Easy DIY Platform Bed
Learn how to build a DIY Platform Bed with free woodworking plans! This is a great build for beginners, you only need 3 basic tools and about $50 in lumber.
I’m back to share the Easy DIY Platform Bed that I made for my son 🙂 If you missed the Free Plans for the Planked Headboard, you can check them out HERE! I saw a platform bed in a West Elm catalog and loved how chunky the base and platform were, so that was my inspiration and I built it for about $55!!!
CLICK HERE TO JUMP TO THE FREE Platform Bed Plan
This is a very simple build so it is perfect if you are a beginner! You can follow along in the instructions below! This plan is for a full size bed but it is very easy to adjust the measurements to accommodate another size 🙂
How to Build an Easy DIY Platform Bed
Supplies
- 8 – 1x3x10 Furring Strips for Slats
- 1 – 2x8x10 Pine Boards or Common Boards
- 2 – 2x8x8 Framing Boards
- 3 – 2x6x8 Framing Boards
- 1 – 2x4x8 Framing Boards
- 3 – 2x2x8 Pine Boards or Common Boards (I ripped from 2×4’s)
- 2 1/2″ Pocket Hole Screws
- 1 1/4″ Screws (to attach the slats if you don’t use a brad nailer)
- 2 1/2″ Wood Screws
- Wood Glue
Tools:
- Miter Saw
- Drill
- Kreg Jig
- Sander
- Brad Nailer (optional)
Step 1: Assembling the DIY Platform Bed Frame
I started by making all of my cuts for my top and bottom frame. You can find the cut list diagrams in the fee plans. Watch our How to Use a Miter Saw video HERE!
Then, I drilled all of my pocket holes with my Kreg Jig pocket hole jig set for 1 1/2″ thick boards. (You can find the Kreg Jig HERE on Amazon) and check out our How to Use a Kreg Jig Video HERE!
I attached the top frame with 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws and wood glue.
I followed up and did the same for the bottom frame.
Next, I flipped the top frame over and attached the bottom frame to the side rails with 2 1/2″ wood screws and wood glue.
Step 2: Attaching the Supports to the Platform Bed
I flipped it back over and attached the center support with 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws to the headboard and footboard. You may need help flipping the bed back over, at this point, because it is heavy.
Finally, I attached the 2×3 cleats, to the sides of the bed, with 2 1/2″ wood screws (I call for 2×2 in the plans because 2×3’s are not available in every region. If you do use 2×2’s for the cleats, get furring strips to save money). I like to use the Spax self-tapping screws. I find them at Home Depot and they are pricey but you don’t need to pre-drill with them! If you use regular wood screws, make sure to pre-drill first to prevent the wood from splitting.
Step 3: Adding a Finish to the Modern Platform Bed
After sanding the entire Platform Bed down, I applied one-coat of Rust-Oleum Dark Walnut Stain (you can find it HERE on Amazon). If you are buying your supplies at Home Depot, get the Varathane brand in Dark Walnut (it’s the same stain).
Step 4: Attaching the Slats for the Mattress Support
When the bed was dry, I took it inside and into my little man’s room! I used my brad nailer, with 1 1/4″ brad nails to attach the 1×3 slats. I just spaced them out evenly and attached them to both cleats and the center support. You can use the cheap furring strips (douglas fir) for this part, Just make sure they are smooth so they don’t tear-up your mattress. Note: you can also use 1 1/4″ wood screws to attach the bed slats.
Step 5: Attaching the DIY Headboard to the Platform Bed
To attach the headboard to the bed, I drilled 2 1/2″ spax screws from the backside of the headboard legs into the bottom and top frames of the platform.
I just love this DIY Platform Bed so much! It’s the perfect combination of rustic and modern farmhouse and it’s so sturdy! I know my son loves it just as much. I’ve overheard him bragging to his friends (on a few occasions) that his mom built his bed – which is the best part for me 😉
Don’t forget to check out the headboard plans HERE and if you like the wall color in his room (I’m obsessed!) you can read about it HERE! I have received a lot of questions about the quilt on his bed, it is from Pottery Barn Teen but, I bought it a couple of years ago so I’m not sure that it is still available.
Modification Measurments
We always get questions on how to modify the measurments to fit other mattress dimensions. This DIY Bed Frame is easy to modify to fit any mattress size.
