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Super Simple Bed Frame [Queen, Full and Twin Sizes]

Do you need a nice, sturdy, great looking bed frame, but don't want to pay a fortune? Here's how you can DIY your own for about the cost of the box spring (and you don't need a box spring!). This is the perfect bed for kids, guest rooms, an airbnb, or apartment life. Free

Super Simple Bed Frame [Queen, Full and Twin Sizes]

Specifications

Project typeBeds and Bed Frames
RoomBedroom
DifficultyBeginner Projects

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Super Simple Bed Frame [Queen, Full and Twin Sizes] dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

TWIN BED FRAME SHOPPING LIST - Mattress 39" x 75"

  • 4 - 2x4 @ 8' long or 92-5/8" stud length
  • 1 - 2x6 @ 10' long
  • 1 - 2x6 @ 8' long or 92-5/8" stud length
  • 1 - 1/4" to 1/2" thick plywood or similar @ 40" x 40-3/4" (a half sheet is enough)
  • 6 - 1x4 or 7 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
  • About 40 - 2-1/2" long Kreg Pocket Hole Screws
  • About 50 - 1-1/4" long screws, brad nails, or staples for attaching back plywood and slats
  • Wood Glue

FULL OR DOUBLE BED FRAME CUT LIST - Mattress 54" x 75"

  • 3 - 2x4 @ 8' long or 92-5/8" stud length (cut 75" pieces from these boards and footboard legs)
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 10' long or 104-5/8" stud length (cut the 50" pieces from these boards)
  • 3 - 2x6 @ 8' long or 92-5/8" stud length
  • 1 - 1/4" to 1/2" thick plywood or similar @ 55" x 40-3/4"
  • 6 - 1x4 or 7 - 1x3 @ 10 feet long
  • About 45 - 2-1/2" long Kreg Pocket Hole Screws
  • About 60 - 1-1/4" long screws, brad nails, or staples for attaching back plywood and slats
  • Wood Glue

QUEEN BED FRAME CUT LIST - Mattress 60" x 75"

  • 3 - 2x4 @ 8' long or 92-5/8" stud length (cut 75" pieces from these boards and footboard legs)
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 10' long (cut the 50" and 56" pieces from these boards)
  • 3 - 2x6 @ 8' long or 92-5/8" stud length
  • 1 - 1/4" to 1/2" thick plywood or similar @ 61" x 40-3/4"
  • 6 - 1x4 or 7 - 1x3 @ 10 feet long
  • About 45 - 2-1/2" long Kreg Pocket Hole Screws
  • About 60 - 1-1/4" long screws, brad nails, or staples for attaching back plywood and slats
  • Wood Glue

Cut List

TWIN BED FRAME CUT LIST - Mattress 39" x 75"

  • 2 - 2x4 @ 50" - headboard legs
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 35" - headboard top and bottom
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 13-1/2" - footboard legs
  • 1 - 2x6 @ 35" - footboard main board
  • 1 - 1/4" to 1/2" thick plywood or similar @ 40" x 40-3/4"
  • 2 - 2x6 @ 75" - siderails
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 75" - inside cleats
  • 12 - 1x4 or 14 - 1x3 @ 39" - bed slats

FULL OR DOUBLE BED FRAME CUT LIST - Mattress 54" x 75"

  • 2 - 2x4 @ 50" - headboard legs
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 50" - headboard top and bottom
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 13-1/2" - footboard legs
  • 1 - 2x6 @ 50" - footboard main board
  • 1 - 1/4" to 1/2" thick plywood or similar @ 55" x 40-3/4"
  • 2 - 2x6 @ 75" - siderails
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 75" - inside cleats
  • 12 - 1x4 or 14 - 1x3 @ 54" - bed slats

QUEEN BED FRAME CUT LIST - Mattress 60" x 75"

  • 2 - 2x4 @ 50" - headboard legs
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 56" - headboard top and bottom
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 13-1/2" - footboard legs
  • 1 - 2x6 @ 56" - footboard main board
  • 1 - 1/4" to 1/2" thick plywood or similar @ 61" x 40-3/4"
  • 2 - 2x6 @ 80" - siderails
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 80" - inside cleats
  • 12 - 1x4 or 14 - 1x3 @ 60" - bed slats

Tools

  • measuring tape
  • square
  • pencil
  • safety glasses
  • kreg-jig
  • drill
  • circular saw
  • nailer
  • sander

Step-by-step Instructions

1

Step 1

Drill two 1-1/2" pocket holes on each end of the horizontal boards and attach to the legs as shown.

Super Simple Bed Frame [Queen, Full and Twin Sizes] — step 1
2

Step 2

Attach plywood to the back with screws, nails or staples and glue.

Super Simple Bed Frame [Queen, Full and Twin Sizes] — step 2
3

Drill three 1-1/2" pocket holes on each end of the 2x6 siderails.

Paint or stain the headboard, footboard and siderails. In the room, attach siderails to the headboard and footboard, with 2-1/2" pocket hole screws. The headboard attachment height is 13-1/2" (matches height of footboard).

Super Simple Bed Frame [Queen, Full and Twin Sizes] — step 3
4

Add the inner cleats.

For queen and full size a center cleat is recommended. For contract grade (airbnb) or extra strength, center legs can be added to the center 2x4.

Super Simple Bed Frame [Queen, Full and Twin Sizes] — step 4
5

Step 5

Place slats about 4" apart on cleats and attach with the 1-1/4" fasteners.

Super Simple Bed Frame [Queen, Full and Twin Sizes] — step 5
6

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/super-simple-bed-frame-queen-full-and-twin-sizes