Platform beds are inexpensive, attractive and sturdy, and you don't have to be an expert woodworker to make one yourself. With basic building skills, the proper tools and the right instructions to build a bed platform, you can build a bed that is low cost, attractive and will last a long time.
Basic Instructions
The following are very simple and basic instructions for building a bed platform.
- If you already have the mattress that you are going to use, measure the size of the mattress. Depending on the style of platform bed you want, base the size of the platform on the dimensions of the mattress or add about 10-12 inches to make a contemporary style platform bed where your mattress is placed in the middle of the platform. If you do not have a mattress decide on the size of the bed platform you want to build.
- Once you determine the size of the bed you want to build, calculate all the wood you are going to need for the bed frame using 2 x 4s.
- Cut the 2 x 4s to size or have them cut to size where you purchase them.
- Build a simple square or rectangular frame from the 2 x 4s by pre-drilling holes in the ends of them and attaching them together using wood screws.
- Measure the width of the inside of the bed frame and cut three or four 2 x 4s to that measurement to be used as support braces.
- Evenly space the support braces inside the bed frame and attach them to the frame with wood screws. Pre-drill the screw holes going from the outside of the bed frame inward.
- Place a piece of plywood or medium density fiberboard (MDF) on top of the bed frame, making sure it's straight. The wood needs to be precut to the proper size.
- Pre-drill holes into the top platform and use wood screws to attach the platform to the frame.
More DIY Plan Options
Free Plans
Free plans for building platform beds are available from many different sources on the Internet. Examples include:
- Free Woodworking Stuff provides a nice selection of free plans for several different bed styles.
- Popular Mechanics provides instructions on building a platform bed from homemade do-it-yourself veneer-covered plywood boxes that are simple to build.
- Workbench My Home Style, formerly Workbench Magazine, this site provides free detailed plans, a materials list and a cutting diagram for a beautiful bed.
Plans to Purchase
In addition to free bed plans, some websites offer woodworking plans for a nominal fee.
The following websites are several of those offering platform bed plans:
Plans Now
Plans Now offers more than 300 woodworking plans including a lovely low profile platform bed. The plans are designed as a queen size bed but can easily be converted to a king size bed. The original plans for this bed project appeared in issue number 160 of Woodsmith Magazine. The cost of the plans is under $10.00 and includes:
- Full color photographs including enlarged views
- A detailed step-by-step instruction guide that is twelve pages in length
- A cutting diagram
- A materials list
- Woodworking shop tips
- Woodworking techniques
As soon as you make payment for the plans, you have access to a downloadable file in PDF.
Amazon
Platform bed plans offered on websites such as Amazon and eBay may change over time as sellers' items change. However, both of these websites, and other similar selling venues, generally have sellers offering furniture plans. The following are two examples of platform bed plans offered on Amazon.
Padded Platform Bed Plans
Plans for a beautifully styled padded platform bed include four bed sizes, king, queen, full and twin. The set of plans is priced at under $20. The following are included in the plans:
- Complete and detailed instructions that are easy to follow
- Materials list
- Cutting diagrams and details
- Enlarged drawings
- Detailed drawings of parts
- Plans for two different style headboards
- Plans for four storage drawers underneath the platform
Contemporary Platform Bed Plans
Another style of this type of bed is contemporary in design and features three storage compartments underneath. Although the plans are for a queen size bed, they can easily be modified into a king or double size bed. Priced at under $20, the plans include:
- Complete and detailed instructions that are easy to follow
- Materials list
- Cutting diagrams and details
- Enlarged drawings
- Detailed drawings of parts
A Great DIY Project
Whether you decide to build a bed that is basic in design or choose one of the many different styles available, you are sure to have fun building it and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself. In most cases, following instructions to build a bed platform is simple and even a newcomer to do-it-yourself projects will find that they can make a bed that is sturdy, functional and pleasing to the eye.
