Farmhouse Bed

to build Farmhouse Bed. This is an updated plan designed to be easier to build. include king, queen, twin and full sizes with cut lists and shopping lists. Step by step diagrams and video tutorial, with lots of reader submitted photos. Build your own farmhouse bed today!

Specifications

Project type	Beds and Bed Frames
Room	Bedroom
Difficulty	Intermediate

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Shopping List

Twin Size (38" x 75")

2 - 4x4 @ 6 feet long
2 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
3 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
1 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x8 @ 8 feet long
3 - 1x8 @ 8 feet long
5 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long (slats)
16 - 1-1/4" pocket hole screws
12 - 2-1/2" pocket hole screws
30 - 2-1/2" self tapping star bit wood construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
1-1/4" brad nails
wood glue

Full size (54" x 75")

2 - 4x4 @ 6 feet long
2 - 1x4 @ 10 feet long
5 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
1 - 2x6 @ 12 feet long
2 - 2x8 @ 8 feet long
4 - 1x8 @ 8 feet long
5- 1x4 @ 10 feet long (slats)
16 - 1-1/4" pocket hole screws
12 - 2-1/2" pocket hole screws
50 - 2-1/2" self tapping star bit wood construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
1-1/4" brad nails
wood glue

Queen Size (60" x 80")

2 - 4x4 @ 6 feet long
2 - 1x4 @ 12 feet long
5 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x6 @ 6 feet long
2 - 2x8 @ 8 feet long
4 - 1x8 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x8 @ 4 feet long
6 - 1x4 @ 10 feet long (slats)
16 - 1-1/4" pocket hole screws
12 - 2-1/2" pocket hole screws
50 - 2-1/2" self tapping star bit wood construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
1-1/4" brad nails
wood glue

Standard King (76" x 80")

2 - 4x4 @ 6 feet long
4 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
5 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x8 @ 8 feet long
5 - 1x8 @ 8 feet long
1- 1x8 @ 4 feet long
11 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long (slats)
16 - 1-1/4" pocket hole screws
12 - 2-1/2" pocket hole screws
50 - 2-1/2" self tapping star bit wood construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
1-1/4" brad nails
wood glue

California King (72" x 84")

2 - 4x4 @ 6 feet long
4 - 1x4 @ 6 feet long
5 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x8 @ 8 feet long
5 - 1x8 @ 8 feet long
12 - 1x4 @ 6 feet long (slats)
16 - 1-1/4" pocket hole screws
12 - 2-1/2" pocket hole screws
50 - 2-1/2" self tapping star bit wood construction screws (SPAX or GRK brand or similar)
1-1/4" brad nails
wood glue

Cut List

Twin Size (38" x 75")

2 - 4x4 @ 51" - headboard legs
2 - 4x4 @ 20-1/2" - footboard legs
4 - 1x4 @ 38" - headboard/footboard trim
2 - 2x4 @ 45" - headboard/footboard top
2 - 2x6 @ 47" - headboard footboard top
6 - 1x8 @ 30" - headboard panel boards
6 - 1x8 @ 18" - footboard panel boards
2 - 2x8 @ 75"- siderails
2 - 2x4 @ 79-3/4" - cleats
10 - 1x4 @ 38" - slats
Twin size does not require inner support system

Full size (54" x 75")

2 - 4x4 @ 51" - headboard legs
2 - 4x4 @ 20-1/2" - footboard legs
4 - 1x4 @ 54" - headboard/footboard trim
2 - 2x4 @ 61" - headboard/footboard top
2 - 2x6 @ 63" - headboard footboard top
8 - 1x8 @ 30" - headboard panel boards
8 - 1x8 @ 18" - footboard panel boards
2 - 2x8 @ 75" - siderails
2 - 2x4 @ 79-3/4" - cleats
1 - 2x4 @ 76-3/4" - center support
3 - 2x4 @ 9-1/2" - center support main legs
1 - 2x4 @ 6-1/2" - center support footboard leg
10 - 1x4 @ 54" - slats

Queen Size (60" x 80")

