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Modern Platform Bed Frame with Chunky Legs

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Submitted by Ana White on Wed, 07/31/2019 - 09:49
Difficulty
Beginner
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For about the price of a box spring you can build your own modern platform bed frame.  You'll just need a few basic power tools and off the shelf lumber to build - and our free step by step plans with diagrams and shopping list.  

diy modern platform bed frame

Reader submitted photo

This bed frame can be paired with this headboard 

modern bed frame platform diy

This bed frame can also be upholstered as done here

diy upholstered bed

Dimensions
diy bed frame dimensions diagram
Sized for queen mattress

Preparation

Shopping List

2 – 1×8 Boards, 8′ Long

1 – 1×8 Board, 12′ Long

2 – 2×2 Boards, 8′ Long

2 – 2×6 Board, 8′ Long or Stud Length

13 – 1×3 Boards 2″ Screws Wood Glue Wood Filler Sand Paper Finishing Supplies

Common Materials
primer
wood conditioner
paint
Cut List

2 – 1×8 @ 60″ (End Rails)

2 – 1×8 @ 81 1/2″ (Side Rails)

4 – 2×6 @ 5 1/2″ cut at 45 degree angles (Corner Supports)

1 – 2×6 @ 80″ (Center Support)

2 – 2×2 @ 80″ (Cleats)

4 – 2×6 @ 5 1/2″ (Leg Bases)

16 – 1×3 @ 6 1/4″ (Leg Trim)

13 – 1×3 @ 60″ (Slats)

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

Instructions

Step 1

BOX
Build the box out of the 1x8s as shown above.

Step 2

CORNER SUPPORTS
Adjust the bed frame for square and fasten the corner supports in the corners as shown above. Keep the top edges flush. This will be the bottom of your bed frame.

Step 3

CENTER SUPPORT
Mark the end rails 30″ in and fasten the center support to the end rails using 2″ screws and glue or pocket holes from the inside. Keep top edges flush. This will be the bottom of the bed.

Step 4

CLEATS
Flip the bed frame over and mark the side rails down 2 inches on both sides. Attach the cleats with 2″ screws and glue, screwing every 6 to 8 inches.

Step 5

Step 6

ATTACHING THE LEGS
Attaching the legs is easy. Simply line up the legs with the outside corners of the bed frame and screw through the corner supports into the top of the leg blocks. Use at least 2 screws. You could easily attach a different type of foot to the bed in the same manner.

Step 7

SLATS
Lay your slats on top of the cleats and screw down. Also screw to the center support. Space slats approximately 4″ apart.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler. Let dry completely and sand with coarse sand paper. Refill holes with filler, and let dry completely. Sand again, this time with medium grit sandpaper. Then sand with fine sandpaper. Vacuum with a soft bristled brush to remove any residue. Then wipe clean with a damp cloth. Let dry. Apply primer and paint for a painted finish, wood conditioner and stain for a stained finish. Finish with a clear coat if necessary. Of course you would have skipped all of these steps if you were using fabric.
Project Type
Beds and Bed Frames
King
Room
Bedroom
Style
Modern Style Furniture Plans

Comments

Shana (not verified)

Wed, 02/02/2011 - 10:43

I am a very beginner does anyone have dimensions for the twin size bed plan for this bed?? i want to start on it but worried i will mess up measurements. Thanks!

Sarh (not verified)

Tue, 02/15/2011 - 07:29

Can this bed be torn down for easy moving? I really want to make this design and upholster it but wouldn't know how to make it easy to move. Any ideas?

Teener (not verified)

Tue, 02/15/2011 - 12:52

Ana,
I like everything that you offer on your site, thanks. This perticular bed is the style that I am looking for. However, I would like to make this into a twin size and raise it off the ground. Is there anything wrong with making the legs longer? My intention is to purchase a trundle, or heck make a trundle, that will roll under. Then when I have guests, I have a king for two adults to sleep comfortably. Your response is appriciated.
Thanks, Christine

Tristina (not verified)

Thu, 03/17/2011 - 20:25

Has anyone tried this in a twin size? If so, I would love the modified plans! I really have no idea how to begin to modify them.

Thank you!

jamilwest

Sun, 07/03/2011 - 17:45

Okay, I just looked really closely at the plans and transitioning to king size looks to be REALLY simple.

My mattress measures 76 inches wide, so if I understand correctly, the ONLY measurements I need to change are the end rails and the slats. I ONLY need to change those to 76 inches. I don't need to think about it, they just need to be the width of the mattress, just like the original plans are simply the width of a queen mattress.

Is this correct? It's just too simple and I tend to want to overthink things. I'd like to have some confirmation BEFORE I go buy a ton of wood and commit to having it cut.

Thanks for the plans and the help!

Maureen K

Fri, 07/29/2011 - 09:37

My daughter and I made this bed last weekend and it came out great! It was a great bonding experience for us and very empowering! She loves her new bed! Thanks for the plans and all the encouragement found on your site!

gruurly (not verified)

Mon, 04/23/2012 - 09:22

This will be my first project, and I'm incredibly excited to find a bed style I LOVE meant for a beginner. However, I can't seem to download the plans. I've tried a few ways, but an error comes up. Suggestions?

rick b (not verified)

Wed, 01/02/2013 - 20:03

what is the 12' board intended for? it can't be for the side rails as they are 81.5"each and two of them would be 163" and the 12' board is only 144"