- Twin Size Mattress – Subtract 15″ from the width.
- Queen Size Mattress – Add 7″ to the width and 5″ to the length
- King Size Mattress – Add 23″ to the width and 5″ to the length.
- California King Size Mattress – Add 19″ to the width and 9″ to the length.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
~Ashley
Check Out Our Other DIY Bed Tutorials
- DIY Modern Farmhouse Platform Bed
- Free Platform Bed Plan with Headboard
- DIY Twin Platform Bed with Chevron Headboard
- Platform Bed on Wheels
- How to Build a Platform Bed with Storage
DIY Platform Bed
Supply List
- 8 1x3x10
- 1 2x8x10
- 2 2x8x8
- 3 2x6x8
- 1 2x4x8
- 3 2x2x8
- 2 1/2″ Pocket Hole Screws
- 2 1/2″ Wood Screws
- Wood Glue
- Finish of Choice
Instructions
- Cut List
- Assemble the bed upside down. Start with the top frame. Use glue and 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws at each connection.
- Assemble the lower frame. Make sure the edge pocket holes are facing the same direction.
- Lay the top frame on the floor with the pocket holes facing up and stack the lower frame on top. Secure them together with pocket hole screws.
- Attach the 2×2 cleats to the sides and the center 2×4 support in the middle. The 2×2 cleats are just screwed into the bed frame with wood screws and the 2×4 support is secured with pocket hole screws on each end. All three of these pieces should be 3/4″ lower than the top of the top frame.
- Add your slats and the construction is done! Now, all you have to do is sand and finish as you wish and enjoy your new platform bed. This platform bed was made for a previous headboard that I also made. Search our site for “Planked Headboard” to see it. As always, if you decide to make this bed be sure share it on social media and use #shanty2chic so we can share it too!
Will a full size mattress sit down in the platform if i lower the inside rails?
What measurements for a Queen size?
How tall is that whole bed frame from floor to the top of mattress and how thick is the mattress
I got this referral from a friend who built one for his daughter. Great solid design! I built this for twin (not reading at first that the basic design is for full size but modified after buying the wood). Mine has rounded corners along the outer platform and is painted in glossy white. I also forgot to use any wood glue but everything seems solid. Only critique…this thing is heavy and will be a bear to move if it ever comes to that! Will likely need to take it apart.
So I’m not very good at math. What are the dimensions for a California king please?
Can someone please help me with the dimensions for a Queen sized bed? I know to add 6″ to the width and 5″ to the length, but am still very confused on what to get when buying wood.
Good response in return of this issue with solid arguments and describing the
whole thing on the topic of that.
I’m sure I probably missed it in the comments somewhere, but can I get the exact dimensions for a twin size bed and I know I have seen you said to take off 15 on the width does that mean you take 15 off of the headboard too?
Ladies, I absolutely love you two. ?
Here I was, fawning over beds at CB2 (aka Crate and Barrel Kids). These two models I thought would be good for my preteen sons; The Drommen Acacia Wood Full Bed (I’m crazy about this aesthetic) and the Andes Acacia Full Bed. My younger son nixed both options because he wants his bed to sit higher. I found your therefore recreation of the Pottery Barn inspired bed, and this will be his bed. I believe the Rustic Modern Queen Bed, will be my older sons choice. We shall see.
Thank you for putting together these plans and sharing them with all of us ?. That’s so kind and generous of you both. And the best part, it’s so affordable. ? I was heartbroken over the retail prices I came across at all the retail sites. But today, I happened to look through my emails and there was your latest post. Hence my need to look and then search your site for bed options. I feel like I hit the jackpot!!! From now on, Shanty-2-Chic will be my first stop.
Again, thank you so much.
Best,
Cindy R
P.S. No need to attach to Facebook, but please add a thumbs up button to each of the posts.
The plan for the back 2×2 on the top of the bed is wrong it’s 64 inches not 63.
Hey! I love this but I’m not a huge fan of headboards is there anything I would need to adjust for making the base if I wouldn’t want a headboard?
What is the size I would need for a queen bed ?
How far apart are the pocket holes on the 2×8’s and the 2×10.
