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Classic Storage Bed (King)

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Submitted by Ana White on Wed, 08/07/2019 - 12:56
Difficulty
Intermediate
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If you can build a bench, you can build this storage bed.  It's simply three benches!  Optional drawers can add functionality.  Features six oversized cubbies, no box spring is required.  Our step by step plans are easy to follow and include a full shopping list and cut list.

This plan is also available in a Queen version.

platform style diy king storage bed easy to build

Reader submitted photo by Twenty Six 2 Life

storage bed pieces

Dimensions
wood storage bed frame dimensions
Standard king dimensions, sized for mattress 76" wide x 80" long

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 2 - sheets of 3/4" thick cabinet grade plywood, you can also use MDF or AC plywood for painted finishes
  • 1 - 4x8 sheet of 1/4" thick plywood 
  • 5 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
  • 3 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long

*For a stained finish, cabinet grade plywood is recommended.  For a painted finish you can use MDF (not fun to work with but inexpensive) or AC Plywood (will need more sanding but also less expensive)

 

OPTIONAL DRAWERS SHOPPING LIST

  • 3 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 6 - 1x6 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - sheet of 1/4" thick plywood
  • 6 - 18" drawer slides
  • 2 - 1x12 @ 8 feet long - cut two drawer shorter and one longer drawer face from each board to fit everything on the boards
Common Materials
3/4 inch finish nails
1 1/4 inch finish nails
1-1/4" Pocket Hole Screws
Cut List

SIDE BENCHES (BUILD 2 - Follow Queen Plans)

  • 2 - 3/4" plywood @ 19-3/4" x 60"
  • 6 - 3/4" plywood @ 19-3/4" x 14-3/4"
  • 4 - 3/4" plywood @ 19-3/4" x 28-7/8"
  • 2 - 1/4" plywood @ 15-1/2" x 60"
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 60"
  • 2 - 1x4 @ 60"
  • 9 - 1x2 @ 11-1/4"
  • 2 - 1x4 @ 60" - back cleats

END BENCH (BUILD 1)

  • 1 - 3/4" plywood @ 19-3/4" x 76"
  • 3 - 3/4" plywood @ 19-3/4" x 14-3/4"
  • 2 - 3/4" plywood @ 19-3/4" x 36-7/8"
  • 1 - 1/4" plywood @ 15-1/2" x 76"
  • 1 - 1x2 @ 76"
  • 3 - 1x2 @ 11-1/4"
  • 1 - 1x4 @ 76"
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 20-3/4"
  • 2 - 1x4 @ 20-3/4"
  • 4 - 1x2 @ 11-1/4"

 

OPTIONAL DRAWERS FOR KING END BENCH - measure and cut drawers to fit openings and drawer slides

  • 4 - 1x4 @ 18"
  • 4 - 1x6 @ 18"
  • 4 - 1x6 @ 32-7/8"
  • 2 - 1/4" plywood @ 34-3/8" x 18"
  • 2 - 1x12 @ ~35-1/2" 

OPTIONAL DRAWERS FOR QUEEN SIDE BENCHES - measure and cut to fit openings and drawer slides

  • 8 - 1x4 @ 18"
  • 8 - 1x6 @ 18"
  • 8 - 1x6 @ 24-7/8"
  • 4 - 1/4" plywood @ 36-3/8" x 18"
Cutting Instructions

For three sheets of 3/4" plywood:

  • Rip lengthwise into 6 strips, 8 feet long by 19-3/4" wide
  • From these strips, first cut the 60" long pieces
  • From scraps, cut remaining pieces
  • There will be three scraps, 8 feet long by about 7-1/2" wide.  Save this scrap piece and use as the cleat at the back of the side benches

For the 1/4" plywood

  • Rip plywood into strips, 8 feet long x 15-1/2" wide
  • From these strips, cut the backs for the three benches

For the trim and face frame pieces, a compound miter saw is recommended for nice cuts.

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Miter Saw
Table Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

This bed is made up of three benches.

The two side benches are identical to the queen bed.  Follow the instructions in the queen bed to build two side benches.  Add the cleats for the mattress slats to the backs of the side benches.

The end bench for the king only differs in overall length from the queen.  The steps are listed below for your convenience.

 

Step 2

Build the end bench with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.  Three screws per joint is sufficient.

Step 3

Attach back with 3/4" brad nails and glue.

Step 4

Build the face frame first with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.

Nail completed face frame to front of bench with 1-1/4" brad nails.

Step 5

Build the end bench trim face frame first with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.

Attach with 1-1/4" brad nails to sides of end bench.

Step 6

Assemble the three benches in the room.  You can screw benches together if necessary.

Cut scrap plywood pieces to fit in cavity and screw to slats on backs of side benches.

Step 7

OPTIONAL DRAWERS:

Drawers are optional.  

Draw a line on 1x4s, 1" up from bottom edge of 1x4.

Attach drawer slides to the 1x4, with front edge of drawer slide cabinet member flush with front edge of 1x4.

The holes in the center of the drawer slide should line up with your pencil mark, 1" up from bottom edge of 1x4 - so you know your slides are being installed level.

Remember that the opposing drawer slide needs to be installed in mirror.

Set the 1x4s inside the cubbies and nail to the sides of the cubbies with 1-1/4" brad nails.  The front edge should be lined up with the front edge of your plywood carcasses.

Step 8

Build drawer boxes to fit drawer slide width.  Measure the distance between the 1x4s, subtract the drawer slide clearances (usually 1" for 1/2" on each drawer slide) and build drawers to this size.

If your opening is true - 35-3/8" - AND your drawer slides require 1/2" clearance (1" overall) AND your drawer box material is 3/4" thick, you can follow the dimensions shown.

Step 9

Install drawers into the slides.

Cut 1x12 faces and adjust to fit.  You may need to sand down edges for a perfect fit, or cut drawer faces down with a table saw.  There should be an even gap around all edges, about 1/8" on all sides.

Project Type
Cubby Project Plans
Beds and Bed Frames
Room
storage and organization
Bedroom

Comments

mconuel

Sun, 09/15/2019 - 07:01

I realize these plans have been posted for a while and I have read through the entire comment section. Can you please clarify the modification that several people have identified?

"correcting the length from 22 3/4"  to 23 1/2" long for the sides of the foot bench"

I do not see a 22 3/4" measurement to correct; I see the the length of the sides in the plans above is: 19 3/4" or 20 3/4." Where do I make the correction?

Thank you.

-Mike

kemoewing1

Mon, 06/15/2020 - 21:12

2 quick questions.
1 - shopping list says to buy 2 - 3/4” plywood but cutting instructions are given for 3 sheets. Please clarify.
2 - this shopping list is for all 3 benches right? I know to look to other plans for queen instructions just making sure I only need the one shopping list.

Thanks

Pebblita

Mon, 07/27/2020 - 09:19

Has anyone built this bed and made it lower profile? My mattress and box spring are on the floor right now after we ditched the metal frame, and it's driving my husband crazy. But I like the bed that low. I said I would love if he built this to be the height of a box spring, maybe a few inches taller. Also, has anyone put a headboard on it? I can't really tell from Ana's pic if the cloth headboard is attached or was added to the wall after.

mfranks5739

Sun, 02/21/2021 - 12:20

It's be great if you could update these and reflect accurate measurements and correct shopping list. TYIA.