Farmhouse Bed

This stunning (and extra sturdy!) Farmhouse King Bed frame costs just a fraction to build vs buy. It's made of solid wood and you won't need a ton of tools to whip it out. You'll love the step by step diagrams, shopping list and cut list. We also have Queen Farmhouse Bed Plans, and check out our full room build with this bed and matching nightstands. Reader submitted photo by JHAVINGA and Anonomous

Specifications

Project type	Beds and Bed Frames
Room	Bedroom
Style	Farmhouse Furniture
Difficulty	Intermediate
Estimated cost	$100-$150

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Shopping List

2 - 4x4, 8 feet long
1 - 2x2, 8 feet long
7 - 1x6, 8 feet long
4 - 1x4, 8 feet long
2 - 2x6, 8 feet long OR stud length
2 - 1x10 OR 2x10 @ 8 feet long
18* - 2x4, 8 feet long OR stud length
2 small L brackets (1-1/2" wings)
2 straight brackets (6" overall length)
150 - 1-1/4" brad nails
150 - 2-1/2" self tapping wood screws (try SPAX or similar)

*Includes 11 2x4s for the mattress slats. You can substitute 1x4s, 1x3s, ripped plywood etc for the slats if you have other materials on hand

Cut List

HEADBOARD CUT LIST

2 - 4x4 @ 54" - headboard legs
2 - 2x2 @ 30" - headboard cleats
14 - 1x6 @ 30" - headboard panel
2 - 1x4 @ about 77" - measure and cut to fit
1 - 2x4 @ about 84" - measure and cut to fit
1 - 2x6 @ about 86" - measure and cut to fit

FOOTBOARD CUT LIST

2 - 4x4 @ 21" - footboard legs
2 - 2x2 @ 8" - footboard cleats
2 - 2x2 @ 3" - footboard cleats
14 - 1x6 @ 15" - footboard panel
2 - 1x4 @ about 77" - measure and cut to fit
1 - 2x4 @ about 84" - measure and cut to fit
1 - 2x6 @ about 86" - measure and cut to fit

MATTRESS SUPPORT FRAME/SIDERAILS

4 - 2x4 @ 83-1/2" - mattress supports
1 - 2x4 @ ~77" - headboard tie in - cut to fit
4 - 2x4 @ 12-1/2" - center legs
2 - 1x10 or 2x10 @ 80"
11 - 2x4 @ ~77" cut to fit - mattress slats

Tools

measuring tape
square
pencil
safety glasses
hearing protection
drill
circular saw
nailer
sander

Step-by-step Instructions

Attach 2x2 cleats flush to the back of the legs, with 2-1/2" screws

NOTE: Pocket hole users can skip this step

Layout the 1x6 headboard panels, and measure the overall width.

Cut 1x4 boards to this measurement. Attach 1x6 boards to the 1x4s with glue and 1-1/4" brad nails from the back side to hide nail holes. Make sure you apply glue between the 1x6 boards as you go. Check to make sure that the panel is constructed square (NOT a parallelogram) POCKET HOLE USERS: Attach 1x4s to the 4x4 legs with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws. Then nail the 1x6s to the 1x4s inside the headboard panel.

Step 3

Attach panel to the 2x2 cleats with 2-1/2" screws and glue. Also attach with a few 1-1/4" nails through front side into the 2x2 cleat where there is no 1x4. POCKET HOLE USERS can skip this step

Step 4

Measure the top overall width. Cut a 2x4 to this width. Attach with glue and screws to top of headboard.

Cut a 2x6 2" longer than the 2x4.

Attach with 1" overhang on all sides with 2-1/2" screws and glue. This completes the headboard build.

Step 6

The footboard is constructed the same as the headboard, with the exception of the 2x2 cleats on the back so that the siderail cleats can notch in. If you have trouble with your smaller 2x2 splitting try predrilling holes.

Step 7

Finish construction of the footboard exactly as you did the headboard.

Attach siderail cleats inside the footboard and to the headboard legs. Use 2-1/2" screws to secure.

This completes the footboard. Consider painting or staining your footboards and headboards and siderails now - then move all the pieces into the room for final assembly.

Step 9

Attach headboard support piece between the siderail cleats.

Step 10

Build the center legs - space the legs about 1/3 the way down - you don't have to be exact here.

Step 11

Attach the center legs inside the bed, splitting the spacing by about 1/3

Attach siderails to the siderail cleats.

We recommend using brackets to attach siderails at the top to the headboard and footboard. POCKET HOLE USERS: Drill a pocket hole at the top and attach.

Cut slats and lay about 4" apart in the bed.

Screw down with 2-1/2" screws.

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/farmhouse-bed-standard-king-size