FYI if you use these plans and adjust for king size bed: an 85″ width may not fit through a standard doorway. We had to make it into two sides and attach when it was in the room
Just can’t say silent, I am about to build this bed and headboard this week-end and absolutely love the very clear plans (even though I’m building a queen LxW increase is a snap). I admire whole-heartedly the wonderful patience shown in your responses.
Makes one want to come back, and not be afraid to ask any question. Thanks
We built this for our daughter. The plans were easy to follow and it turned out great!
hi! my dad and i made this frame i’d say a few years ago and it’s starting to creek really bad when getting in and out of my bed, is there a way i can get rid of the creeking without taking it apart ?? please email me! thanks!
Did anyone ever figure out all the queen sized dimensions cuts?
I am building a king size version for this, can you please provide me the measurements and dimensions needed for this? Thanks and I love your work!
Is there a supply list for a Full Size bed/mattress somewhere?
So what are the dimensions for a queen bed? I really want to make this but I just don’t want to mess it up
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How sturdy are the sides? What if someone sat on them while putting socks on? I plan on purchasing the wood this evening.
Do you have the measurements for a king size bed with headboard? I’m very interested in building this!
Me too! I’d also like to know or see a DIY for the headboard! Thanks!
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How sturdy is this build? Seems like if someone where to stand on the boards it would break
IMPORTANT QUESTION. I’m wanting to make this bed frame I* have a queen size mattress I* want to know if I* use this same measurement for a full size will it fit just right . I* have a 9 month old that sleeps with me and crawls all over the place and not wanting any of the frame sticking out . If any one could let me know thank you so much !!
So, i just built this for a queen size bed, but followed all of the measurements of this project. On this sides, it extends an inch or so from the bed. However, at the foot of the bed, the platform extends out a couple of inches.
how do you make this without the frame on top so nothing sticks out of the under the mattress? is that ok?
What is the weight like once this is put together? Seems as though it would be fairly heavy and difficult to move inside
I built this and the dimensions are dead on. Thanks for the bed & headboard plans!
Actually may do second one but upsize it for Queen for the main bedroom and use hardwoods
Hello! I am making this for my daughter. She wants it painted white, should I use oil or later paint? This is my first furniture project, so I’m not really sure which paint to use.
Hello! I have a couple of questions that may have already been answered: Why have open slats across the bed rather than planks close together in the way of a flat, platform bed? Wouldn’t a mattress (like a memory foam mattress) squish through the planks/beams? Any suggestions for creating a king sized bed that with hold a queen sized mattress and have the extra length go around the mattress? Thanks in advance!!
You can move the slats as close as you want. You need to allow for some air to flow so that the mattress can breath. Most memory foam mattress require a special box spring that is flat, to prevent the mattress from squishing through. Not sure about the medication question. A king and queen are the same length. The width would be the only difference. Hope this helps!
My daughter’s room is 10″ x10″ and I want to make the full size version. Is it ok to make the sides more narrow so it fits the mattress size and is not as big of a foot print in such a small room?
Yes:)
great, wow
I’m curious if anyone adapted this so that the box spring could be at least partially below the ledge?
What are the measurements for a king size bed?
I can only find 2x8s in Douglas fir. Anyone in northern California know where to get 2x8s of any whitewood? Or found an alternative way to make this bed?
You can use that! We buy which ever 2×8 wood species they carry!
I just finished this myself, thank you, I will look into the headboard at a later date for another weekend project. 🙂
Looks like a great idea/plan. What would everyone recommend – With or without the headboard? If I build the bed first, would it be difficult to add the headboard later? 2017 resolution, dive head first into my passion for woodworking projects. Thanks!
Would this fit a 54” W x 75” L mattress?
Thanks. I was looking for some simple platform ideas and this is exactly what I had in mind. I’d like to pass along some advice however that can save people a great deal of time and money in doing this.
First off, I’d stay away from pocket holes except the cap – and even then you don’t need to use them at all. Pocket holes have very weak shear strength. It’s fine for small cabinets, bookshelves, tables, etc. but for big heavy things like bed frames – and the mattress, and the blankets, and the people on them – not so much. And even here you used them incorrectly on the bottom part of the frame as you have them on the inside. That means the screws are heading into the end of the other boards, which is the weakest part and most likely to break under load. You should always be screwing towards the center of the board, never the outside/end. Seeing as you were staining it you wouldn’t even notice the filled and sanded holes afterward. The other major downside is Kreg jigs aren’t cheap so unless you plan on doing a lot of pocket holes in other things it’s a waste of money.
