You can build this simple panel bed frame (or just the headboard) with just a circular saw and a drill for about $120 in materials. This free tutorial includes video, step by step diagrams, shopping list and a cut list for Twin, Full, Queen, King and California king mattress sizes.
Also check out our nightstand plans, browse other bed plans, and read our wood finishing post.

Preparation
SHOPPING LIST FOR QUEEN - for other sizes, see the downloaded PDFs above
2 - 1x8 @ 10 feet long (can cut in half for transport)
2 - 1x8 @ 8 feet long (use on siderails)
2 - 1x3 @ 6 feet long
11 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long (includes 6 2x4s used for the bed slats)
50 - 1-1/4" brad nails OR 2" self tapping wood screws
40 - 3" self tapping wood screws (can substitute for 2-1/2" or 2-3/4" lengths)
CUT LIST FOR QUEEN - for other sizes, see the downloaded PDFs above
4 - 1x8 @ 57" - panel boards
2 - 2x4 @ 45-1/4" - headboard legs
2 - 1x3 @ 62-1/2" - tops
2 - 2x4 @ 14-1/2" - footboard legs
2 - 1x8 @ 80-3/4" - sidrails
2 - 2x4 @ 80-3/4" - siderail cleats
1 - 2x4 @ ~57" - cut to fit - headboard bed frame
1 - 2x4 @ 78-1/2" - bed frame center
2 - 2x4 @ 12-1/2" - bed frame legs
18 - 2x4 @ 31-1/2" - bed frame slats (can also use 1x4s or 1x3s or other materials if less expensive/have on hand)
This bed plan does not require a brad nailer, but having a brad nailer will make building this project easier. You can substitute screws for nails throughout this plan.
Instructions
Step 1
Layout the two headboard legs.
Mark a line all the way down each 2x4 leg, 2-1/4" in from the outsides.
Dryfit the panel boards for the headboard on the legs.
Then attach the top 1x8 to the legs, with glue and screws or nails.
Repeat, working downward, for all the 1x8s - just make sure you apply a bead of glue between the 1x8 boards as you go.
Comments
Chantcaps
Sun, 05/26/2019 - 13:47
Hi there! would there be a…
Hi there! would there be a cut list availible for a king size bed? Thank you!
In reply to Hi there! would there be a… by Chantcaps
Ana White
Sun, 05/26/2019 - 16:40
Yes of course I’d love to do…
Yes of course I’d love to do a king version for you
Standard or California?
thegirlwiththebook
Sun, 05/26/2019 - 18:26
May I request California…
May I request California King please? Where I live no one carries bed frames in this awesome size : )
In reply to May I request California… by thegirlwiththebook
Ana White
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 13:36
No problem! I updated the…
No problem! I updated the plans for a California King modification above
Nor
Mon, 05/27/2019 - 03:44
Please make a standard king…
Please make a standard king too
In reply to Please make a standard king… by Nor
Ana White
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 13:55
Here's the standard king…
Here's the standard king modification https://www.ana-white.com/sites/default/files/Untitled%20document%20%28…
Chantcaps
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 04:18
Just a standard for me would…
Just a standard for me would be great! Thanks so much
In reply to Just a standard for me would… by Chantcaps
Ana White
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 13:55
No problem! here's the…
No problem! here's the standard king modification https://www.ana-white.com/sites/default/files/Untitled%20document%20%28…
jwright88
Sun, 05/26/2019 - 17:02
Full size
Love this so much! Looks so easy. I’d love a plan for a full size bed.
In reply to Full size by jwright88
Ana White
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 14:09
No problem - here's the full…
No problem - here's the full size cut list and shopping list https://www.ana-white.com/sites/default/files/full%20simple%20panel%20b…