Do you have a rickety metal bed frame? Or maybe you put your mattress on the floor with no frame at all. Have you ever thought about having a wooden bed frame? This frame can add a pretty charm to your room, and will eliminate annoying noise from metal parts. But remember, they are not cheap. Here's a simple plan for building your own wooden bed frame that can be turned to any size (or height!) you'd like.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Standard Queen Bed
Step 1. Purchase the equipment you need
See the "Things You'll Need" list below for specific details. The goal was to create a frame that would fit a queen size mattress (60" wide x 80" long). On top of that, you'll need to visit your local building shop to get the three basic ingredients:
- bed rail hanger
- Wood
- wood screw
Step 2. Install the bed rail hangers
This tool is essential in establishing rigid connections between all bed rails in the frame. Lock the bed rail hangers to the ends of the side rails and headboard. Double check that each installation is consistent. Repeat this process for all corners.
- These hangers can sometimes be hard to find at hardware stores. If so, check the online seller.
- Bed rail hangers are usually sold in 4 sets in one package.
- To replace the bed rail hanger, you can use 8 strong bolts. When tightened, the bolts make the bed very solid. Strong bolts are much easier to find than bed rail hangers.
Step 3. Attach the support rails
Screw the support rails on both sides of the rails. Be sure to leave a gap between the screws of 12 (30.5 cm). This provides maximum weight support.
Step 4. Create a support block
Cut the grooves into the truss blocks and girders, as shown. This groove should be a 1.5" x 3.5" gap in the middle, with the wider dimensions following the wider part of the block.
Step 5. Install the support block
Attach each support block to the center of the head rail and foot rail with screws as shown in the illustration.
Step 6. Connect the rails
Connect each rail to the posts using bed rail hangers.
Step 7. Add the girders
Insert the girder between the two truss blocks.
Step 8. Insert the wooden surface of your mattress cover
Lay the plywood on the truss rails and girders. The upholstery should fit snugly into the interior of the bed frame. When this is done, the mattress can be inserted in the frame.
Step 9. Done
Enjoy your new bed!
Method 2 of 3: Stage Bed
Step 1. Gather your materials and supplies
You'll need a circular saw, some L-shaped metal connectors, 3 screws, some MDF or veneer, and then some lumber. For wood, you'll need:
- Two piece 85" 2x4
- Five-piece 67" 2x4
- Eight-piece 19 3/8 2x4
- Two pieces 75" 2x12
- Four pieces 57" 2x12
Step 2. Create the base frame
Using standard connection ends, use screws to join 75" 2x12 logs and two 57" 2x12 logs into a 60"x75" square.
Step 3. Add the base support wood
Insert the remaining 57 2x12 lumber, divide the box into thirds, and then use the screws to screw the supports in place. Set the finished base aside.
Step 4. Create the stage frame
Using standard connection ends, use screws to join 85" 2x4 logs and two 67" 2x4 logs into a 70"x85" square.
Step 5. Add the stage support wood
Insert the remaining 67 2x4 lumber, divide the box into 4 sections, and then use the screws to screw the supports in place.
Step 6. Add stage supports
You will now add 19 3/8 2x4 wood between the supports, two for one section. Space them evenly but shake, so that the far left and second ends of the right have the same level of support and the far right and second ends the left has the same level of support. Tighten this wood with screws as well.
Step 7. Reinforce the ends and joints
Reinforce the inner ends of both the base and the stage with L-shaped iron connectors. You can also add L-shaped iron joints around some of the interior joints for added strength.
Step 8. Add the veneer wood surface
Mark and cut the plywood to fit on the surface of the stage. This will most likely require two pieces of upholstery to cover. Attach the veneer with screws to the inner supports, so that the screws do not appear on the visible stage.
Step 9. Paint the bed
Sand the wood and then paint or color the bed the desired color.
Step 10. Done
Set the stage on top of the base at the final location. You can attach the stage to the base with a few strategically placed L iron connectors if you wish. Just put on a full or queen size mat!
Method 3 of 3: Twin Size Captain's Bed
Step 1. Gather the ingredients
You will need two Ikea Expedit bookshelves (2x4 sq.), a few meters of velcro, a saw, screws, 24 ordinary L iron connectors with screws, and wood in the following cuts:
- Four pieces 38" 2x10
- Six pieces 28" 2x10
- Four pieces 16 & 3/4" 1x10
Step 2. Create the end box
You will use the wood to build two shelves that share the weight of the bed with the Expedit shelf. These boxes are made by connecting two 38" 2x10 pieces of wood with two 28" 2x10 pieces of wood into a 38"x31" square. Secure the parts using screws, 3 for each joint. Fasten each corner with an L iron connector in the middle.
Step 3. Add center supports
Another 28 2x10 lumber is positioned in the center and fixed in the same way to make two halves on each box. Secure the center supports with L-shaped iron connectors on each side above and below.
Step 4. Add shelves if desired
If you wish to have shelves, you can easily add to these shelves with a few pieces of 1x10 lumber cut into 16 & 3/4". Adjust the shelf to the desired height and then secure the bottom with an L iron connector, two to one side.
Step 5. Add supports for the ends of the shelves
Mark the shelf on the plywood and cut the back end with a saw. Nail the supports into place with a regular hammer or pneumatic nailing tool.
Step 6. Add the legs to the end of the shelf
You'll probably want to add legs to the base of this shelf to keep it from rubbing against the floor or moving. These can be easily purchased from a wide variety of stores.
Step 7. Paint the four bookshelves together
With the shelves finished, you'll want to paint them and the Expedit shelves the same color. Use a spray paint that is graded on a thin layer.
Step 8. Attach the plywood to the end of the shelf
Cut the plywood to 38" x 75". With the two shelves facing out and the Expedit shelf snug between them, nail the veneer by driving two nails through the veneer and into the top edge of the shelf end.
You can apply a non-slip base, such as the one under the rug, if you wish
Step 9. Set up the Expedit shelf as necessary
Arrange the Expedit shelves so that they are on the same side as the ends of the shelves.
Step 10. Give it the final touch
IKEA makes some useful entries for the Expedit shelf. You can add baskets, pull out drawers, or just plain doors, and they all come in a variety of colors. Enjoy your new bed!
This bed should only be used for children, because it cannot withstand extreme loads
Tips
- Adjust the choice of wood for the ends of your bed, and you can have a gorgeous four-poster bed! (larger diameter, swivel posts are all you need to tweak to make a great bed frame.)
- Sand the rough edges to make the bed frame smooth.
- Drill screw holes before screwing the parts together.
- Paint the wood in any color you like for a more eye-catching look.
