimensions diagram
Sized for queen mattress

Preparation

Shopping List

2 – 1×8 Boards, 8′ Long

1 – 1×8 Board, 12′ Long

2 – 2×2 Boards, 8′ Long

2 – 2×6 Board, 8′ Long or Stud Length

13 – 1×3 Boards 2″ Screws Wood Glue Wood Filler Sand Paper Finishing Supplies

Common Materials
primer
wood conditioner
paint
Cut List

2 – 1×8 @ 60″ (End Rails)

2 – 1×8 @ 81 1/2″ (Side Rails)

4 – 2×6 @ 5 1/2″ cut at 45 degree angles (Corner Supports)

1 – 2×6 @ 80″ (Center Support)

2 – 2×2 @ 80″ (Cleats)

4 – 2×6 @ 5 1/2″ (Leg Bases)

16 – 1×3 @ 6 1/4″ (Leg Trim)

13 – 1×3 @ 60″ (Slats)

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

BOX
Build the box out of the 1x8s as shown above.

Step 2

CORNER SUPPORTS
Adjust the bed frame for square and fasten the corner supports in the corners as shown above. Keep the top edges flush. This will be the bottom of your bed frame.

Step 3

CENTER SUPPORT
Mark the end rails 30″ in and fasten the center support to the end rails using 2″ screws and glue or pocket holes from the inside. Keep top edges flush. This will be the bottom of the bed.

Step 4

CLEATS
Flip the bed frame over and mark the side rails down 2 inches on both sides. Attach the cleats with 2″ screws and glue, screwing every 6 to 8 inches.

Step 5

Step 6

ATTACHING THE LEGS
Attaching the legs is easy. Simply line up the legs with the outside corners of the bed frame and screw through the corner supports into the top of the leg blocks. Use at least 2 screws. You could easily attach a different type of foot to the bed in the same manner.

Step 7

SLATS
Lay your slats on top of the cleats and screw down. Also screw to the center support. Space slats approximately 4″ apart.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler. Let dry completely and sand with coarse sand paper. Refill holes with filler, and let dry completely. Sand again, this time with medium grit sandpaper. Then sand with fine sandpaper. Vacuum with a soft bristled brush to remove any residue. Then wipe clean with a damp cloth. Let dry. Apply primer and paint for a painted finish, wood conditioner and stain for a stained finish. Finish with a clear coat if necessary. Of course you would have skipped all of these steps if you were using fabric.
Help Improve This Plan

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Project Type
Beds and Bed Frames
King
Room
Bedroom
Style
Modern Style Furniture Plans

Comments

bookladydavina (not verified)

Wed, 06/23/2010 - 20:08

I have a question regarding weight limits on these type of slat board bed frames. Anyone have any idea what they are? Would a 300+ pound person be in trouble of breaking the boards? We love some of these plans but have some larger relatives who would likely be using them.

Also, love the site! I'm also up here in Alaska and it's great to see some great craft ideas for up here where it's hard to get stuff! :)

Joe (not verified)

Wed, 06/23/2010 - 20:45

Please don't stop with the modern or simple furniture. That's the reason I found, subscribed, and check your site daily!!!

Karen P (not verified)

Wed, 06/23/2010 - 23:34

thank you soo much for posting this bed! while I like your rustic, farmhouse style furniture plans, I love the simple, modern style furniture. I can not wait to make this bed. I showed my husband the plans and he's dubious that I can pull it off on my own.

Beth (not verified)

Thu, 06/24/2010 - 00:41

Question about the modification for a king size. When you say to add a center leg--do you mean one just like the other four chunky ones? Or something else entirely? I need a visual for that one! I love this plan--we have been looking at platform beds for a while now, and this one is almost exactly what we need!

Catherine (not verified)

Thu, 06/24/2010 - 02:48

You read my mind! I was about to try to design something simple like this myself because the "captain's bed" was a little involved for us, & lo & behold, look what I found when I opened my Google Reader!

My own alteration on the plan will be to raise it up twice as high, so I can fit some of those long plastic storage boxes underneath. And there might be a linen dust ruffle with inverted knife pleats to cover it all, so I can have another place to indulge my love of fabric!

Thanks, Ana! This is just what I needed. (Plus, I love the mix of modern & farmhouse. Variety is the spice of life!)

T Ennis (not verified)

Thu, 06/24/2010 - 03:25

This is what I have been dreaming of for a bed and night stands! Thank you so much. There is no way we would be able to afford this suite.

orange sugar (not verified)

Thu, 06/24/2010 - 04:37

I absolutely love the modern furniture you have been posting. I'm hoping you will post a modern dresser to match the nightstands.

Barrette (not verified)

Thu, 06/24/2010 - 05:27

Yahoooo don't stop with the modern furniture. I LOVE this bed and can't wait to make it for myself. I thought I'd go with the farmhouse bed but have held off waiting for time to do it. But now this, this bed!! This is what I've held off for!!! THANK YOU :) Can't wait to post 'done' photos