DIY Fancy Full Bed

Learn how to build this DIY Fancy Full Bed with free plans and a how-to video by Shanty2Chic!

I am back with a really fun project and one that I’ve never tried before! My friend has been a long time builder and her daughter asked her to build a fancy headboard and bed for her room. She was intimidated to build it alone so I told her to come over and I would give her a hand. I designed and build this DIY Fancy Full Bed for about $230 in lumber! So let’s get to building!

Click here to jump to the free plans!

You can watch the full build in the box below!

How to build a DIY Fancy Full Bed

Tools

• Miter Saw
• Drill
• Kreg Jig
• Brad Nailer
• Sander
• Jigsaw
• Table Saw (optional)

Supplies

• 10 1x6x6 Common Boards or Pine
• 13 1x4x6 Common Boards or Pine
• 9 2x4x8 Framing Lumber
• 3 2x2x8 Framing Lumber or Pine
• 2 1x8x8 Common Boards or Pine
• 1 1x8x6 Common Boards or Pine
• 1 1/4″x48″x96″ Hardwood Plywood (Birch)
• 1 1/4″ Pocket Hole Screws
• 2 1/2″ Pocket Hole Screws
• 2 1/2″ Wood Screws
• 1 1/4″ Wood screws
• 5/8″ Brad Nails
• 1″ Brad Nails
• Wood Glue

How to Build a DIY Fancy Full Bed

Assembling the Headboard

Step 1

Cut the headboard planks to size and use a Kreg Jig to drill 3/4″ pocket holes along the edges according to the picture below.

• You can find our favorite Kreg Jig model here!

Attach the planks together with 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step 2

Mark for the headboard design, with a projector, trace a line with a pencil and use a jigsaw to cut the headboard design.

• You can find the projector I used HERE!

Step 3

Trace the top of the headboard on the 1/4″ plywood for the headboard trim and cut it using a jigsaw

 Using a projector, trace the bottom design

and cut it with a jigsaw. 

Attach the trim to the headboard with 5/8″ brad nails and wood glue.

Step 4

Cut the posts to size and attach them to the headboard with 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws and wood glue. The top of the posts should be flush with the ends of the headboard.

Step 5

Cut the middle trim and bottom trim to size. Center the middle trim on the headboard. Use 5/8″ brad nails and wood glue to attach it to the headboard.

Place the bottom trim 4 3/4″ from the bottom of the headboard. Use 1″ brad nails and wood glue to attach it to the headboard.

Assembling the Side Rails and Footboard

Step 1

Cut the side panel pieces to size and drill 1 1/2″ pocket holes according to the plans. Attach the top and bottom runners to the big panel with 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws and wood glue. Build two of these assemblies.

Step 2

Cut the cleats to size and drill 1 1/2″ pocket holes at each end. Attach them to each side panel with 2 1/2″ wood screws and wood glue.

Cut the footboard pieces to size and drill 3/4″ and 1 1/2″ pocket holes according to the plans. Attach the top and bottom runners to the panel with 1 1/4″ and 2 1/2″ poket hole screws and wood glue.

Step 4

Cut the legs to size and attach them to the side of the footboard panel with 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws and wood glue.

Step 5

Cut the footboard trim to size. Attach it to the top of the footboard with 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws and wood glue.

Assembling the Bed

Step 1

Attach the side panels to the headboard with 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws. The inside of the side runners should be flush with the inside of the legs.

Step 2

Center and attach the middle cleat to the headboard and footboard with 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws and wood glue.

Step 3

Cut the slats to size and spread them out evenly over the cleats. Attach them to the bed wth 1 1/4″ wood screws.

Step 4

Now just fill your screw holes, sand it own and give it a finish! Make sure to shar your builds with us on social media and use #shanty2chic so we can share them too!

Happy Building!