Easy Bed Platform

Intro: Easy Bed Platform

I needed an easy, yet attractive Queen bed platform for my 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 to see more detail of how to build it.

STEP 1: Cut the Boards for the Outer Frame

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 a set of plans which includes a material list and a cut list.

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.

STEP 2: Sand the Boards

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.

STEP 3: Add the Pocket Holes

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.

STEP 4: Build the Side Rails

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.

STEP 5: Add Finish to the Pieces

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.

STEP 6: Assemble the Platform

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 my squares to hold everything tight.

STEP 7: Add the Center Support

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.

STEP 8: Add the Bed Slats

The slats were really simple to create. I used 1x4 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.

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.

STEP 9: Done!

And with the rails in place, this bed platform was done! Such an attractive, easy improvement from the mattress on the floor.

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!

For more projects and tutorials, be sure and visit my YouTube channel and my website. You can also find me on Instagram @makergray. Thanks for following along!

STEP 10:

Comments

[Donna_N]

Love this rustic look. I think it would fit my bedroom.

[Maker Gray]

Thanks! I hope you try it!

[Aquaticfan]

How much did this cost without the tools and just materials used???

Best regards,
Scott.

[Maker Gray]

Hey Scott. I spent just under $100 on the materials. Super happy with the price!

[Aquaticfan]

That is a great price and at UK rates around £75-80. Very much looking to build this so thank you kindly!!

Best regards,
Scott.

[jatkins729]

Nice job! Years ago I made a similar frame for our (really heavy) waterbed. To make it look less massive, I wanted it to seem to “float" above the floor. I added rails along the inside bottom similar to that for the slats. Then I made a bottom frame of about 2” smaller dimension that I painted black and on which rested the entire frame with mattress, raised up about 2". Sorry, no pics from 45 years ago.

[Maker Gray]

That sounds really cool!

[jatkins729]

Thanks. Nowadays one might put LED mood lighting under the floating edge.

[Maker Gray]

True! That's a popular idea.

[_eug]

Just a heads up, in your 'Supplies List' you list 13 items with links, but you have the same link repeated 12 times.

[Maker Gray]

Oh no. I'll fix that now. Thank you so much for telling me!

[T1Cybernetic]

Brilliant bed, Amazing looking too ;) I really must get around to building one or else the current shop bought one is going to eat me alive :D

[Maker Gray]

Haha thanks!! Hope it doesn't eat you alive :)

[cyberdove1]

Instead of slats, use a sheet of plywood.

[Maker Gray]

Definitely an option. I live in a more humid environment so I wanted air circulation.