A lof ot people will tell you that just screwing the boards together – into the end grain – isn’t great either, and they’re right. However even that provides more shear strength than a pocket hole, particularly if the pre-drilled hole is counter-sunk and you use washers on your wood screws. That alone triples the shear strength right there because the surface area of the washer prevents the screw from being pulled in.
However, there’s an even better way to do this. There is hardware out there specifically designed for making bed frames. Use your fave search engine and look up “bed bolts” and “bed rail fasteners” and/or “bed rail brackets”. The brackets are the fastest, cheapest, and strongest option. Also they fit on the inside of the frame for those who don’t want bolt holes exposed like you get with bed bolts. And if you want to do it even cheaper just go get some galvanized steel deck brackets from your local big box store. They run about a buck each, so it doesn’t get any cheaper of faster than that. The upside to many of the bed hangers is it makes it easy to disassemble and move the bed too. Unscrewing things only weakens them.
I’ll be building one of these this week or next so I’ll take some shots to upload and show what I mean. I’ll also be capping out the frame with brass hex screws which looks really sexy. 😀
P.S. For all the people asking for queen sizes, the rule of thumb is you always want an inch or inch and half leeway so 62″ or 63″W and 82″ or 83″L is good. Your mattress is going to sink and stretch over time so giving it that bit of space means it doesn’t end up looking like a souffle at some point down the road.
Do you have pictures of how your project is put together? Could your share your cuts for a queen size bed. Thanks
i am too interested in how your design came out especially for a queen size bed. Thanks!
OK, I’m lost on an item. Yellow boards are 55″ and they sit on the inside edge of the other boards. That is 52″. So you can not have the yellow boards sit exactly on edge. Did you just split the difference? Is one side even with the edge?
This was so much fun to do! This is the first big project my wife and I took on since moving to Kauai. The bed turned out beautiful. We customized the measurements for a King and it worked great.
I am building this bed this weekend and went out to get everything I need tonight. I’m curious what cuts I need to make. My mattress is full size so I plan on following the directions exactly. I see the drilling instructions but no indication of where to make cuts! Please advise, I’m excited to get to work!!
I think I just figured out the answer to my question… The cuts are the corresponding lengths shown on the first page of directions.. In inches… Below the arrows for drilling?
Yes. There is a cut list on the plans 🙂 good luck!
do you need a box spring for this bed? What kind of mattress did you use?
I know this is old, but in case anyone else reads this and is wondering!
You can add additional slats if you want to avoid the use of a box spring. How far apart you want the slats would depend upon the type of mattress, with latex mattresses having the most stringent requirements – ideally around 2.75″ between slats (no more than 3″), so you can’t go wrong with that. The warranty for your specific mattress may explicitly state what kind of support is required or else that warranty may be voided.
And in case you are wondering, you don’t want to just put down sheet plywood to bridge larger gaps, as lack of air to the bottom of the mattress risks the development of mold/mildew – particularly in humid climates. In the very least, you would want to put what’s called a “bed rug” between the plywood and your mattress to allow air circulation.
Do you still need to add the slats if you are using a box spring and mattress?
Totally messed up measurements!. For example: Slats – 1 x 3 x 10′ and final length 52″. 1 and 3 can’t be foot’s because it’s impossible to have 30cm depth, 60 cm width. As far I can understand: Slats are: 1inch x 3inch x 10 foots, and final lenght after cut is 52inch right?
I’m not sure I follow?? The 1x3x10 will be cut down to 52″ long. A 1×3 is actually .75 thick and 2.5″ wide.
where did you buy the wood? I want to built this for my house in Montana! I am a broke college student with time on my hands and think it would be perfect!
Thank you for the plans, however they are useless without any measurements on them for the pocket holes. Very confusing and I am fairly experienced when woodworking. And what size bed is this for?
The plans state (at the top of the cut list) to drill pocket holes for 2 1/2″ pocket hole screw. The tutorial also mentions to set your Kreg Jig for 1 1/2″ pocket holes. The paragraph under the “Click HERE for Plans” states that this is a full size bed plan. I’m not sure how much more I could have explained it. Thanks!
