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Essential Platform Bed Frame

Build your own bed frame! This platform style bed frame is easy to build with off the shelf lumber and basic construction. Stain or paint to match your style or decor. include step by step diagrams, shopping lists and cut list. Related: Pair with our matching headboard plans.

Essential Platform Bed Frame

Specifications

Project typeBeds and Bed Frames
RoomBedroom
StyleFarmhouse Furniture
DifficultyBeginner Projects
Estimated cost$20 - $50

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Essential Platform Bed Frame dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

TWIN SIZE SHOPPING LIST (38x75)

  • 3 – 2x6 @ 8' long
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 8' long
  • 2 – 1x3 @ 8' long
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 4' long
  • 1 – 1x3 @ 4' long
  • 5– 1x3 or 1x4 furring strips @ 8' long - bed slats
  • 32 - 2-1/2" to 3" long self tapping star bit construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
  • 50 - 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping star bit construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
  • wood glue
  • sand paper
  • 1-1/2" long brad nails can be used as a substitute for the shorter screws

FULL SIZE SHOPPING LIST (54x75)

  • 2 – 2x6 @ 12' long
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • Additional 2x4 or 2x6 needed for the bed legs
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 8' long
  • 3 – 1x3 @ 8' long
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 8' long
  • 7 – 1x3 or 1x4 furring strips @ 8' long - bed slats
  • 40 - 2-1/2" to 3" long self tapping star bit construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
  • 60 - 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping star bit construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
  • wood glue
  • sand paper
  • 1-1/2" long brad nails can be used as a substitute for the shorter screws

QUEEN SIZE SHOPPING LIST (60x80)

  • 2 – 2x6 @ 12' long
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • Additional 2x4 or 2x6 needed for the bed legs
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 8' long
  • 3 – 1x3 @ 8' long
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 8' long
  • 7 – 1x3 or 1x4 furring strips @ 8' long - bed slats
  • 40 - 2-1/2" to 3" long self tapping star bit construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
  • 60 - 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping star bit construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
  • wood glue
  • sand paper
  • 1-1/2" long brad nails can be used as a substitute for the shorter screws

STANDARD KING SIZE CUT LIST (76x80)

  • 4 – 2x6 @ 8' long
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 8' long
  • 3 – 1x3 @ 8' long
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 8' long
  • 10 – 1x3 or 1x4 furring strips @ 8' long - bed slats
  • 40 - 2-1/2" to 3" long self tapping star bit construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
  • 60 - 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping star bit construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
  • wood glue
  • sand paper
  • 1-1/2" long brad nails can be used as a substitute for the shorter screws

CALIFORNIA KING SIZE CUT LIST (72x84)

  • 4 – 2x6 @ 8' long
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 8' long
  • 3 – 1x3 @ 8' long
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 8' long
  • 10 – 1x3 or 1x4 furring strips @ 8' long - bed slats
  • 40 - 2-1/2" to 3" long self tapping star bit construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
  • 60 - 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping star bit construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
  • wood glue
  • sand paper
  • 1-1/2" long brad nails can be used as a substitute for the shorter screws

Cut List

TWIN SIZE CUT LIST (38x75)

  • 2 – 2x6 @ 75” - side rails
  • 2 – 2x6 @ 41” - top and bottom rails
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 75” - inside cleat
  • 2 – 1x3 @ 79” - side trim
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 38” - top trim
  • 1 – 1x3 @ 38” - bottom trim
  • 4 – 2x4 or 2x6 @ 7” (can be cut longer for longer legs, use a 2x6 for a more modern look) - bed legs
  • 10– 1x3 @ 38" - bed slats

FULL SIZE CUT LIST (54x75)

  • 2 – 2x6 @ 75” - side rails
  • 2 – 2x6 @ 57” - top and bottom rails
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 75” - inside cleat
  • 1 – 2x4 @ 75” - center support
  • 2 – 1x3 @ 79” - side trim
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 54” - top trim
  • 1 – 1x3 @ 54” - bottom trim
  • 4 – 2x4 or 2x6 @ 7” (can be cut longer for longer legs, use a 2x6 for a more modern look) - bed legs
  • 21 – 1x3 @ 27" slats are cut in half to maximize materials of an 8' long board or 10 - 1x3 @ 54" - bed slats

