Modern Platform Bed Frame [All Mattress Sizes]

Build your own modern platform bed frame. Paint or stain any color you like. Easy to build from

Specifications

Project type	Beds and Bed Frames
Room	Bedroom
Style	Modern Style Furniture Plans
Difficulty	Beginner Projects
Estimated cost	$50 - $100

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Modern Platform Bed Frame [All Mattress Sizes] dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

Twin - Mattress Size 38" wide x 75" long

3 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
1 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
1 - 2" diameter or larger round wood dowels @ 30"
6 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
2-1/2" Kreg Pocket Hole Screws (about 50)
1-1/2" self tapping screws (for attaching the mattress slats) (about 25)
4 - 4-1/2" or longer lag screws (for attaching legs to the bed)

Full - Mattress Size 54" wide x 75" long

4 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
1 - 2" diameter or larger round wood dowels @ 30"
8 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
2-1/2" Kreg Pocket Hole Screws (about 50)
1-1/2" self tapping screws (for attaching the mattress slats) (about 25)
4 - 4-1/2" or longer lag screws (for attaching legs to the bed)

Queen - Mattress Size 60" wide x 80" long

4 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
1 - 2" diameter or larger round wood dowels @ 30"
8 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
2-1/2" Kreg Pocket Hole Screws (about 50)
1-1/2" self tapping screws (for attaching the mattress slats) (about 25)
4 - 4-1/2" or longer lag screws (for attaching legs to the bed)

Standard King - Mattress Size 76" wide x 80" long

4 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
3 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
1 - 2" diameter or larger round wood dowels @ 30"
12 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
2-1/2" Kreg Pocket Hole Screws (about 75)
1-1/2" self tapping screws (for attaching the mattress slats) (about 25)
4 - 4-1/2" or longer lag screws (for attaching legs to the bed)

California King - Mattress Size 72" wide x 84" long

4 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
3 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
1 - 2" diameter or larger round wood dowels @ 30"
12 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
2-1/2" Kreg Pocket Hole Screws (about 75)
1-1/2" self tapping screws (for attaching the mattress slats) (about 25)
4 - 4-1/2" or longer lag screws (for attaching legs to the bed)

Cut List

Twin - Mattress Size 38" wide x 75" long

2 - 2x6 @ 75" - siderails
2 - 2x2 @ 75" - cleats
2 - 2x6 @ 41" - top and bottom rails
4 - 2x6 @ 11-1/2" - long point to long point measurement, both ends cut at 45 degrees, ends NOT parallel - inside cross supports
1 - 2x4 @ 75" - center support
4 - 2" round wood dowels or similar @ 7-1/4" - legs
2 - 2x4 @ 10-1/4" - center legs
12 - 1x3 @ 38" - mattress slats

Full - Mattress Size 54" wide x 75" long

2 - 2x6 @ 75" - siderails
2 - 2x2 @ 75" - cleats
2 - 2x6 @ 57" - top and bottom rails
4 - 2x6 @ 11-1/2" - long point to long point measurement, both ends cut at 45 degrees, ends NOT parallel - inside cross supports
2 - 2x4 @ 75" - center support
4 - 2" round wood dowels or similar @ 7-1/4" - legs
4 - 2x4 @ 10-1/4" - center legs
8 - 1x3 @ 54" - mattress slats - use remaining scrap pieces as half slats

Queen - Mattress Size 60" wide x 80" long

2 - 2x6 @ 80" - siderails
2 - 2x2 @ 80" - cleats
2 - 2x6 @ 63" - top and bottom rails
4 - 2x6 @ 11-1/2" - long point to long point measurement, both ends cut at 45 degrees, ends NOT parallel - inside cross supports
2 - 2x4 @ 80" - center support
4 - 2" round wood dowels or similar @ 7-1/4" - legs
4 - 2x4 OR 2x6 @ 10-1/4" - center legs
8 - 1x3 @ 60" - mattress slats - use remaining scrap pieces as half slats

Standard King - Mattress Size 76" wide x 80" long

2 - 2x6 @ 80" - siderails
2 - 2x2 @ 80" - cleats
2 - 2x6 @ 79" - top and bottom rails
4 - 2x6 @ 11-1/2" - long point to long point measurement, both ends cut at 45 degrees, ends NOT parallel - inside cross supports
2 - 2x4 @ 80" - center support
4 - 2" round wood dowels or similar @ 7-1/4" - legs
6 - 2x4 OR 2x6 @ 10-1/4" - center legs
12 - 1x3 @ 76" - mattress slats

California King - Mattress Size 72" wide x 84" long

2 - 2x6 @ 84" - siderails
2 - 2x2 @ 84" - cleats
2 - 2x6 @ 75" - top and bottom rails
4 - 2x6 @ 11-1/2" - long point to long point measurement, both ends cut at 45 degrees, ends NOT parallel - inside cross supports
2 - 2x4 @ 84" - center support
4 - 2" round wood dowels or similar @ 7-1/4" - legs
6 - 2x4 OR 2x6 @ 10-1/4" - center legs
12 - 1x3 @ 72" - mattress slats

Tools

measuring tape
pencil
safety glasses
hearing protection
kreg-jig
drill
compound miter saw
sander

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1

Drill two 1-1/2" pocket holes on each end of the 2x6 siderails, with the pocket holes within 1" of the top or bottom edge of the 2x6 (so the 2x2 cleat shown in diagram won't cover it). Glue and screw 2x2 cleats to inside of the 2x6 siderails with 2-1/2" screws. You can use Kreg pocket hole screws. About one screw every 8-12". Build two identical.

Step 2

Attach siderails to the ends with 2-1/2" pocket hole screws and glue. Image is shown upside down.

Set miter saw to a 45 degree angle cut.

Cut from scrap 2x6s four angled corners for the bed. It is best to cut the small pieces off of a longer piece for safety, or clamp small pieces to the saw deck with and cut - avoid fingers close to the saw blade, especially when cutting angles. Drill 1-1/2" pocket holes as shown. Predrill and install the legs on to the 2x6 board with the 4" lag screws and glue.

Modern Platform Bed Frame [All Mattress Sizes] — step 3

Install cross supports with legs attached inside bed frame with the pocket holes.

Add additional screws through the small angled ends into the 2x6 bed frame with 2-1/2" screws.

Modern Platform Bed Frame [All Mattress Sizes] — step 4

Cut 2x4 center supports.

Drill 1-1/2" pocket holes, two per end, on each of the center supports. Add legs with 2-1/2" screws and glue. Place inside the bed frame and attach with pocket hole screws to the top and bottom of the bed.

Modern Platform Bed Frame [All Mattress Sizes] — step 5

Step 6

Lay slats in the bed frame with about 4" gap in between (for most standard mattresses - you may need more support depending on your mattress requirements). Attach with the shorter 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/modern-platform-bed-frame-all-mattress-sizes