Need an amazing bed on a budget?
Build your own farmhouse bed frame with canopy with off the shelf building lumber! Our free step by step plans include diagrams, shopping and cut lists for all standard mattress sizes.
Want a bed without a canopy? Check out dozens more easy to build bed frame plans here.
Want to convert your existing Farmhouse Bed into a canopy? We have plans to do that too!
Want a statement making bed?
A few years ago I did some episodes for HGTV and needed a show stopper of a bed for a garage turned bedroom makeover. So of course we looked to our farmhouse bed plans - just made it fancier with a canopy. Because everything is fancier with a canopy, right?
We love the simplicity of this plan! It's not much more to build than a standard farmhouse bed.
Do note we did substitute the planking for a plywood panel - but you can still use planking if that is the look you are going for.
Farmhouse Canopy Bed Plans
This plan has been updated. If you need the old plans, you can find them here.
Preparation
| Board | Twin | Full | Queen | King | Cali King |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1x4 | 1 @10' | 3 @ 6' | 3 @ 6' | 3 @ 8' | 3 @ 6' |
| 2x4 | 7 @ 8' | 5 @ 12' | 5 @ 12' | 11 @ 8' | 11 @ 8' |
| 2x10 | 2 @ 8' | 2 @ 8' | 2 @ 8' | 2 @ 8' | 2 @ 8' |
| 4x4 | 4 @ 8' | 4 @ 8' | 4 @ 8' | 4 @ 8' | 4 @ 8' |
| 3/4" plywood | 48" x 48" | 48" x 96" | 48" x 96" | 48" x 96" | 48" x 96" |
| 1x4 Slats | 5 @ 8' | 7 @ 8' | 7 @ 8' | 10 @ 8' | 11 @ 6' |
Assumes the following mattress sizes:
- Twin 38" x 75"
- Full 54" x 75"
- Queen 60" x 80"
- King 76" x 80"
- California King 72" x 84"
HEADBOARD Cut List
| Board | Twin | Full | Queen | King | Cali King |
| 2 - 4x4 @ | 80" | 80" | 80" | 80" | 80" |
| 2 - 2x4 @ | 38" | 54" | 60" | 76" | 72" |
| 1 - 3/4" plywood @ | 30"x38" | 30"x54" | 30"x60" | 30"x76" | 30"x72" |
| 1 - 1x4 @ | 38" | 54" | 60" | 76" | 72" |
FOOTBOARD Cut List
| Board | Twin | Full | Queen | King | Cali King |
| 2 - 4x4 @ | 80" | 80" | 80" | 80" | 80" |
| 2 - 2x4 @ | 38" | 54" | 60" | 76" | 72" |
| 1 - 3/4" plywood @ | 15"x38" | 15"x54" | 15"x60" | 15"x76" | 15"x72" |
| 2 - 1x4 @ | 38" | 54" | 60" | 76" | 72" |
SIDERAILS Cut List
| Board | Twin | Full | Queen | King | Cali King |
| 2 - 2x10 @ | 75" | 75" | 80" | 80" | 84" |
| 2 - 2x4 @ | 75" | 75" | 80" | 80" | 84" |
SLAT SYSTEM Cut List
| Board | Twin | Full | Queen | King | Cali King |
| 2x4 Cleats | 2 @ 78" | 3 @ 78" | 3 @ 83" | 4 @ 83" | 4 @ 87" |
| 2x4 Center Legs | 2 @ 15" | 4 @ 15" | 4 @ 15" | ||
| 2x4 Top Tie In | 1 @ 38" | 1 @ 54" | 1 @ 60" | 1 @ 76" | 1 @ 72" |
| 1x4 Slats | 10 @ 38" | 21 @ 31" | 21 @ 31" | 10 @ 76" | 11 @ 72" |
Cut boards with a compound miter saw. You can alternately use a circular saw with guide if necessary, but do make sure your cuts are very square.
The plywood panels should be cut with a tablesaw or circular saw.
Instructions
Step 1
Drill two 1-1/2" pocket holes on each end of the 2x4s and attach to the 4x4s with 2-1/2" pocket hole screws.
Step 2
Drill 3/4" pocket holes on the top and sides about 8" apart (but not the bottom) back side of the headboard panel.
Attach with a 1" space behind (and 1-1/2" space in front) to the 4x4 legs. This means the headboard panel is set up from the back edge of your 4x4 legs by 1".
Use 1-1/4" pocket hole screws to attach.
Step 3
Use 1-1/4" brad nails and glue to attach 1x4 trim piece to top of headboard panel.
Step 4
Repeat steps to build the footboard.
Step 5
Paint or stain the footboard, headboard and the sideboard pieces shown before moving into the room.
Drill two 1-1/2" pocket holes on each end of the top 2x4s.
Drill three 1-1/2" pocket holes on each end of the 2x10 siderails.
Move pieces into the room.
Assemble the bed with 2-1/2" pocket hole screws.
Step 6
Build the center support framing.
The twin size does NOT need any center support.
The queen and full should have one center support (as shown in the diagram)
The kings can have one or two center supports. If you are using 3/4" thick bed slats (see next step) I definitely recommend two center supports.
Step 7
Lay slats inside bed and screw down.
The mattress slats can be split to minimize material waste and also to use up scrap wood. You can use 3/4" plywood strips, any 1x material scraps, etc to fill in the slats. I don't like to leave more than 4" gap in between the slats.
You should check with your mattress recommendations for the best slat system.
Step 8
Optional 1x2 trim can be added around the top of the headboard and footboard panels to give the bed more dimensions. I did this with my bed.
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.
Comments
In reply to bed by timex10
AnthonyAugustLarson
Sat, 03/03/2018 - 10:48
i also need it in king size
Hey timex10, I have been looking for this bed plan with bolts instead fo screws and in king size also. I'm NEW to this kind of thing so hope to find the plans by somoene who is experienced instead of guessing myself. If someone posts it or Mrs. White replies or you find it somehow can you please let me know? I can do the same for you. Thanks, AAL editor@plugged-inmagazine.com
In reply to i also need it in king size by AnthonyAugustLarson
Brian Famous
Sun, 03/04/2018 - 09:06
King Sized version
AAL,
the only difference between a queen sized bed, and a king sized bed is the king sized bed is 16" wider. I've adapted the measurements appropriatly, and re-drawn the plans to be sized for a king bed. You can find them here: http://famousartisan.com/diy-farmhouse-canopy-bed-plans-king-size/
When you say you want to use bolts instead of screws, I'm assuming you mean for attaching the sideboards to the headboard and footboard? If you can confirm, I can give you some options and direction here - just reach out to me.
Mr.NiceLady
Mon, 09/28/2020 - 10:36
Well Worth the Time and Effort!
The plans for this bed were spot. On. I added 2x6s for the top side beams to make it more sturdy. I also added extra features that, on another bed bought from a specialty store, would have made the total cost of the bed around $5k. No kidding. I made this one for UNDER $500 including the purchase of a new jig and saw. Can't say how grateful I am to have a very, very sturdy bed and to have saved SO MUCH money. Thank you from the bottom of my kinky heart!!
Miel's Oso