Introduction: M.A.C. (Megan, Ashley, Custom) Bed Frame

This is an Instructable on the construction of a custom bed frame. The MOST IMPORTANT thing to start with is SAFETY! As this Instructable involves the use of power tools (the author of this Instructable assumes that anyone viewing, attempting or sharing this Instructable, has had the appropriate safety training on the use of power tools and in "shop safety" . Otherwise the author HIGHLY encourages you to seek out and get the necessary safety training before attempting this Instructable) and hand tools in a work shop environment.
This Instructable REQUIRES BASIC CARPENTRY SKILLS that include the ability to use a tape measure, carpenters square, level, drill, screw gun/driver, ratchet, wrenches, circular saw and sliding compound saw. All of the afore mentioned can be purchased and/or rented (if you don't own them) at the same hardware store you will be purchasing the materials from.
As I stated above this is a "custom" bed frame, so after you complete the general structure I strongly advise you to be as creative as you want to be in terms of paint or stain color, types of finish trim or molding, feet type and anything else you can come up with to customize your M.A.C. Bed Frame to your taste.

Step 1: Materials List:

These are the materials (all of which can be found at your local hardware store, but if you have some or all of these items you can use them) you will need to complete the bed frame:
*2" x 8" x 8', Douglas Fir, #2 grade (you can use what ever length, grade or type you desire for your specific custom frame) boards (4) are required.
*2" x 2" x 8', pine, #2 grade boards (8) required.
*1" x 4" x 6', pine, #2 grade boards (7) required and 1" x 4" x 8', pine, #2 grade (2) required.
*1" x 4" metal corner brackets.
*wood glue
*furniture glides (4) required
*1", 2" and 3" wood screws
*spray paint and primer (optional) or stain

Step 2: Tools Required

The tools required for this project are as follows:
  *Circular saw
  *Miter saw
  *Drill and screw gun
  *Drill bits/tips
  *Palm sander
  *Measuring tape
  *Speed square
  *Utility knife/1" Putty knife
  *Chalk box
  *Pencil
  *Saw horses
  *Clamps

Step 3: Cutting 2" X 8" Boards to Length

This step requires you to cut the 2" x 8" x 8' Douglas Fir boards to length.  Before cutting the boards you must take measurements of the mattress and/or the box spring that you will be using.  This will give you the length (note, you must add 1 1/2" to these dimensions as to allow for the bedding) of the  2 side boards and the head & foot board.

Step 4: Cut 2" X 2" X 8' Douglas Fir Boards

At this point you are ready to cut the 2" x 2" x 8' Douglas fir boards. This will require you to use the miter saw. The length of these boards (2" x 2" side boards) will be 6" shorter than the (2" x 8") side boards and the 2" x 2" boards required for the head & foot board will be the same length as the 2" x  8" head & foot board.

Step 5: Installing the Metal Corner Brackets

At this point we are ready to install the 1" x 4" metal corner brackets. This will require you to use a screw gun or a #2 Phillips head screw driver to attach the metal corner brackets. To begin, place the metal corner bracket 2” down from the top of the 2” x 8” side board (this step is required on both ends) and flush the backside of the metal corner bracket with the edge of the 2” x 8” side board. Attach the metal corner bracket using the 1” wood screws.

Step 6: Installing the Furniture Glides

This step requires you install the 4 (2 per side board) furniture glides on the 2" x 8" side boards.  First we need to make a line at 10" from each end of the 2" x 8" side board, then make a mark on that line at 3/4" from the inside of the 2" x 8" side board.  We then use the 3/8" diameter drill bit to drill (place the tip of the drill bit on the intersection of the 2 lines) 1 1/4" deep hole.  Insert the plastic end of the furniture glide into the 3/8" diameter drill hole, press until it stops.  This is required on both ends of the 2 2" x 8" side boards.

Step 7: Sanding

At this point (or at any point during the construction of the bed frame), you can sand the 2" x 8" side boards and the 2" x 8" foot and head board.  Sand to a smooth finish and if there are any imperfections (i.e. holes, divots, cracks, gouges, etc.) fill with a sandable wood filler.  Also, all sharp edges and corners need to be uniformly rounded over.


Step 8: Installing the 1" X 4" Side Rails

This phase requires the installation of the 1" x 4" side rails. The rails are to be cut to the same length as the 2" x 8" side boards. Using a clamp to hold the 1" x 4" side rail in place, drill a 1'8" diameter hole through the 2" x 8" side board into the 1" x 4" side rail. Insert a 3" wood screw into the 1/8" hole as this will attach the 1" x 4" side rail to the 2" x 8" side board.

Step 9: The Finishing Touches

At this point the M.A.C. bed frame is almost complete.  The only things left to complete are painting and/or staining, attaching the 2" x 8" foot board & head board to the side board using 1" wood screws placed through the holes in the 1" x 4" metal corner brackets, and placing the 1" x 4" pine boards (6 required, they need to be cut 1" shorter than the 2" x 8" head board & foot boards, evenly spaced and screwed into place with a 1 1/2" wood screw. MAKE SURE YOU DRILL A 1/8" PILOT HOLE for this application) in the bottom of the frame.  These boards will allow and/or take the place of a box spring, in other words, you can simply place the mattress on top of these boards. GOOD LUCK and ENJOY YOUR NEW BED!