Simple Floating Bed [Mountain Modern Collection]

floating bed frame plans
Difficulty
Intermediate
| Print this plan

Free plans to build your own floating bed with headboard.  This is a very simple, well thoughtout woodworking plan with detailed diagrams and step by step instructions.  Build with basic tools (no pocket holes required).  Free plans available in all bed sizes from Ana-White.com

Floating Bed Features

  • Simple, modern style blends with almost any decor style
  • Enclosed base, so you never have to clean under the bed
  • Integrated box springs
  • Very sturdy and substantial
  • Solid wood design can be painted or stained any color

Super Easy to Build! 

This was one of the easiest bed's I've built!  I was able to build it in a day, and then set up took another couple hours after the paint was dry.

Here's a video showing the build process:

 

Free Floating Bed Plans

The plans for this bed are free and in all sizes.  Please, if you do build, send in a photo, we love seeing your projects and how you modify them!

Pin For Later!

Simple Floating Bed [Mountain Modern Collection]

Dimensions
dimensions for floating bed frame plans
Dimensions are 2-1/2" longer than mattress and 1-1/2" wider than mattress. Headboard height is 48"

Preparation

Shopping List

TWIN SHOPPING LIST (38" x 75")

  • 8 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 2 - 1x10 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 1x10 @ 4 feet long
  • 1 - 2x2 @ 4 feet long
  • 1 - 1/4" plywood @ 48" x 48" (half sheet)
  • 5 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long (slats)
  • 50 - 3" long self tapping star bit screws
  • 50 - 2" long self tapping star bit screws
  • 1-1/4" brad nails
  • wood glue

 

FULL SHOPPING LIST (54" x 75")

  • 10 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 2 - 1x10 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 1x10 @ 5 feet long
  • 1 - 2x2 @ 5 feet long
  • 1 - 1/4" plywood @ 48" x 96" (full sheet)
  • 10 - 1x4 @ 5 feet long (slats)
  • 75 - 3" long self tapping star bit screws
  • 75 - 2" long self tapping star bit screws
  • 1-1/4" brad nails
  • wood glue

 

QUEEN SHOPPING LIST (60" x 80")

  • 11 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 2 - 1x10 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 1x10 @ 6 feet long
  • 1 - 2x2 @ 6 feet long
  • 1 - 1/4" plywood @ 48" x 96" (full sheet)
  • 10 - 1x4 @ 5 feet long (slats)
  • 100 - 3" long self tapping star bit screws
  • 75 - 2" long self tapping star bit screws
  • 1-1/4" brad nails
  • wood glue

 

STANDARD KING SHOPPING LIST (76" x 80")

  • 11 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 3 - 1x10 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 1/4" plywood @ 4x8 (full sheet)
  • 10 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long (slats)
  • 100 - 3" long self tapping star bit screws
  • 75 - 2" long self tapping star bit screws
  • 1-1/4" brad nails
  • wood glue

 

CALIFORNIA KING SHOPPING LIST (72" x 84")

  • 11 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 3 - 1x10 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 1/4" plywood @ 48" x 96" - headboard back
  • 11 - 1x4 @ 6 feet long - bed slats
  • 100 - 3" long self tapping star bit screws
  • 75 - 2" long self tapping star bit screws
  • 1-1/4" brad nails
  • wood glue
Cut List

TWIN CUT LIST (38" x 75")

  • 4 - 2x4 @ 75" - inner frame
  • 6 - 2x4 @ 5-1/4" - inner frame
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 73" - toekick base sides
  • 2 - 1x10 @ 75" - siderails
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 31" - toekick front and back
  • 1 - 1x10 @ 39-1/2" - footboard
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 46-1/2" - headboard legs
  • 1 - 2x2 @ 39-1/2" - headboard top
  • 1 - 1/4" plywood @ 48" x 38" - headboard back
  • 10 - 1x4 @ 38" - bed slats (can also use half slats to use up scraps)

 

FULL CUT LIST (54" x 75")

