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Simplest DIY Bed Frame (All Mattress Sizes)

Skip the box spring or the metal bed frame and build your own DIY bed frame - costs about the same as a bed skirt! It's easy - just screwing together some lumber and adding legs. In this step by step plan you'll find a detailed shopping list, cut list, and diagrams.

Simplest DIY Bed Frame (All Mattress Sizes)

Specifications

Project typeBeds and Bed Frames
RoomBedroom
DifficultyBeginner Projects

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Simplest DIY Bed Frame (All Mattress Sizes) dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

Twin (38" x 75")

  • 3 - 2x6 @ 8'
  • 2 - 2x2 @ 8'
  • 5- 1x4 @ 8' (used for slats, can be scrap wood material)
  • 25 - 2-1/2" long self tapping screws (star bit) for general construction
  • 20 - 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping screws (star bit) for screwing down slats

Full (54" x 75")

  • 2 - 2x6 @ 8'
  • 2 - 2x2 @ 8'
  • 1 - 2x6 @ 10' - can be cut in half for transport, used for the 57" cuts
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 8'
  • 5 - 1x4 @ 10' or 10 - 1x4 @ 8' (used for slats, can be scrap wood material)
  • 30 - 2-1/2" long self tapping screws (star bit) for general construction
  • 20 - 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping screws (star bit) for screwing down slats

Queen (60" x 80")

  • 4 - 2x6 @ 8'
  • 2 - 2x2 @ 8'
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 8'
  • 5 - 1x4 @ 10' or 10 1x4 @ 8' (used for slats, can be scrap wood material)
  • 30 - 2-1/2" long self tapping screws (star bit) for general construction
  • 20 - 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping screws (star bit) for screwing down slats

Standard King (76" x 80")

  • 4 - 2x6 @ 8'
  • 2 - 2x2 @ 8'
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 8'
  • 10 - 1x4 @ 8' (used for slats, can be scrap wood material)
  • 40 - 2-1/2" long self tapping screws (star bit) for general construction
  • 20 - 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping screws (star bit) for screwing down slats

California King (72" x 84")

  • 4 - 2x6 @ 8'
  • 2 - 2x2 @ 8'
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 8'
  • 10 - 1x4 @ 6' or 5 - 1x4 @ 12' (used for slats, can be scrap wood material)
  • 40 - 2-1/2" long self tapping screws (star bit) for general construction
  • 20 - 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping screws (star bit) for screwing down slats

Cut List

Twin (38" x 75")

  • 2 - 2x6 @ 75"
  • 2 - 2x2 @ 75"
  • 2 - 2x6 @ 41"
  • 10 - 1x4 @ 38"
  • 4 - 2x6 @ cut both ends at 45 degrees (optional corner supports)

Full (54" x 75")

  • 2 - 2x6 @ 75"
  • 2 - 2x2 @ 75"
  • 2 - 2x6 @ 57"
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 75"
  • 10 - 1x4 @ 54"
  • 4 - 2x6 @ cut both ends at 45 degrees (optional corner supports)
  • 2 - 2x4 @ about 11" - measure and cut to fit - center "legs"

Queen (60" x 80")

  • 2 - 2x6 @ 80"
  • 2 - 2x2 @ 80"
  • 2 - 2x6 @ 63"
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 80"
  • 10 - 1x4 @ 60"
  • 4 - 2x6 @ cut both ends at 45 degrees (optional corner supports)
  • 2 - 2x4 @ about 11" - measure and cut to fit - center "legs"

Standard King (76" x 80")

  • 2 - 2x6 @ 80"
  • 2 - 2x2 @ 80"
  • 2 - 2x6 @ 79"
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 80"
  • 10 - 1x4 @ 76"
  • 4 - 2x6 @ cut both ends at 45 degrees (optional corner supports)
  • 2 - 2x4 @ about 11" - measure and cut to fit - center "legs"

California King (72" x 84")

  • 2 - 2x6 @ 84"
  • 2 - 2x2 @ 84"
  • 2 - 2x6 @ 75"
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 84
  • 10 - 1x4 @ 72"
  • 4 - 2x6 @ cut both ends at 45 degrees (optional corner supports)
  • 2 - 2x4 @ about 11" - measure and cut to fit - center "legs"

Tools

  • measuring tape
  • pencil
  • safety glasses
  • drill
  • circular saw
  • sander

Step-by-step Instructions

1

Step 1

On the side 2x6s, attach 2x2 cleats to the inside with the 2-1/2" screws.

Simplest DIY Bed Frame (All Mattress Sizes) — step 1
2

Step 2

Attach top and bottom to the sides.

Simplest DIY Bed Frame (All Mattress Sizes) — step 2
3

Step 3

Add the center 2x4, so the top is at the same height as the 2x2s.

Simplest DIY Bed Frame (All Mattress Sizes) — step 3
4

If additional support is desired, add corner bracing.

The corner bracing is simply 2x6s with both ends cut down to 45 degrees. This will add considerable strength to the bed frame. Screw from both sides.

Simplest DIY Bed Frame (All Mattress Sizes) — step 4
5

Lay slats on the 2x2s and the 2x4s and attach.

You can also use half slats if using up scrap lumber.

Simplest DIY Bed Frame (All Mattress Sizes) — step 5
6

Step 6

Attach the bed legs to the base with screws.

Simplest DIY Bed Frame (All Mattress Sizes) — step 6
7

Step 7

For king sized beds, add the center leg supports to support the weight from the center.

Simplest DIY Bed Frame (All Mattress Sizes) — step 7
8

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/simplest-diy-bed-frame-all-mattress-sizes