MAKER GRAY

View Original

How To Build An Easy Bed Platform

Erin Longfellow

I needed an easy, yet attractive bed platform for our guest room so I built this one! I love how simple and easy the project is, but also minimal, modern and attractive.

Check out the video tutorial above or read below to see how I did it. 

Materials and Tools I Used:

Click here to get the build plans:

I’m going to start this project by building the outer frame. 

I got 4 pieces of 2x 12’s from my local home center and started by making a small cut off the ends of the boards to give them a fresh edge. I then cut them all to length with a circular saw. 

This gives me the two sides, the headboard and the footboard. I also cut one additional board that will be the center support.

If you’d like to build this bed platform yourself, I have build plans which includes a material list and a cut list (and a variety of bed frame sizes to choose from). 

I then took the boards over to my table saw and cut them to width. This also took off the rounded edge that a 2x board normally has. You could also do this with a circular saw and a straight edge. 

These boards from the big box stores often come with factory stamp markings and scuffs. So I used my belt sander and gave the outside pieces a good rough cleanup sanding. 

I designed the frame to come apart when it needs to be moved and because of this I decided to join the boards with pocket holes and no glue. Pocket holes are a great way to join boards together without fasteners being seen from the outside.

I then took one 2x4 and cut it right down the center to create the two side rails that will eventually support the slats. I cut them to length with my circular saw and then pre-drilled the holes where I’ll attach them with screws. 

These rails can permanently attach to the side boards, so I used wood glue here and then screwed them to the two side boards of my frame. 

I then gave all the pieces a final sanding with 220 grit before applying a finish. I like to use a water based finish on light woods because it dries clear and doesn’t cause the wood to yellow. 

At this point the frame was finished so I could move it into its room and start assembling the platform.

I worked my way through the corners and screwed them all together with pocket hole screws, making sure to keep everything super square. Boards often shift when assembling with pocket hole screws, so I clamped the corners to squares to hold everything tight. Any squares will work fine here, or an extra sent of hands will work also!

With the outside assembled, the center support could now be added… again using pocket holes to secure it. This board is only as tall as the side rail supports… and this is so the rails will sit flat all the way across when I add them.

The slats were really simple to create. I used 1x 4 boards, and set up a simple stop block at my miter saw to quickly cut them all to length.

I then laid them out across the platform, leaving space in between so the mattress can breathe. This worked out great and was plenty strong. 

The supervisor approves.

To secure the slats, I pre-drilled and counter sunk holes and then screwed them to the rails. Sinking in the screws will help avoid any snags on the mattress. 

And with the rails in place, I added the mattress and the bed platform was done! 

For detailed instructions on this DIY Bed Platform, be sure and watch the video! I'd love to see pics of yours if you decide to make your own!  

Click here to get the plans (in different sizes!):

Find more furniture projects here

Check Out These Similar Projects!

Follow Maker Gray:

If you liked this project and want to stay up to date with what I’m building, then be sure to sign up for my emailed newsletter and you’ll get an email when I post something new. See you soon!

(Most of the links listed above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I super appreciate your support for Maker Gray in this way)