  • 6 - 2x4 @ 75" - inner frame
  • 9 - 2x4 @ 5-1/4" - inner frame
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 73" - toekick base sides
  • 2 - 1x10 @ 75" - siderails
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 47" - toekick front and back
  • 1 - 1x10 @ 55-1/2" - footboard
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 46-1/2" - headboard legs
  • 1 - 2x2 @ 55-1/2" - headboard top
  • 1 - 1/4" plywood @ 48" x 54" - headboard back
  • 10 - 1x4 @ 54" - bed slats (can also use half slats to use up scraps)

 

QUEEN CUT LIST (60" x 80")

  • 6 - 2x4 @ 80" - inner frame
  • 9 - 2x4 @ 5-1/4" - inner frame
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 78" - toekick base sides
  • 2 - 1x10 @ 80" - siderails
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 53" - toekick front and back
  • 1 - 1x10 @ 61-1/2" - footboard
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 46-1/2" - headboard legs
  • 1 - 2x2 @ 61-1/2" - headboard top
  • 1 - 1/4" plywood @ 48" x 60" - headboard back
  • 10 - 1x4 @ 60" - bed slats (can also use half slats to use up scraps)

 

STANDARD KING CUT LIST (76" x 80")

  • 6 - 2x4 @ 80" - inner frame
  • 9 - 2x4 @ 5-1/4" - inner frame
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 78" - toekick base sides
  • 2 - 1x10 @ 80" - siderails
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 69" - toekick front and back
  • 1 - 1x10 @ 77-1/2" - footboard
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 46-1/2" - headboard legs
  • 1 - 2x2 @ 77-1/2" - headboard top
  • 1 - 1/4" plywood @ 48" x 76" - headboard back
  • 10 - 1x4 @ 76" - bed slats

 

CALIFORNIA KING CUT LIST (72" x 84")

  • 6 - 2x4 @ 84" - inner frame
  • 9 - 2x4 @ 5-1/4" - inner frame
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 82" - toekick base sides
  • 2 - 1x10 @ 84" - siderails
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 65" - toekick front and back
  • 1 - 1x10 @ 73-1/2" - footboard
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 46-1/2" - headboard legs
  • 1 - 2x2 @ 73-1/2" - headboard top
  • 1 - 1/4" plywood @ 48" x 72" - headboard back
  • 11 - 1x4 @ 72" - bed slats
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Drill
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

For twin size, build two.

For all other sizes, build three.

Build identical 2x4 frames using the 3" self tapping wood screws, two screws per joint.

Step 2

For two of the frames, add the base 2x4 as shown, flush to the front and side edges.  They must be attached in mirror.  Screw every 12" with 3" screws at a slight angle.

Step 3

Attach the 1x10 siderails to the outside of the frame.  The 1x10 will equal the length of the mattress.  Use glue and 1-1/4" brad nails.

The 1x10 will NOT be flush on the top edge, but is flush on all other edges.

Prefinish: Paint or stain the front edge of the 2x4 toekick and the front and top edge of the 1x10.

Step 4

PREFINISH - Paint or stain the front edge of just the front 2x4.

Attach the base boards to the siderails using 3" wood screws.

EXTRA SUPPORT: Cut corner bracing and attach inside the base frame.

Step 5

PREFINISH: Paint or stain the front, top and side eges of the 1x10.

Attach the footboard 1x10 to the siderails with the 2" screws from the inside.  Be careful not to let the screws poke through the 1x10s.

Step 6

For all sizes except twin, place the remaining 2x4 frame inside the bed and attach to the base and the footboard 1x10.  The frame should be centered.

Step 7

Headboard Frame

Attach the 2x2 top to the 2x4 legs at the top with 3" screws.

Step 8

Attach the 1/4" plywood to the back of the headboard frame with glue and 1-1/4" brad nails.

Step 9

Attach headboard to the siderails with 3" screws.

Step 10

Lay slats on the 2x4 frames and attach with 2" screws.

Slats can be cut in half if using up scrap wood.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all nail holes with wood filler and let dry.
Lightly sand with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanding residue and lightly wipe with a dampl cloth.
Finish Used
I used one coat of primer and two coats of satin white paint. I did do a light sanding in between to smooth out.