Essential Bed Frame in All Sizes

Upgrade your bedroom with this super sturdy platform bed frame—built from solid materials and designed to last for years. It’s a smarter, better-looking alternative to metal bed frames or box springs, all for about the same price (or less!). The clean design looks great in any room and can be painted or stained to match your style. Plans are available for every mattress size, plus you get, a video tutorial, real build photos, and even inspiring reader photos. Ready to build your own? Get the below!

Specifications

Project type	Beds and Bed Frames
Room	Bedroom
Difficulty	Intermediate

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Essential Bed Frame in All Sizes dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

Twin (Mattress measures 38" x 75")

1 - 4x4 @ 6 feet long
2 - 2x6 @ 10' long (cut one long frame board and one short frame board from each board)
1 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long or scraps for the corner supports
1 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
2 - 1x2 @ 6 feet long (adjust to 8' length for extra long twins)
6-7 1x3 @ 6 feet long for bed slats, can use furring strips
50 - 2-1/2" Kreg Screws
1-1/4" brad nails

Full (Mattress measures 54" x 75")

1 - 4x4 @ 6 feet long
1 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long (cut shorter frame boards from this board)
1 - 2x6 @ 12 feet long (cut longer frame boards from this board)
1 - 2x4 @ 12 feet long (center supports, corner supports and center leg)
1 - 1x2 @ 10 feet long
2 - 1x2 @ 6 feet long
6-7 1x3 @ 10 feet long, bed slats, can use furring strips
50 - 2-1/2" Kreg Screws
1-1/4" brad nails

Queen (Mattress measures 60" x 80")

1 - 4x4 @ 6 feet long
1 - 2x6 @ 10 feet long (cut shorter frame boards from this board)
2 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long or stud length
1 - 2x4 @ 12 feet long - center support, corner supports and center leg
1 - 1x2 @ 10 feet long
2 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
6-7 1x3 @ 12 feet long for bed slats
50 - 2-1/2" Kreg Screws
1-1/4" brad nails

Standard King (Mattress measures 76" x 80")

1 - 4x4 @ 6 feet long
1 - 2x4 @ 12 feet long - center support, corner supports and center leg
1 - 2x6 @ 12 feet long (cut shorter frame boards from this board)
2 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
4 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
12 - 14 1x3 @ 8 feet long for the slat system
50 - 2-1/2" Kreg Screws
1-1/4" brad nails

California King (Mattress measures 72" x 84")

1 - 4x4 @ 6 feet long
1 - 2x4 @ 12 feet long - center support, corner support and center leg
1 - 2x6 @ 12 feet long (cut shorter frame boards from this board)
2 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
2 - 1x2 @ 6 feet long
2 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
12 - 14 1x3s @ 6 feet long for slat system
50 - 2-1/2" Kreg Screws
1-1/4" brad nails

Cut List

Twin (Mattress measures 38" x 75")

4 - 4x4 @ 12-1/4" - bed legs
2 - 2x6 @ 31" - frame top and bottom
2 - 2x6 @ 68" (for extra long twin (80" mattress length), cut at 73") - frame sides
4 - 2x4 or 2x6 @ 6-3/4" - both ends cut at 45 degree bevel, ends perpendicular - corner supports
2 - 1x2 @ 38" - top trim, measure and cut to fit
2 - 1x2 @ 72" - top trim, measure and cut to fit (77" for extra long twin)
Slats cut to 35" long, recommend about 12-14 1x3s, but spacing depends on mattress requirements

Full (Mattress measures 54" x 75")

4 - 4x4 @ 12-1/4" - bed legs
1 - 2x4 or 2x6 @ 12-1/4" long - center leg
2 - 2x6 @ 47" - frame top and bottom sides
2 - 2x6 @ 68" - frame sides
1 - 2x4 @ 70-1/2" - center support
4 - 2x4 or 2x6 @ 6-3/4" - both ends cut at 45 degree bevel, ends perpendicular - corner supports
2 - 1x2 @ 54" - top trim, measure and cut to fit
2 - 1x2 @ 72" - top trim, measure and cut to fit
Slats cut to 51" long, recommend about 12 1x3s, but spacing depends on mattress requirements

Queen (Mattress measures 60" x 80")

4 - 4x4 @ 12-1/4" - bed legs
1 - 2x4 or 2x6 @ 12-1/4" long - center leg
2 - 2x6 @ 53" - frame top and bottom sides
2 - 2x6 @ 73" - frame sides
1 - 2x4 @ 75-1/2" - center support
4 - 2x4 or 2x6 @ 6-3/4" - both ends cut at 45 degree bevel, ends perpendicular - corner supports
2 - 1x2 @ 60" - top trim, measure and cut to fit
2 - 1x2 @ 77" - top trim, measure and cut to fit
Slats cut to 57" long, recommend about 12 1x3s, but spacing depends on mattress requirements

Standard King (Mattress measures 76" x 80")

4 - 4x4 @ 12-1/4" - bed legs
1 - 2x4 or 2x6 @ 12-1/4" long - center leg
2 - 2x6 @ 69" - frame top and bottom sides
2 - 2x6 @ 73" - frame sides
1 - 2x4 @ 75-1/2" - center support
4 - 2x4 or 2x6 @ 6-3/4" - both ends cut at 45 degree bevel, ends perpendicular - corner supports
2 - 1x2 @ 76" - top trim, measure and cut to fit
2 - 1x2 @ 77" - top trim, measure and cut to fit
Slats cut to 73" long, recommend about 12 1x3s, but spacing depends on mattress requirements

California King (Mattress measures 72" x 84")

4 - 4x4 @ 12-1/4" - bed legs
1 - 2x4 or 2x6 @ 12-1/4" long - center leg
2 - 2x6 @ 65" - frame top and bottom sides
2 - 2x6 @ 77" - frame sides
1 - 2x4 @ 79-1/2" - center support
4 - 2x4 or 2x6 @ 6-3/4" - both ends cut at 45 degree bevel, ends perpendicular - corner supports
2 - 1x2 @ 72" - top trim, measure and cut to fit
2 - 1x2 @ 81" - top trim, measure and cut to fit
Slats cut to 69" long, recommend about 12 1x3s, but spacing depends on mattress requirements

Tools

measuring tape
square
pencil
safety glasses
kreg-jig
drill
compound miter saw
nailer
sander

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1

Build the "headboard" and "footboard" sections first by attaching the 2x6 top and bottom frame pieces to two 4x4 legs. Use 1x scrap wood to block up the 2x6, so it is inset on the 4x4 legs by 3/4". Two 1-1/2" pocket holes and 2-1/2" pocket hole screws per joint.

Connect the "headboard" and "footboard" pieces together with the longer frame boards.

This time use three pocket holes (same 1-1/2" thick material setting and 2-1/2" screws). Again, inset the frame boards on the legs.

Essential Bed Frame in All Sizes — step 2

Step 3

Adjust the frame for square by taking diagonal measurements and adjusting until the diagonals are exactly the same. Then attach the corner supports as shown, screwing to the legs and the frame boards.

Skip this step for twin beds.

Mark the center of the bed between the "headboard" and "footboard" and add the center support with two pocket holes per end.

Essential Bed Frame in All Sizes — step 4

Step 5

Attach leg to the center support with four 2-1/2" screws.

Step 6

Measure and cut the two trim pieces. Glue and nail to the top of the bed.

Step 7

Measure and cut the side trim pieces. Glue and nail to the top of the bed.

Step 8

Measure and cut slats. Lay down in bed. Attach with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue.

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/essential-bed-frame-all-sizes