I saw the heading about drilling pocket hole screws on the arrows. It’s the measurements that are missing from the plans. The arrows are just randomly in places. I can figure it out the math and choose places to put them, just wanted to clarify if there were any more technical plans you have that were more precise? I do appreciate your time and love your site.
The plans DO state the measurement depth for the pocket holes. There is only one depth for a 2 1/2″ pocket hole screw.
I think this is getting lost in translation. Not the depth..the distance. No worries.
Oh, got it. Sorry! The distance doesn’t matter 🙂 I just eye ball…
I was attempting to build off the plans instead of reading line by line of what you did and compare that to the plans. Your plans don’t have measurements on the placement. No worries. After careful reading out of the whole blog, it says “you just spaced them evenly” instead of drawing the plans accordingly. Sorry for the hassle.
you cannot be “fairly experienced” if a bed frame is to much for you
I took your platform bed and made a few design changes to make it into 12 drawer captains bed for my 8 year old. He loves it.
Love, love love! :-O Congratulations (: The colors are beautiful! Would you mind sharing how much project cost you in supplies, including or excluding the drawers? I would love to know. Thanks!
How would you convert this into a twin bed?
Thank you so much, ladies, for your great designs and sharing of your plans! Here are my results for my CaliKing!
Looks amazing! Thanks so much for sharing with us 🙂
Thanks for such awesome designs and sharing your plans! Love what you ladies are doing! Here is my final results of my California King.
The finished bed
what size bed is this for? Queen?
This was a king size. 2 years later and it still looks great and very sturdy.
Be sure to make sure it fits in the bedroom doorway. I learned the hard way, as I assembled it outside then realized it wouldn’t fit through the door. Had to partially disassemble then reassemble in the bedroom.
Do you happen to have the measurements?
I built a King Platform bed from your Plans and I couldn’t be happier how it came out. Thank you for the inspiration.
My suggestion for anyone building the king size is to make sure you assemble it in the room you plan to use it. I realized after assembly round #1 that it was too big put together to fill in the door frame.
My husband and I would love to build this bed but add drawers underneath, any recommendations.
We actually recently posted a bed that is a platform with drawers!
Thanks soooo much for the inspiration! My daughter bought her first house recently. There was a potting bench made of beautifully weathered pallets left in the back yard…she wanted a bed for her birthday…I saw this post…voila! The universes collided!
She and I tore the pallets apart. Hubby and I built it with your directions while making a few minor mods (altering the size to queen and making the headboard to hang from the wall using French cleats…to keep the headboard from banging the wall every time “Baby” jumps on the bed ????) I used three colors of stain and combinations of the three to get the interesting boards. I also painted the plywood backer black so the gaps between the irregular boards would disappear.
Beautiful bed, happy daughter! Thank you!
So pretty and great use of pallets! Thank you for sharing:))))
So to make sure I have the mathi right. Can someone verify? This is for a king.
Scott – Did your measurements work? I’m planning on building the king size today. Thanks in advance!!
can someone convert me the lenghts in centimers? please!!
Most smart phones can convert the values for you
We did two of these and we are totally 2 novices. This was a great first project… and we did them in twin size taking 15″ off of the width.
Does anyone know if the 2 by 8 by 10 foot if both pieces of the 10 foot,are cut at 52 inches ( is there 2 pieces at 52inches)of the 10foot 2by 8
Did you sand the wood before staining it?
Do you happen to have the headboard instructions?
I had several screws come out through the other side of my wood. I had my KREG set at 1 1/2 and I used 2 1/2 inch screws, so not sure what I did wrong 🙁
Did you set the depth collar on the bit?
Yes, I did
After constructing this bed and reading some of the comments, I think if you included dimensions, instead of leaving it to a lot of guess work, the project would not be so challenging for some folks. Just sayin. Anyway the bed turned out great. Thanks.
I don’t have a nail gun. Should I use wood screws or just regular nails with a hammer? Thanks!
I am new to diy, but I’m looking for easy projects to take on to save money for when me and my boyfriend get our own place. I love your plans and they are so easy to follow and of course turn out incredible. I have been desperately looking for a bed frame for my bed. It is a queen tempurpedic on an adjustable motorized frame. So there is a motor located vertically in the center supported by a 40″ by 58″ metal frame. The upholstered outer frame is currently 4″ from the ground with the metal frame being 8″ front the ground. would love a wood frame for our bed to sit in. Storage is not a necessity but I do want it to have the platform framed in wood look. Please let me know if you have any suggestions.
