Easy 2-Tool Platform Bed Frame ( for All Sizes)

Build this modern, clean-lined platform bed with just a drill and a saw. The design uses hidden fasteners, so even beginners get a polished, professional look without complicated joinery. It’s sturdy, budget-friendly, and comes together fast. are available for every mattress size, so you can build the perfect fit for any room.

Specifications

Project type	Beds and Bed Frames
Room	Bedroom
Difficulty	Beginner Projects

Shopping List

Shopping List for Twin (39" x 75" Mattress)

3 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x4 @ 10 feet long
6 - 1x3 or 1x4 @ 6 feet long
About 60 - 2-3/4" self tapping star bit screws
About 25 - 1-3/4" self tapping star bit screws (can be 1-1/2" to 2" lengths)
wood glue
wood stain or paint

Shopping List for Full (54" x 75" Mattress)

3 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
1 - 2x6 @ 10 feet long
12 - 1x3 or 1x4 @ 51" - slats can use "half slats" and cut slats to 26" long, but need twice as many
About 70 - 2-3/4" self tapping star bit screws
About 30 - 1-3/4" self tapping star bit screws (can be 1-1/2" to 2" lengths)
wood glue
wood stain or paint

Shopping List for Queen (60" x 80" Mattress)

3 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
3 - 2x4 @ 10 feet long (or 4 - 2x4x8')
12 - 1x3 or 1x4 @ 57" - slats - can use "half slats" and cut slats to 29" long, but need twice as many
About 70 - 2-3/4" self tapping star bit screws
About 30 - 1-3/4" self tapping star bit screws (can be 1-1/2" to 2" lengths)
wood glue
wood stain or paint

Shopping List for Standard King (76" x 80" Mattress)

4 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
4 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
12 - 1x3 or 1x4 @ 8 feet long
About 75 - 2-3/4" self tapping star bit screws
About 30 - 1-3/4" self tapping star bit screws (can be 1-1/2" to 2" lengths)
wood glue
wood stain or paint

Shopping List for California King (72" x 84" Mattress)

4 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
4 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
12 - 1x3 or 1x4 @ 8 feet long
About 75 - 2-3/4" self tapping star bit screws
About 30 - 1-3/4" self tapping star bit screws (can be 1-1/2" to 2" lengths)
wood glue
wood stain or paint

Cut List

Cut List for Twin (39" x 75" Mattress)

4 - 2x4 @ 7-1/2" - legs
4 - 2x4 @ 13" - legs
2 - 2x6 @ 69" - siderails
2 - 2x4 @ 69" - cleats
2 - 2x6 @ 39" - footboard/headboard
12 - 1x3 or 1x4 @ 36" - slats

Cut List for Full (54" x 75" Mattress)

4 - 2x4 @ 7-1/2" - legs
4 - 2x4 @ 13" - legs
2 - 2x6 @ 69" - siderails
2 - 2x4 @ 69" - cleats
1 - 2x4 @ 72" - middle cleat
1 - 2x4 @ 12 -1/4" - middle leg
2 - 2x6 @ 54" - footboard/headboard
12 - 1x3 or 1x4 @ 51" - slats*

Cut List for Queen (60" x 80" Mattress)

4 - 2x4 @ 8-1/2" - legs
4 - 2x4 @ 14" - legs
2 - 2x6 @ 74" - siderails
2 - 2x4 @ 74" - cleats
1 - 2x4 @ 77" - middle cleat
1 - 2x4 @ 12 -1/4" - middle leg
2 - 2x6 @ 60" - footboard/headboard
12 - 1x3 or 1x4 @ 57" - slats*

Cut List for Standard King (76" x 80" Mattress)

4 - 2x4 @ 7-1/2" - legs
4 - 2x4 @ 13" - legs
2 - 2x6 @ 74" - siderails
2 - 2x4 @ 74" - cleats
1 - 2x4 @ 77" - middle cleat
1 - 2x4 @ 12 -1/4" - middle leg
2 - 2x6 @ 76" - footboard/headboard
12 - 1x3 or 1x4 @ 73" - slats*

Cut List for California King (72" x 84" Mattress)

4 - 2x4 @ 7-1/2" - legs
4 - 2x4 @ 13" - legs
2 - 2x6 @ 78" - siderails
2 - 2x4 @ 78" - cleats
1 - 2x4 @ 81" - middle cleat
1 - 2x4 @ 12 -1/4" - middle leg
2 - 2x6 @ 72" - footboard/headboard
12 - 1x3 or 1x4 @ 69" - slats*

Tools

measuring tape
square
pencil
safety glasses
drill
circular saw

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1

Start by building the two side rails by attaching the 2x4 cleat to the 2x6 siderail from the inside, about 4-6 screws are all that is needed. Leave space at the top for the bed slats - in this plan we are using 3/4" bed slats, so set down 3/4" to allow for the slats.

Step 2

Build the legs by attaching the shorter 2x4 to the longer, with screws on the back. Build four identical.

Step 3

Attach the legs to the siderails with multiple screws, at slight angles. This is the weight bearing joint, so screws should be into both the 2x4 cleat and the 2x6 cleat. Ahh this point, the siderails, legs, and footboard/headboard can be stained or painted.

Step 4

In the room, place the footboard and headboard boards on the legs. Attach from insides with screws. There won't be much room for starting screws, but you only need to get a few screws in, and the screws can (and should) be at slight angles.

Step 5

If full size or larger bed, add a middle support to support slats. For even more strength, a center leg can be added to support the middle of the bed - just a 2x4 cut and attach to the side of the center support.

Step 6

Lay slats sown on the cleats and the center support. Attach with shorter screws or brad nails.

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.

Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/easy-2-tool-platform-bed-frame-free-plans-all-sizes