QUEEN SIZE CUT LIST (60x80)

  • 2 – 2x6 @ 80” - side rails
  • 2 – 2x6 @ 63” - top and bottom rails
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 80” - inside cleat
  • 1 – 2x4 @ 80” - center support
  • 2 – 1x3 @ 84” - side trim
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 60” - top trim
  • 1 – 1x3 @ 60” - bottom trim
  • 4 – 2x4 or 2x6 @ 7” (can be cut longer for longer legs, use a 2x6 for a more modern look) - bed legs
  • 21 – 1x3 @ 30" slats are cut in half to maximize materials of an 8' long board or 10 - 1x3 @ 60" - bed slats

STANDARD KING SIZE CUT LIST (76x80)

  • 2 – 2x6 @ 80” - side rails
  • 2 – 2x6 @ 79” - top and bottom rails
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 80” - inside cleat
  • 1 – 2x4 @ 80” - center support
  • 2 – 1x3 @ 84” - side trim
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 76” - top trim
  • 1 – 1x3 @ 76” - bottom trim
  • 4 – 2x4 or 2x6 @ 7” (can be cut longer for longer legs, use a 2x6 for a more modern look) - bed legs
  • 10 – 1x3 @ 76" - bed slats

CALIFORNIA KING SIZE CUT LIST (72x84)

  • 2 – 2x6 @ 84” - side rails
  • 2 – 2x6 @ 75” - top and bottom rails
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 84” - inside cleat
  • 1 – 2x4 @ 84” - center support
  • 2 – 1x3 @ 88” - side trim
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 72” - top trim
  • 1 – 1x3 @ 72” - bottom trim
  • 4 – 2x4 or 2x6 @ 7” (can be cut longer for longer legs, use a 2x6 for a more modern look) - bed legs
  • 10 – 1x3 @ 72" - bed slats

Tools

  • measuring tape
  • square
  • pencil
  • safety glasses
  • drill
  • circular saw
  • sander
  • countersink drill bit

Step-by-step Instructions

1

Step 1

Build the 2x6 frame using two screws per corner, 2-1/2" long to 3" long self tapping star bit screws (spax or similar). Adjust the frame for square by taking opposite diagonals and making sure the two diagonals match.

Essential Platform Bed Frame — step 1
2

Step 2

Attach cleats to inside for supporting the slats in later steps. Use 2-1/2" screws and glue, screws about every 8-12".

Essential Platform Bed Frame — step 2
3

Step 3

This middle support is important for full size or larger beds. Attach so top is level with top of cleats, as bed slats will sit on top. Use two screws per end.

Essential Platform Bed Frame — step 3
4

Step 4

Now we can start trim out. Add trim so it's flush on insides and at head of bed. Attach with either 1-1/2" long self tapping screws or brad nails and glue. TIP: If you have a Kreg Jig, building the frame first with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws, will result in a nicer overall finished bed.

Essential Platform Bed Frame — step 4
5

Measure and cut the trim for the top and bottom, with the 1x2 trim at the top.

Attach with nails or the shorter screws and glue.

Essential Platform Bed Frame — step 5
6

For the bed legs, cut the legs from either 2x4 or 2x6. The 2x6 will result in a stronger bed leg.

You can taper the legs, or even use store bought metal bed feet. Attach to base of bed, use 3 screws per leg, with glue. For full size and larger, flip the bed over and measure and cut center legs to support the center 2x4 and attach. (see step 8)

Essential Platform Bed Frame — step 6
7

Step 7

Now add the slats. Slat placement and number of slats is dependent of your mattress requirements. Screw the slats down with the shorter screws. To help take any wobble out of the bed, on a end slats, screw down with four screws (two per end)

Essential Platform Bed Frame — step 7
8

Step 8

If you find your bed needs a little extra support in the center, here's the best way to beef it up.

Essential Platform Bed Frame — step 8
9

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-platform-bed-frame