Cheap, easy, low-waste platform bed plans

Step 6: Build and attach legs

Butt two of the 1'-9" 1x4s together along their edges, at a 90 degree angle, and join with three 2" screws. Repeat until you have four legs.

Turn the bed over, so that it is slats-down. Place a piece of 1x4 scrap in the inside corner of the 2x4 frame. Insert a leg, butting it to the 1x4, and attach it with (2) screws per 1x4, on the diagonal. Look at the photo. Remove the scrap, move it to the next corner, and repeat. The gap provided by the scrap helps to prevent squeaks.

Pay attention to the orientation of the legs, because in cross section one side is longer than the other. Structurally, it doesn't matter, but if you take the time to make a symmetrical layout, it will look better.

Comments

[nicholaix]

Don't feel bad Christy in Montana, I couldn't get these legs together either! I read through the comments and looked through my scraps for some 4x4's and sure enough I had four from another project that were close in measure. If you're like me, holding the drill correctly and the pieces at the same time is almost impossible! My tool collection is adequate but doesn't stretch to many clamps etc!
Other than that the project went together like a dream. I liked it so much I am making one for me tomorrow. My cost for the queen size was $72.50. I had the screws already but Home Depot only had #2 wood so wee bit more expensive. The boys at home depot made all the cuts for me for free because they were dying of boredom. Great beginner project, even for us single women out there. Thanks a ton for these fabulous plans.

[christy in montana]

I feel like an idiot because I can't seem to construct the legs in Step 6! :( I try to place the 1x4s as shown in the picture, and they just slide apart. I try to hold the boards at a 90 degree angle with my left hand while holding the screwdriver drill in my right hand, and it doesn't go in straight. When it goes in (IF it goes in for me, I mean), it splits the board on the other side. What am I doing wrong? What technique am I not understanding in this step? Should I use 2x4s instead of 1x4s for the legs and use more 3" #10 screws? Everything was going fine for me until Step 6. Help!

I am so happy to find these plans, though. It is exactly what I am looking for!

[aeray]

It's good to see a fellow Montanan on here.
Have a helper hold the boards for you, or use two small clamps to keep them aligned. I may have an easier time with things like this because I have big hands.
To prevent the splitting, try predrilling for the screws, just like you did on the 2x4s.
Let me know if you still have problems.

[christy in montana]

Thanks for the fast response, aeray! :) This is such an awesome project. I'm looking forward to needing a step stool to get in and out of bed. lol

I'll following your advice, fellow Montanan!

[nininja]

Other than waste, is there a reason to use the legs you describe instead legs made of 4x4s? I'm very novice, so I apologize if this is a dumb question.

[aeray]

Waste is the primary reason, and a 4x4 is overkill for the load it will be under. A 4x4 is also difficult to cut cleanly with a skilsaw without some practice, because it takes two passes. If you have some 4x4 around, and some confidence, or a bigger saw, by all means, use it.

[dankb]

I built this bed a little over 2 years ago and overall I'm very happy with it, but I'd suggest to anyone building it to beef up the leg connection. This connection is under a lot of stress, especially if you move it around your room at all for cleaning or whatnot. A couple weeks ago mine started getting wobbly so I added some bolts in between the screws to tighten it back up. The wobbling stopped but I'm still expecting a couple years down the line to have to put in another fix just because there can be so much torque created at this spot that the pine will wear down around the bolt.

But like I said -all told I'm quite happy with the bed. Many thanks for sharing!

[bjohns2000]

Have you built one for king-size? curious what adaptations you would suggest? thanks

[aeray]

I haven't, but several others have. The only real adaptation is adding a center rail and altering the dimensions. Look through the comments here; several people give explanations and dimensions.

[snowbarrr]

Really awesome instructable! I know/knew nothing about building anything, but I'm most of the way through this project and it was a breeze because of your excellent explanations and clear pictures.

I just have a quick question (if you are still around) about attaching the legs: Your instructions say "and attach it with (2) screws per 1x4, on the diagonal". When you say on the diagonal, do you just mean the pattern - one screw above and to the right/left of the other? Or do you mean screw the screws in diagonally?

[aeray]

Glad it's working out for you. Yes, I mean the pattern... screws inserted perpendicular to the workpiece, but offset diagonally from each other. Post some pics when you are done.

[snowbarrr]

Done! I made the legs about half as tall because my mattress is gigantic. I love it!

I added a bed-skirt to make it look more finished. Even with the slats the bed-skirt works just fine.

Thanks so much aeray!

[aeray]

Thanks for the pics. Looks good. We've recently added a "skirt" to ours (really just another, larger sheet. It does make a difference. In our former abode, the bed wasn't really visible from any "public" space, so it wasn't an issue. In our current residence, with the door open, it is quite visible, so covering up the storage is a big plus.

[monkeylibrary]

Can you explain a bit what you mean by "Pay attention to the orientation of the legs, because in cross section one side is longer than the other"? I've built the bed so far, other than the legs, and I'm confused about what this part means. Thanks.

[aeray]

It just means that in cross-section the legs form an "L", not a "V", so they look wider or narrower depending on which side you are viewing.

[monkeylibrary]

Thanks! that makes it clearer. I'm making a Twin XL frame, and I'll post dimensions and a picture when I'm all done. Thanks again for your reply.

[frazeeg]

Just to point out - structurally it does matter how you have the longer side of the leg oriented due to the bending moment of your frame, but it looks like you got it right anyway. I probably would have run a 2x4 under the middle of the bed lengthwise to cut down on the deflection in the middle, but that's just the structural engineer in me talking. Not like this has to stand up to a snow drift or anything ;-)

[aeray]

A tiny bit, but thanks for noticing. Also, absolute stiffness is not desired here. I find L/960 floors uncomfortable to walk and work on, and I wouldn't want to sleep on one. As I said in the intro, I avoid overbuilding for a variety of reasons.

[OceanBlue]

Alternatively, you could place the 2x4 in the middle just below L/360 of the slats which are spanning the width. This would ensure that you get the flex you want and that the boards would not fail if jumped on.

[teeps]

 What does this mean exactly?  I made this bed, and it's great for the most part, but I am having issues with my mattress dipping in the middle and I was thinking of trying to add more rigidity to the bed before I shell out for a new mattress, just in case the flexibility of the bed slats is the culprit.  

Would the one long 2x4 down the middle be your best suggestion?  Or would this second suggestion by OceanBlue (which doesn't make sense to me in this language) be more appropriate?

Thanks

[aeray]

Yes, another 2x4 down the center would help. OceanBlue is suggesting that it be attached slightly lower than the underside of the slats to maintain (but limit) the flex of the slats.

[teeps]

Perfect clarity!  I will report back when I have some time to try this.  I am actually excited at the possibility as the mattress replacement thing would be a much larger hassle than a 2x4.  

[aeray]

Good idea, as I said above, and one I wouldn't have thought of. Or... no sarcasm or offense intended... I could just avoid jumping on the bed. Thanks.

[anjsantana]

LOVE this bed!! Wondering if you have some instructions to make a 8' by 8' loft bed like this!!!