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.
This bed frame can be paired with this headboard
This bed frame can also be upholstered as done here
Preparation
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
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)
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.
Comments
Jeremyallen (not verified)
Wed, 01/02/2013 - 20:47
I think they are for the end
I think they are for the end rails , (head and foot) because they are shorter than the side rails I think you can get 2 of them out of a 12 foot section...
My problem is that I can't find 12 foot ones in the right woods at lowes or hd.
JA
EW (not verified)
Sun, 01/20/2013 - 12:29
modification to fit up narrow stairs
My husband made this bed yesterday and it turned out great! It was intended for the second floor of our home, but will not fit up the stairs (with feet detached). Is there any way to modify this plan to get it finished (I would like to upholster it) and bring it up the stairs in a few parts? Or are there plans for a similar style of bed that could be assembled once finished?
EmmeW (not verified)
Sun, 01/20/2013 - 12:33
modification to fit up narrow stairs
My husband made this bed yesterday and it turned out great! It was intended for the second floor of our home, but will not fit up the stairs (with feet detached). Is there any way to modify this plan to get it finished (I would like to upholster it) and bring it up the stairs in a few parts? Or are there plans for a similar style of bed that could be assembled once finished?
cathleenmr
Tue, 07/09/2013 - 08:34
Cal-King Dimensions
Does anyone know the dimensions for turning this into a cal-king? And if I want the frame to come apart at a later date, how should I put it together?
beau_beashore
Sat, 10/26/2013 - 07:08
Wood Type
Hello Ana
I'm looking at making a bed very similar to this one and then upholstering it and was curious what type of wood you recommend?
Turkswill
Thu, 01/09/2014 - 14:01
King Size Measurements
Ana or anyone that can help,
can you please provide the cut measurements for a King size bed? I would love to start this soon and I am not too savy with figuring out how many inches I will need to add this queen size plan.
Thank you so much.
mb31725
Sun, 05/11/2014 - 08:41
CHUNKY LEG BED FRAME
My family and I built this bed last weekend. We adjusted the plans to fix a olympic queen bed. It turned out perfectly. We did add legs to the bottom to increase the height. We used deck post toppers for the legs. Now trying to decide if we will stain the wood or if we will upholster. Thanks so much for the plans. My daughters and I have NEVER built anything nor did we have any idea how to use the power tools. My husband liked the project so much he jumped in and help us to finish. He isn't a hany man either but this was a great family project. we are ready for the next project.
ajwhite2578
Sat, 05/11/2019 - 11:18
Attaching the headboard
This an awesome bed! We are making two full sized beds for our girls as we speak including the low modern headboard. Do you have instructions on how to attach the headboard? Thanks!
avegro
Sat, 11/14/2020 - 04:33
Mattress adjustment advice
Hey Ana, I'm dying to build this bed but unfortunately I'm not in the US and don't have enough experience to easily make adjustments myself - wood sizes are different here, but more importantly mattress sizes are different here and I don't know how to make the adjustments (mattress size 140cmx190cm is what I would want to build it for most likely).. :( any tips?