Basic Platform Bed Plans

This step by step diy article is about basic platform bed plans. I have designed this super simple platform bed frame so you can build it in one single day using basic tools and materials. In addition, considering queen size if the most common dimension I’ve decided to create the plan with those dimensions in mind. This will be a budget friendly project, but I still added a decorative headboard to make the bed full of style.

Always aligned the components before locking them together with screws. In addition, we recommend you to pre-drill the lumber, otherwise the wood might easily split. Add glue to the joints, if you want to enhance their bond. Smooth the cut edges with fine grit sandpaper and remove the residues using a vacuum cleaner. Make sure you take a look over the related plans to get an idea about what you can build for your home. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Made from this plan

Building a queen size platform bed

Materials

A – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 11 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 9 1/4″ long LEGS
B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 77″ long, 2 pieces – 61″ long FRAME
C – 2 piece of 1×2 lumber – 81” long, 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 81″ long CLEATS
D – 14 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 61″ long SLATS

5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 8′
14 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 6′
bed rail brackets
2 1/2″ screws, 2 1/2″ pocket screws
putty, glue, stain
queen mattress

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Pre-drill holes in the wooden components, before driving in the screws
Smooth the exposed edges, by using a router with a 1/4” bit

Time

One day

Building a 2×4 queen size bed

Assembling the sides of the bed frame

The first step of the project is to build the side frames for the platform bed. As you can see in the diagram, you need cut the components fro 2x4s. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the horizontal supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the legs. Align the edges and make sure the corners are square.

Assembling the bed frame – Basic platform bed

Next, you need to join the two sides by fitting the supports. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws. Place the supports with the pocket holes facing inward. Make sure the edges are flush and if the corners are square.

Fit the cleats to the bed frame

Use 1×2 lumber for the side cleats and 2×4 lumber for the middle cleat. Use 1 5/8″ screws to secure the side cleats to the bed frame. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the middle cleat and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock it into place tightly. You need to place the cleats 3/4″ under the top edge of the bed frame, so you can fit the support slats flush.

Fitting the middle leg

Fit the 2×4 leg to the middle cleat. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to secure it into place tightly.

Fitting the top slats

Attach the 1×4 slats to the top of the cleats. Cut a wood block at 2 1/2″ and then fit it between the slats, as spacer, to create even gaps. Use 1 5/8″ screws to secure the slats to the cleats, after drilling pilot holes.

Basic Platform Bed Plans – Queen Size

Fill the holes with wood putty and then smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Apply a few coats of paint/stain over the components to protect them from decay and to enhance the look of the bed frame. Check out PART 2 of the project, so you learn how to build the modern headboard.

Building a basic platform bed

Make sure you check out my other bed frame plans, as I have an extensive palette of free plans available on this blog. In addition, make sure you check out all my indoor plans HERE. See free plans for the headboard HERE.

Thank you for reading our article about basic queen size platform bed plans and we recommend you to check out the rest of our home improvement projects. Don’t forget to share this projects to your friends, using the social media widgets, if you’ve found it useful. Like us on Facebook to be the first that gets the latest updates and to help us create more free plans for you.

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