Simple Build Bed Frame in All Mattress Sizes

DIY Bed Frame with Headboard – VERY Easy to Build, Beautiful, and Fits Any Room This solid wood bed frame is the perfect project for any bedroom—master, guest room, or kid’s room. Built with standard 2x lumber and assembled with just screws, it’s a super simple design that looks beautiful in any space. With it's clever assembly design, there's minimal fasteners to hide, so you'll get a higher end finish with less work! • All mattress sizes – twin, full, queen, we didn't test king so didn't put the plans out, but don't see why it wouldn't work • Compact Save space with this compact design • Easy to change sheets - the mattress sits over the footboard - GREAT FOR AIRBNBS! • SAVE MONEY – no box spring, bed skirt, or extra frame needed. • Easy to take apart – unscrews quickly for moving or storage. • Beginner-friendly – no pocket holes, no crazy fasteners, just screws. • Stylish and strong – clean design with the durability of real wood. Why You’ll Love It This bed is designed for real life: easy to build, easy to move, and easy to live with. Its compact size makes it perfect for small rooms, apartments, or cabins, while its simple lines look great with any décor style. Whether you’re just starting out in woodworking or looking for a fast weekend project, this DIY bed frame delivers everything you need: strength, beauty, and affordability.

Specifications

Project type	Beds and Bed Frames
Room	Bedroom
Difficulty	Beginner Projects

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Simple Build Bed Frame in All Mattress Sizes dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

For 2x board, choose yellow toned wood, this will be easier to work with. The paneling in the headboard can be any 3/4" thick material, for example plywood for a smooth panel or shiplap paneling for a farmhouse look.

TWIN SHOPPING LIST (75" x 39")

2 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x6 @ 10 feet long
3 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
5 - 1x6 @ 36"
5- 1x4 @ 6 feet long (bed slats)
About 70 - 2-1/2" self tapping star bit screws (for majority of assembly)
About 50 - 1-3/4" self tapping start bit screws (for attaching 1x6 and 1x4s)

FULL SHOPPING LIST (75" x 54")

4 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x6 @ 12 feet long
3 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
5 - 1x6 @ 51"
10 - 1x4 @ 51" (for bed slats, can be 1x3 or any 3/4" thick material)
About 70 - 2-1/2" self tapping star bit screws (for majority of assembly)
About 50 - 1-3/4" self tapping start bit screws (for attaching 1x6 and 1x4s)

QUEEN SHOPPING LIST (80" x 60")

4 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x6 @ 12 feet long
3 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
5 - 1x6 @ 57"
12 - 1x4 @ 57" (for bed slats, can be 1x3 or any 3/4" thick material)
About 70 - 2-1/2" self tapping star bit screws (for majority of assembly)
About 50 - 1-3/4" self tapping start bit screws (for attaching 1x6 and 1x4s)

TIP: Stain the wood boards before cutting, for easy assembly and a beautiful finish. After assembly touch up the end cuts.

Cut List

TWIN CUT LIST (75" x 39")

2 - 2x4 @ 37" - headboard legs
2 - 2x6 @ 72" - siderails
2 - 2x4 @ 12-1/2" - footboard legs
2 - 2x2 @ 42-1/2" - headboard legs - back cleats
2 - 2x4 @ 7" - footboard legs, front
2 - 2x2 @ 72" - cleats
2 - 2x6 @ 39" - headboard and footboard
1 - 2x4 @ 40" - headboard top
5 - 1x6 @ 36" - headboard paneling
10 - 1x4 @ 36" - bed slats (can be any 1x material like 1x3s or 3/4" plywood)

FULL CUT LIST (75" x 54")

2 - 2x4 @ 37" - headboard legs
2 - 2x6 @ 72" - siderails
2 - 2x4 @ 12-1/2" - footboard legs
2 - 2x2 @ 42-1/2" - headboard legs - back cleats
2 - 2x4 @ 7" - footboard legs, front
2 - 2x2 @ 72" - cleats
2 - 2x6 @ 54" - headboard and footboard
1 - 2x4 @ 55" - headboard top
5 - 1x6 @ 51" - headboard paneling
10 - 1x4 @ 51" - bed slats (can be any 1x material like 1x3s or 3/4" plywood)
1 - 2x4 @ 75" - inside bed support
1 - 2x4 @ 51" - headboard bed support
1 - 2x4 @ 11-3/4" - center leg

QUEEN CUT LIST (80" x 60")

2 - 2x4 @ 37" - headboard legs
2 - 2x6 @ 77" - siderails
2 - 2x4 @ 12-1/2" - footboard legs
2 - 2x2 @ 42-1/2" - headboard legs - back cleats
2 - 2x4 @ 7" - footboard legs, front
2 - 2x2 @ 77" - cleats
2 - 2x6 @ 60" - headboard and footboard
1 - 2x4 @ 61" - headboard top
5 - 1x6 @ 57" - headboard paneling
10 - 1x4 @ 57" - bed slats (can be any 1x material like 1x3s or 3/4" plywood)
1 - 2x4 @ 80" - inside bed support
1 - 2x4 @ 57" - headboard bed support
1 - 2x4 @ 11-3/4" - center leg

Tools

measuring tape
square
pencil
safety glasses
drill
circular saw
sander

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1

Build two of the leg sets in mirror as shown, using the longer screws to attach the legs to the side rails.

Attach the 7" 2x4 pieces to the fronts of the legs with long screws from the back.

Add the 2x2 pieces to the headboard, flush to the outsides.

Simple Build Bed Frame in All Mattress Sizes — step 2

Step 3

Add the inside cleats as shown with the longer screws.

Step 4

Bring pieces into the room. Attach headboard and footboard to the side rails to tie the bed together.

Add the 2x4 on top - this is a must as it keeps the headboard from warping.

Add the planking from the back with the shorter screws.

Simple Build Bed Frame in All Mattress Sizes — step 5

Step 6

For full size and queen size, one center legs and one back support is needed to further support the mattress. For king, you'll need two center supports. Build and cut as shown.

Step 7

Cut slats and lay on the inner framing. Screw down 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/simple-build-bed-frame-all-mattress-sizes