This beautiful farmhouse bed can be made for just a fraction of the cost to buy - all from standard, off the shelf lumber! You won't need a pocket hole jig or any special tools to build.
This bed has been built thousands of times and is a reader favorite. You can also find the twin version, king version, and all our farmhouse bed plans here.

Preparation
12 - 2x4 8 feet long
2 - 2x6 8 feet long
2 - 1x10 8 feet long
2 - 4x4 8 feet long
1 - 2x2 8 feet long
6 - 1x6 8 feet long
4 - 1x4 8 feet long
100 - 1-1/4" long brad nails
75 - 2-1/2" long self tapping wood screws
HEADBOARD CUT LIST
2 - 4x4 @ 54"
2 - 2x2 @ 30"
11 - 1x6 @ 30"
2 - 1x4 @ about 60-1/2" - measure and cut to fit
1 - 2x4@ 67-1/2" - measure and cut to fit
1 - 2x6 @ 69-1/2" - measure and cut to fit
FOOTBOARD CUT LIST
2 - 4x4 @ 21"
2 - 2x2 @ 8"
2 - 2x2 @ 3"
11 - 1x6 @ 15"
2 - 1x4 @ about 60-1/2" - measure and cut to fit
1 - 2x4@ 67-1/2" - measure and cut to fit
1 - 2x6 @ 69-1/2" - measure and cut to fit
MATTRESS SUPPORT FRAME/SIDERAILS
3 - 2x4 @ 83-1/2"
1 - 2x4 @ 60-1/2"
2 - 2x4 @ 12-1/2"
2 - 1x10 @ 80"
20 - 2x4 @ 32" - can be as short as 30" if you need to burn up scraps
Cut all boards except as noted to measure and cut. We recommend using a compound miter saw for the straightest cuts, but you can also use a circular saw and a carpenter's square - just make sure your cut ends are nice and straight.
Instructions
Step 1
Step 2
Layout the 30" 1x6 boards flat, side by side. Measure the overall width of all the 1x6 boards. Cut two 1x4s to this measurement.
Nail the 1x6 boards with glue to the 1x4s. Apply glue between the 1x6 boards as you go.
Make sure the panel is built square by measuring opposite diagonals (outside top corner of 1x4 to outside bottom corner of opposite 1x4) and adjusting so the opposite diagonals match.
Comments
Hendersons (not verified)
Sat, 01/09/2010 - 14:05
Ana, just stumbled across
Ana, just stumbled across your site from Ucreate and I am so impressed! Love this Farmhouse bed and have just called my husband from upstairs to show him our next project! Question: do these plans accommodate both the box spring and mattress? I would love to see some plans for a Cal King! Keep up your amazing talent! Thanks so much for sharing!!
Steff (not verified)
Tue, 01/12/2010 - 14:20
Hi Ana,Since all of the
Hi Ana,
Since all of the pieces to this bed are nailed or screwed together, did you have to put it together in your bedroom? Will it be ruined if you had to take it apart to move it?
Thanks!
eli (not verified)
Fri, 01/15/2010 - 02:57
Ana,I was looking at the
Ana,
I was looking at the picture with the 4x4 leg posts. I do not see any screw holes, what do you use to cover the screw and nail marks?
Wood putty never looks good for me after I paint over it?
Ana White (not verified)
Fri, 01/15/2010 - 08:30
Screw Holes. I can see the
Screw Holes. I can see the screw holes, but no one else has ever noticed them. I'm slightly a perfectionist when it comes to my furniture.
From my experience, you need to overfill the screw holes with wood putty. Let dry completely. Then sand evenly. If you do this correctly, you should not even see the screw holes.
If you have a chance, look at the Kids Storage Chair I built. This shows the chair sanded, and the chair was screwed together.
Anonymous (not verified)
Fri, 01/15/2010 - 18:42
Thank you for these plans.
Thank you for these plans. You do great work. What kind of wood did you use for the frame and for the 4x4s.
Laura (not verified)
Sun, 01/17/2010 - 10:17
Hi Ana!First, I just have to
Hi Ana!
First, I just have to say that I LOVE your site and am so glad you have shared your plans! I have not built anything before but can't wait to try a number of your plans!
I just have one question... The tool list says to use a brad nailer...is it possible to just nail the nails in with a hammer? or is it not as good? This is all new to me so I need all the help I can get ;) thanks so much!!!
Ana White (not verified)
Sun, 01/17/2010 - 10:22
Hi Laura, I am going to
Hi Laura, I am going to recommend not using a hammer and nails. The biggest reason is that the nails will be very evident because of the larger head size for standard nails. Also, it is very difficult to hold your piece steady and straight while nailing.
If you can get your hands on a nailer, please do. My sister has always hated any DIY and this past week, I had her build with my nailgun. She's in love! It's like hand sewing vs a sewing machine. I'm not saying it cannot be done . . . it's just that you will face a mcuch greater challenge.
You may be able to rent a nailer from Home Depot or Lowes for a day. You can also purchase refurnbished nailers cheap. I've seen a good nailer for as low as $40. But you will also need a air compressor.
I wish you could just come over to my shop and build with me!
Ana
Kara Pothier (not verified)
Mon, 01/18/2010 - 09:30
I came across your site from
I came across your site from younghouselove.com and fell in love. Your furniture is beautiful.
I have some (perhaps a few!) questions regarding the bed. It looks as though it is meant to be used without a box, is that right? Do you alter it to use a box? How high from the ground do you screw the rails into the head and footboard? How do you recess the screws in the post so you can putty them? And is this a bed that can be taken apart and put back together if we move, do we need to screw new holes?
I'm so excited about this project! Thanks
Ana White (not verified)
Mon, 01/18/2010 - 15:24
Hi Kara,You can use a
Hi Kara,
You can use a boxspring if you have one, or if you don't have a box spring, you can add the slats. I suggest looking through the other bed plans to see the different methods for constructing the bed frame. If you have a boxspring, you will simply lower the inside cleats. If you do not have a box spring, then you will need to add the framing. Depending on your desired mattress height, fasten the rails to the footboard and headboard. Make sure you fasten the same height.
You will need to use a countersink bit to hide your screw holes on the 4x4 posts.
You can use the same screw holes for several times over, especially since the screws are so long, but if you plan on assembling and reassembling this bed repeatedly, you should look into purchasing brackets designed for headboards to connect to side rails.
Hope this helps! Ana
eli (not verified)
Mon, 01/18/2010 - 15:36
One more question...When you
One more question...
When you say 4 1/2" screw, you mean Lag Bolt right? I've been to many stores and they do not make a
4 1/2 screw.
Thanks