If I were modifying the plan for a California King, would I use the same dimensions as a King by adding 22″ to the width and 5″ to the length?
Yes, but a Cali King is longer. You can google mattress dimensions and see the exact measurements.
Wouldn’t the length to increase be, 18″ to the width and 9″ to the length, being a Cal King is 72×84? I am about to start on this platform for my Cal King and just wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing something here. Awesome job on the platform and plans btw!! Thank you sooo much for posting all the pictures and plans. I can’t wait to get this thing built.
Yes, you will make it wider and longer based on a Cal King measurement. The plans are for a full size mattress 🙂
Thank You again Shanty2Chic; YOU ROCK!!!
lol nvm just saw the “here” linlk 🙂
I’m a little late to the party.
Is there a separate post on the headboard?
Hi! Thanks for the plans and the inspiration. My 13 year old son and I are going to try to make this together. We visited our Home Depot this weekend, however, they did not have the white board or pine in these large sizes – only for the slats. We had to purchase framing boards instead (Douglas fir). I’m hoping it will look as great as yours. Unfortunately, my cost to build is already $150 (including the device to make the holes @$39). I will keep you posted with the results in case anyone else has trouble finding the wood like I did. Thanks again for the plans!
Can’t wait to see it! I did use the fir for the 2x boards. I’m guessing your cost is high because you went with pine slats? I used furring strips for the slats and those are about $2 each.
How did you build the headboard? I was also thinking about adding some side supports for the mattress to fit in. That way it doesn’t move. Great Job. I will be building one for a King size select comfort.
As a furniture salesperson, I highly recommend that you add center feet to the center bar of this bed. I realize it is a 2×4, but without those center feet, that board will begin to bow, bend, and sag, resulting in a sagging mattress. Most mattress companies will not warranty mattresses without those center feet, we recommend 3 feet. Weight on a bed adds up quickly. Two adults, weight of mattress and bedding, easily reaches 400-500lbs for 6-9 hours a night. That’s a lot of weight on one center bar. The slats won’t hold that much weight, and also may want to consider adding a “bunkie board”, sold at mattress stores, or lay a piece of plywood over the slats for a flat surface. Over a period of time you will see a wave effect on the bottom of your mattress which will ultimately change the way your mattress feels, especially if you have an all foam or pocketed coil mattress.
Do NOT put plywood over the slats. Mattresses need to breathe and if they can’t they will grow mold that will make you very sick. That is why you have slats or a box spring- so the mattress will still get clean air.
If you are concerned about air ventilation, then at least buy a “bunkie board”, it’s essientially a 1″ foundation that is built like a regular foundation.. The slat only method with warp your mattress.
yes it will
When a mattress lays on a boxspring it does not breath either
My husband and I saw this and HAD to build it. We had been looking at frames at stores and they are so expensive. Thank you so much for this, it was so easy and with both of us building it, it only took about 2 hours and then we had to let the stain dry. Very easy construction, but soooooo heavy. We wont be moving it for a while now lol.
I’m planning on building this but im kind of lost on the plans measurements. When I went to home depot to get the wood they don’t have any 1 * 3 * 10 they have it by 8 can i use that size? and they also said it would be soo big considering the full size bed measures 75 x 54.
Typically in these plans when blue prints call for a 10 foot board when nothing about the piece is over 8 foot (the typical length of boards most would buy) is because it’s more cost effective. Whatever they are using it for requires 2 boards less than 5 feet each. So they buy 1 10 footer and cut it down, saving money. I couldn’t get a 10 foot board home safely myself, so if I were to build this I’d have to replace any 10 ft boards with 2 8 footers. Or ask the fine people at Lowe’s/Home Depot/other lumber place to cut down the 10 footer for me.
My husband built this bed yesterday afternoon and we are super excited about how it turned out. Printable plans were easy to follow. Thanks for sharing!
Hello in a previous comment you said to add 22″ to the width and 5 to the length. which is which!?! Please help 😀
For example the 2x8x10 is the yellow piece. And it is 52″ in is that in length or width? The directions say add 22″ to the width and 5″ to the length, how would I do that?
