Simple Panel Bed (All Mattress Sizes) - No Pocket Holes

Easy to build bed frame
Difficulty
Beginner Projects
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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.

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A bed is the most important piece of furniture in a bedroom.  Beds increase the comfort and functionality of a room, and add beauty and ground the room.

But bed can be expensive - hundreds if not thousands for a nice, not particle board, real wood bed.  And if you add in box springs, and multiply that by four beds in a home - it's easy to see why many rooms just have mattresses on the floor.

 

Build Your Own Bed and Save

Have you considered building your own beds?  My first project was a bed, and I highly recommend beds as a beginner project.  You don't have to have perfect joints (like a tabletop) or deal with bulky plywood (for most storage projects)

And there's a big payoff for a small investment.  Most of our DIY bed frames cost between $100 and $200 to build - INCLUDING the box spring built right in!  That's right - for about the cost of the box spring, you can build the entire bed!

 

Beginner Friendly Bed Frame Plans

I've built ALOT of beds - loft beds, canopy beds, bunk beds, farmhouse beds - but in this plan, I wanted to create a VERY beginner friendly plan, with still a beautiful end result.

So only requiring two basic power tools (that everyone should own) - a drill and a saw - you can build this beautiful panel bed!

diy bed frame

We love the solid wood texture.  We love the sturdiness and proportions.  It's a beautiful bed that transformed this room!

 

Full Room Tour

This diy panel bed was the star of one of our Airbnb room makeover videos.  You can see the bed build and the entire room makeover in this video.

Most everything in this room is DIY!  We'll be adding all the plans for your use. 

 

Simple Panel Bed Frame Plans

You'll find the queen sized plans for the Simple Panel bed below. 

We also have the following size modifications:

When using the size modifications, follow the steps for the queen, but use the shopping list and cut list for the different sizes.

Dimensions
dimensions of the simple panel bed
Queen as shown, see size modification PDFs for other sizes

Preparation

Shopping List

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

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)

 

Cutting Instructions

 

 

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

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.

Step 2

Apply glue to all top edges of the headboard.

Place 1x3 on top, even overhang on ends, flush to the back 1x8 on back.

Nail or screw down - nails are easier to hide, so use if you have a brad nailer.

Step 3

Repeat steps for footboard, with only one panel board used.

Step 4

Apply glue to 2x4 cleats and place 1x8 siderail on top.  Screw or nails siderail to cleat form outside.

Nails will be easier to hide, so use if you can.

Step 5

Attach the siderails to the headboard and footboard with 3" screws.  

A spacer block cut from scrap 2x4s will make assembly much easier.

Step 6

Screw the headboard bed frame piece to the headboard.

Step 7

Attach bed frame legs to center bed frame support with 3" screws.

Step 8

Screw bed frame center to the headboard and footboard with 3" screws, centered on the bed.

Step 9

Place slats on bed frame, space about 4" apart.

Screw down using the 3" screws.  

 

Comments

[email protected]

Tue, 02/15/2022 - 18:57

I’ve almost completed this plan but I’m wondering if I should cut the legs off the headboard by about 6”, I won’t be using a box spring and I don’t want a gap between the headboard and mattress, does that sound reasonable?

I don’t want my toddler to fall through the gap or think crawling through there is a good idea lol

acnettles

Thu, 05/30/2019 - 14:24

Hi Ana - would it be possible to raise the bed? I want to make myself a bed, but I want to make it so I can get rid of the risers I need to store my sewing/quilting stuff under my bed.  I would need about 9.25" clearance from the base of the bed to the floor.  I'm thinking if I add a piece of wood as a brace would make that possible, but I'm not sure.

nz231

Mon, 06/03/2019 - 10:45

I am wondering the same thing. My bed has to have a box spring. Could you include the modifications to make a queen bed like this but with a box spring mattress? Thank you so much!! :)

Ralphyoder

Tue, 06/04/2019 - 03:43

Hi! Love the stain color. Would you mind sharing what brand and color was used for this bed? I am working on building one for our Air BNB. Thanks!

RubyJ15

Thu, 10/17/2019 - 13:34

Thanks so much for these plans! I'm excited to build this the bed. I have one question, are the 3 inch screws that attach the footboard to the bed frame center go through the footboard so that that are seen from the outside? 

Thanks!

itrytodoitupnice

Thu, 01/02/2020 - 12:00

Our local hardware store has cedar on sale, the only cut they don't have is the 1x3. They do have a 1x4, do you think it would make an ok substitute? Would cedar even be a good idea?

marcalejo

Sat, 01/18/2020 - 11:51

Hi Ana. I would like to know what kind of wood do I use?  Douglas fir?  I want to build this for my son. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!