2 - 4x4 @ 51" - headboard legs
2 - 4x4 @ 20-1/2" - footboard legs
4 - 1x4 @ 60" - headboard/footboard trim
2 - 2x4 @ 67" - headboard/footboard top
2 - 2x6 @ 69" - headboard footboard top
9 - 1x8 @ 30" - headboard panel boards
9 - 1x8 @ 18" - footboard panel boards
2 - 2x8 @ 80"- siderails
2 - 2x4 @ 84-3/4" - cleats
1 - 2x4 @ 81-3/4" - center support
3 - 2x4 @ 9-1/2" - center support main legs
1 - 2x4 @ 6-1/2" - center support footboard leg
11 - 1x4 @ 60" - slats

Standard King (76" x 80")

2 - 4x4 @ 51" - headboard legs
2 - 4x4 @ 20-1/2" - footboard legs
4 - 1x4 @ 76" - headboard/footboard trim
2 - 2x4 @ 83" - headboard/footboard top
2 - 2x6 @ 85" - headboard footboard top
11 - 1x8 @ 30" - headboard panel boards
11- 1x8 @ 18" - footboard panel boards
2 - 2x8 @ 80"- siderails
2 - 2x4 @ 84-3/4" - cleats
1 - 2x4 @ 81-3/4" - center support
3 - 2x4 @ 9-1/2" - center support main legs
1 - 2x4 @ 6-1/2" - center support footboard leg
11 - 1x4 @ 76" - slats

California King (72" x 84")

2 - 4x4 @ 51" - headboard legs
2 - 4x4 @ 20-1/2" - footboard legs
4 - 1x4 @ 72" - headboard/footboard trim
2 - 2x4 @ 79" - headboard/footboard top
2 - 2x6 @ 81" - headboard footboard top
10 - 1x8 @ 30" - headboard panel boards
10 - 1x8 @ 18" - footboard panel boards
2 - 2x8 @ 84" - siderails
2 - 2x4 @ 88-3/4" - cleats
1 - 2x4 @ 85-3/4" - center support
3 - 2x4 @ 9-1/2" - center support main legs
1 - 2x4 @ 6-1/2" - center support footboard leg
11 - 1x4 @ 72" - slats

Tools

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

Step-by-step Instructions

Drill two pocket holes on each end of the 1x4 boards.

Face the nicest side of the 4x4 down. Elevate 1x4 up on scrap 1x material. Attach to the 4x4s with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws. NOTE: The footboard length was shortened by 1/2" to allow for cuts to fit on a 6' long 4x4 boards. As shown, headboard and footboard are face down.

Step 2

Lay the planking pieces out on the headboard and footboard to make sure it all fits. Make any adjustments as necessary. Start in the center and work outward. For an odd number of panel boards, mark the center of the first panel board and match it to the center marks. For an even number of panel boards, start at the center marks. Attach planking pieces with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue, working from the center outward. For the end pieces, rip to fit with a tablesaw. Then attach with glue and brad nails.

Step 3

Measure and cut the top 2x4 pieces to fit. Attach from the top with 2-1/2" wood screws and glue.

Cut the 2x6 final top piece 2" longer than the 2x4 from previous step.

Attach with 1" overhang on all sides with 2-1/2" self tapping screws. Use glue.

Finishing

The headboard and footboard are ready for finish. Sand well with 120 grit sandpaper, then finish with 220 grit sandpaper. Remove all sanding residue with a vacuum with soft bristled brush. Paint or stain as desired. A final 220 sanding on the finish will achieve a buttery soft finish. Assembly Drill three 1-1/2" pocket holes on each end of the 2x8 siderails. Attach to the headboard and footboard, the height at the top is 12", with 2-1/2" pocket hole screws.

Step 6

Attach the 2x4 cleat on the inside of the siderail. Screw to 4x4 legs and the 2x8 using 2-1/2" self tapping wood screws, spacing screws about 10" appart.

Build the center support (not required for twin) using the 2-1/2" self tapping screws.

Screw center support to the footboard, where the 1x4 outside trim is located, using two 2-1/2" self tapping wood screws. The center support is centered on the footboard.

Lay slats on top of cleats and center support.

You can nail down with the 1-1/4" brad nails, or use 1-1/4" self tapping screws to secure.

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-updated-plan-all-mattress-sizes