Is it 52+22=74 (is that the width)??
then where do i add the 5??
Sorry not good at geometry apparently!
Jeka
I know I’m replying way after here but anyone else reading this remember that all you have to do is figure the size difference between a full size bed (size the plans are for) and the size you’re wanting to build. Next the Width is from side to side. Length is from head board to foot board. Think about how a mattress is. Is a king a lot wider or longer than a full size mattress?
Im sorry but lm really late here. Love the bed. Only question for anyone is what did everyone make it out of 2×6 or 2×8. It looks like to me half and half not sure. If l can get some help that would be great. Thxs
I cannot locate any 2x in pine or whitewood in my area what other wood do you recommend
Douglas Fir/Fur is the typical type of lumber found at many Lowes/Home Depots and I’d believe will work fine. I’ve seen other plans for tables and such that called for whatever white construction grade lumber you can find.
California King dimensions ?
I was wondering the same for a regular king but figured I would just measure the mattress myself and add an additional 2 to 3 inches for the part that sticks out but I also plan to add legs to mine to elevate it.
Are these Plans for a queen?
Just as a friendly reminder to those of you who are going to try this with the queen or kind sized dimensions. DO NOT forget that you will need to replace the 2x8x10 sized board with a 2x8x12. This is very important, because you will not be able to cut your 2x8x10 piece into 2 61″ lengths and you will end up having to purchase another piece.
So to
Make this a queen just replace 2x8x10 with 2x8x12? Do I need to replace any other boards with bigger ones?
Did those measurement work for you?
I might be confused, but are there box springs on the bed? Are they not needed? I’ve never had a bed without them…
You can use box springs if you want but our platform beds do not use them. The cleats and slats inside the frame take the place of a box spring. Hope this helps 🙂
It does indeed! Thank you for your reply – and your constant inspiration!
Dimensions for a California King Size bed? 🙂
72″ wide by 84″ long but all mattresses can vary by an inch or two
So I’m pretty good at following directions and I think I could put the bed together but not so much for figuring out the plans. My boyfriend and I absolutely LOVE this bed frame and headboard and are going to build it next week! What would be the dimensions for a king size mattress? Thank you! Love your site!!
Thanks Ashley!
Add 22″ to the width and 5 inches to the length 🙂
Thank you!!! 😀
Yes I too would love if you could post the dimensions for the King size, I know nothing about building but if I had the plans to give my husband then he could do it for us, thank you!
do you need to use slats or can you just continue across (2’x8′) with the wide boards and make it a solid piece?
If you are not using a box spring you really need slats to let your mattress breathe.
Here is my shot at the bed. The instructions were great! I have been INSPIRED!!
Here is another one I’m working on. I added the handmade woodart to jazz it up a bit. Still working of the bed now that head board is done!
HI there,
We are looking forward to building this bed as well! Any chance you could post the dimensions for a california king? 🙂
It turned out absolutely AMAZING!!!! We are soo happy with it!! Thanks again for adjusting the measurements for me! I can’t wait to make more project from your site!!! Night stands will be our next one I think 😉
What where the dimensions you used!? Please help 😀
For example the 2x8x10 is the yellow piece. And it is 52″ in is that in length or width? The directions say add 22″ to the width and 5″ to the length, how would I do that?
Is it 52+22=74 (is that the width)??
then where do i add the 5??
Sorry not good at geometry apparently!
Jeka
Yes, you are correct. So add 22″ to all of the measurements following the direction of the yellow board – that is the width. And then add 5″ to the length which would be the green board. I don’t have the paper where I did all the math to each board but just follow the colors. Green, pink and red are length. Teal, dark blue, yellow and white are the width.
did you change the height from the original plans for the headboard? what color stain did you use for the platform?
Do I add that amount to every piece? Or which ones only?
How would you adjust these plans for a twin size bed? Trying to make Christmas present for my sister!
Hi Emily,
Subtract 15″ from the width!
Hi there!
I was just wondering if you would have plans for a twin sized bed? It looks like I would have a lot of wasted material if I’m subtracting 15″. Is this true? Do you have a rough estimate as to what the total material cost was for this entire platform and headboard?
