Introduction: DIY Bed Frame
Easy DIY Wooden Bed Frame Platform made from framing lumber.
Step 1: Material
I have purchased all the material listed below at my local hardware store.
Here is what you will need to complete this modern bed frame :
[4x] - 2x6x8
[9x] - 2x10x8
[4x] - 2x4x8
[2x] - JoistHanger (2x6)
[112x] - 2½ Washer Head Screw
[30x] - 2½ Flat Head Construction Screw
[1x] - Wood Finish of your choice
Tools :
- Corner Clamp (1x) or Corner Clamps (2x)
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Step 2: Cutting / Ripping
1 - Using my miter saw, i start by cutting all my boards to the right length.
2 - Because i'm using construction lumber, i rip cut all my boards to the right width to give them a nice square edge. This will give my bed frame a more modern look.
You can check my description below to find all the final dimensions after cutting and ripping all pieces.
Headboard :
[3x] 1½ x 3½ x 31
[5x] 1½ x 7 x 86
Frame ( Bottom ) :
[2x] 1½ x 8 x 79
[2x] 1½ x 8 x 78½
Frame ( Top ) :
[1x] 1½ x 1½ x 86
[1x] 1½ x 5 x 86
[2x] 1½ x 5 x 78½
Supports ( Rough Lumber - No square edges ) :
[2x] 1½ x 3½ x 78½
[1x] 1½ x 5½ x 78½
[20x] ¾ x 2½ x 78½
Step 3: Making the Headboard
For this step, i will make the headboard. I have 2 things to do, drill pocket holes and assemble everything with screws. Before we can start, you will need these boards :
[5x] 1½x7x86''
[3x] 1½x3½x31''
I start by drilling 9 pocket holes into 4 of the 5 boards. Then i assemble the 5 boards together using 36 2½ pocket screws. Once it's done, i'm adding the 3 2x4 to the back to make sure the headboard stay straight over the time.
Step 4: Making the Base - Pocket Holes
I separate this step in two parts, ''bottom'' and ''top''
Frame ( Bottom ) :
[2x] 1½ x 8 x 79
[2x] 1½ x 8 x 78½ Frame
( Top ) : [1x] 1½ x 1½ x 86
[1x] 1½ x 5 x 86
[1x] 1½ x 1½ x 78½
Drill pocket holes according to the plan
Step 5: Making the Base - Assembly
I assemble the 8 pieces together using 64 2½ pocket screws.
I start by assembling the 4 pieces that make the ''top'' then the 4 pieces that make the ''bottom''.
Once it's done, i'm joining the top and the bottom together.
Step 6: Wood Finish
I'm using Sico ( PPG Brand ) outdoor wood stain for this project. Although this finish is ultra durable for a bed frame, it smell much more than interior wood stain. I literally had to ventilate the room for couple days. So my advice, choose the finish you want but make sure it's an interior finish.
Step 7: Adding Supports for the Mattress
I screw the 2x4's to the sides and i add a 2x6 in the middle using 2 joist hangers.
Step 8: Joining the Headboard to the Base Frame
Simple step, i screw both parts together.
Step 9: Adding 1x3's
Time to lay down the 20 1x3's to support the matress.
Step 10: We Are Done! :)
Oh yes, i'm really happy with the result!
If you enjoyed this build, make sure you watch the full tutorial video on my youtube channel.
78 Comments
14 days ago
These are the dimensions I used for a Queen Bed version of this. Let me know if I missed anything.
Question 3 months ago on Step 4
What are the measurements for a king size?
Question 7 months ago
Are you using a box spring with this bed frame or do you put the mattress directly on the frame?
3 years ago
If you make these changes it will fit a queen size bed.
Page 2:
Frame (Top):
[1X] 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 X 70 (king [1X] 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 X 86)
[1X] 1 1/2 X 5 X 70 (king [1X] 1 1/2 X 5 / 86)
Headboard:
[5X] 1 1/2 X 7 X 70 (king [5X] 1 1/2 X 7 X 70)
Frame (Bottom):
[2X] 1 1/2 X 8 X 63 (king [2X] 1 1/2 X 8 X 79)
[2X] 1 1/2 X 8 X 78 1/2
Supports (Rough Lumber - No Square Edges):
[20X] 3/4 X 2 1/2 X 62 1/2 (king [20X] 3/4 X 2 1/2 X 78 1/2)
If you make these updates on the rest of the pages these will work for a queen size bed.
Reply 3 years ago
did your Queen size bed come out nice!!!!!!!i would love to do one too!
Reply 3 years ago
Here's the queen size with a white wash stain.
Reply 9 months ago
Where did you get the measurements converted for a queen? I'd like to convert it up to a cal king
Reply 3 years ago
It came out perfect! Those measurements I put above will make a Queen size bed I will add a image soon.
Reply 2 years ago
Could you please state the measurements for the queen size again, above you have:
Headboard:
[5X] 1 1/2 X 7 X 70 (king [5X] 1 1/2 X 7 X 70)
but the kind size measurements are actually (1 1/2 X 7 X 86)...
Reply 1 year ago
Where is page one ?????
Reply 2 years ago
Is there a page 1? I'm only seeing page 2.
Question 11 months ago on Step 1
What size is this bed frame?
Question 1 year ago on Introduction
Was the bed frame for a king size bed ?
1 year ago on Introduction
This bed turned out amazing! I used 6 planks for the headboard and the 20 supports should be cut down more as noted in other comments.
1 year ago
Why do the mattress support is made with strips and not with a full plank? Authentic question. I've never done a bed frame but I've always wondered why.
Reply 1 year ago
It's for comfort mostly, but as the other comment states, it also offers decent airflow.
With slats, they have flex and each slat will distribute weight for comfort and support.
Depending on how thick the slats are (and if course material), over time they can warp, so it's recommended where possible to flip them upside down every 6 months to a year if at all possible, up to 2yrs I've left some.
Slats are often not really viable for pure foam mattresses as the foam can sink between the slats. If the slats don't have vast gaps between them, you'll probably be fine.
Memory Foam mattress with a spring base may also be okay.
Solid bases are much more study and flat, akin to your mattress being on the floor. For some people, this firmness is what they desire for back support. Memory foam works best with solid bases, but for added comfort, sprung bases like with divans offer more comfort (but also more movement of the foam in areas).
Hope this helps, albeit late.
Reply 1 year ago
Thank you! That was very informative.
Reply 1 year ago
The mattress needs to "breath" under.
I was wondering how well this will work when there is no air gaps in the frame.
Question 2 years ago on Step 6
are their dimensions for making a full size bed
Question 2 years ago on Step 7
Hi there, I love this bed frame idea so I am going to try and make it. The measurements just seem to big for a King Bed. I am in Australia, a King Bed here is 72.2" x 80". Does that sounds right to you or is your King Bed slightly larger than ours here?