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
sclerner
Thu, 01/16/2020 - 07:37
full size plans
Hey Ana - can you point me to where the full size plan is for this bed? Love your website by the way!
Barton (not verified)
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 17:59
I love this! I have wanted
I love this! I have wanted this bed for a while. I need a new bed and wanted the farmhouse one.. but who seriously pays that much?! I considered it, but couldn't bring myself to it. I think me and my husband will try this! Do you have any tips for a california king?
Ana White (not verified)
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 19:18
Hi Barton, thanks for the
Hi Barton, thanks for the comment! A california king measures 72" wide x 84" long (as opposed to a standard queen of 60x80). To adjust the plan for a california king, you would increase all width measurements by 12" and all length measurements by 4" (length measurements only apply to the frame and the sideboards).
For the panel, I would recommend building the panel 75" wide, using (10) 2x8's cut at 30" for the headboard and 15" for the footboard. Also cut the 1x4 trim boards to 75". Build the panesl at 75", then trim the panels down to 72" by taking 1 1/2" off either side, as demostrated in the post on converting the bed to a full size. This will ensure the boards are centered.
For the greatest success, cut as you go and take exact measurements. Also make sure to fully understand what you are building and why each board is of what length before you begin the project.
Hope this works for you. If you still have questions, please comment and I will post some diagrams to help explain better.
Best Luck! Love, Ana
In reply to Hi Barton, thanks for the by Ana White (not verified)
EadieC2
Fri, 03/04/2016 - 10:24
Standard King
Ana, My bed is a standard king, and I know the dimensions are 76x80, and I know I must add 16" to the width pieces. The problem is: after looking over the shopping and cutting list, I'm not sure I understand (yet) which pieces are the width pieces. Can you be more detailed on which pieces are width and which are length? For example, do I need more panel pieces or wider ones? I know the joists are width pieces, but I guess the panel part is confusing me.
Thanks!
EadieC2
In reply to Standard King by EadieC2
EadieC2
Fri, 03/04/2016 - 10:30
Oh!
I see you answered my questions about standard kings in another comment. Ignore my question!
The Boone Family (not verified)
Mon, 11/02/2009 - 09:50
Hi Ana. How would you do a
Hi Ana. How would you do a regular king? I'm thinking of doing the black distressed look? Thanks, Rebekah
Ana White (not verified)
Mon, 11/02/2009 - 12:49
Hi Boone Family!The bed shown
Hi Boone Family!
The bed shown in the photo is a standard king. The measurements for a standard king are 76x80, meaning the standard king is the same as a queen, just 16" wider. So the frame and the side rails would remain the same, the only difference is you would make the headboard and footboard 16" wider.
What you could do to keep things simple is use 1x10s for the panel instead of 1x8s. Using (8) 1x10s in the panels, the total distance would be exactly 76". Make your cuts for the panel trim (the 8 1x4s) at 76", the 2x4 topper at 83" and the 2x6 overall header at 85".
In the bed in the picture, I ended up using 1x8 T&G leftover from a wood ceiling because it was what I had on hand, but it would be simpler to use the 1x10s.
Just a word of caution, there are actually 4 different types of king mattresses, so be sure to take the exact measurements of your mattress before building anything. Then use the overall width to figure your dimensions.
I hope I haven't confused you further. Let me know if you have any more questions. Best Luck!
Love, Ana
Ana White (not verified)
Mon, 11/02/2009 - 12:52
One more thing to the Boone
One more thing to the Boone Family -
The black distressed look is one of my absolute favorites! I've done alot of finishes, and the black is beautiful and classic. Once I delivered a furniture order to a retailer, and every black piece was sold within days!
Keep checking back, I will post on how to get that distressed finish.
Love, Ana
Sarah (not verified)
Thu, 11/26/2009 - 15:39
I just found your blog and
I just found your blog and LOVE it! Thanks for all of the great plans. Makes me want to break out my saw right this very second!
SAHMamacita (not verified)
Sun, 11/29/2009 - 22:07
Ana,Do you still accept
Ana,
Do you still accept orders? I've read through this blog and find it inspiring... Although I intend to attempt a few of these projects, was curious if you still sold your work? If so, please advise. Specifically, I was interested in the kid's table - Land of Nod and Thanksgiving table. Please post plans for the chairs or any kid chair, if possible. Would love to order a storage system for my kids' rooms, armoire, and Farmhouse bed (full size). Thanks!! Kathy