Thank you!
-Brian
Dimensions for queen size bed???
Add 6″ to the width and 5″ to the length 🙂
How would I go about changing the dimensions to fit a king size mattress?
Is this plan for a Full sized mattress?
So excited that I saw this on pinterest! I’ve been wanting a bed like this and trying to convince hubby that we can build it, so I’m so glad that you posted a plan! I’m not quite sure how to convert the measurements to queen size but I’m excited to try!!
Could you please share the dimensions to fit a twin size bed?
i see you used 52″ for the slats. Is that the width of your son’s full size bed? I’m converting the plans to fit a queen size bed and the standard full size mattress measures out to 54″x 75″ so I wanted to make sure that was what you were working with. Thanks!
How would you convert the plans to a queen sized bed?
Hey Megan. I may be a little late here, but the “standard” size for most queen size mattresses is 60″ X 80,” which is 6″ wider and 5″ longer than a standard full size. Therefore, you can adjust these plans by adding an additional 6 inches to all of the width cuts and an additional 5 inches to all of the length cuts.
For example:
The dimension cuts for the bottom support width piece (yellow in the free plans) is 55 inches. To achieve the desired queen size you are looking for, increase this cut to 61 inches. So-on and so-forth for the rest of the cuts.
Hope this helps!
Did anyone take a stab at translating all the measurements into Queen? I feel like some pieces stay the same while others change and if you don’t get them all right, you will have to buy all of them all over again.
I working on a queen right now. I’m making it 6 inches wider and 5 inches longer.
So far it is going well. The 2x8x10 will not be able to long enough to produce two pieces. I had to go back to the store. Same with the1x3x10 slats.
This is my first ever attempt at a woodwork project. Could someone please help to decipher what I’ll need as a supply list to build a queen bed? It’s currently at:
1 x 3 x 10’ 8 Furring strips for the slats
2 x 8 x 10’ 1 Pine or whitewood board
2 x 8 x 8’ 2 Pine or whitewood board
2 x 6 x 8’ 3 Pine or whitewood board
2 x 4 x 8’ 1 Pine or whitewood board
2 x 2 x 8’ 3 Pine or whitewood board
Thanks in advance! Just want to make sure that I get the right amount of wood. 🙂
lmao i was looking at this thinking “that looks just like megan’s bed… i bet she used this site”
What kind of wood did you use? Was it treated?
It calls for whitewood or pine, but I think she used pine.
Oh, I love that your son told his friends that you built the bed. My sister is a general contractor and I always get a kick of pride when I tell people. And, here comes the boast, she lives in Florida which has an extremely difficult test to pass for the license. When she took the test, she was the only woman among 700 men. You go, Girl!
My other sister was the second woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville, with a degree in agronomy.
I enjoy being proud of them…because….I haven’t done a damn thing.
Are you the middle child? lol! I am the middle of three girls and though I’ve had and still have a great life, I did not have the ‘recognized’ accomplishments as did my sisters. (I also live stress free!?)
Would really like to see the king plans
We simply added 16″ to the width and kept the length boards the same as the plan for our king mattress. This resulted (because I thought the plan was for a queen) in less platform protruding from the sides of the mattress. I also added another 2″x4″ down the center to compensate for the additional width (as seen in the picture) Personally, I like it better.
This plan would be great modified to have a storage space below, either with drawers or maybe even with the bed on hinges to lift it up. Hmmm…
I was wondering…….do you absolultely have to use a Kreg Jig to build this platform bed?
Nope! You sure do not. You could put this together MANY different ways, including screws, brackets, and other corner hardware. You could use corner hardware externally to give it a unique industrial look, or just hide it on the inside.
Do u have any ideas what it would be for a king size bed?? lol. I always seem to get it wrong when I get to measuring things I am not sure of. 🙂
She said to “Add 22″ to the width and 5 inches to the length :)”
Wouldn’t the length to increase by be, 18″ to the width and 9″ to the length, being a Cal King is 72×84?
Did you attach to the headboard by drilling 2.5″ pocket holes on the underside of the frame on the platform bed or where did you drill in the screws?
I’m sorry, I wasn’t very clear on that! I drilled from the backside of the headboard legs into the bottom base and top frame of the platform:)
Perfect, thanks! You girls are SO inspiring!