How to build a simple bed frame

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a simple bed frame. Building a basic and cheap wooden bed frame is an easy project, if proper plans are used. Therefore, we strongly recommend you to adjust the size of the bed frame according to the dimensions of the mattress and to follow the tips and instructions described in this article.

If you want to build a basic and cheap bed frame, then you have to pay attention to the instructions described in this article. Therefore, it is highly essential to invest in the best materials you can afford, as the investment will pay off on the long run. Moreover, you need to gather all the tools required for the project from the very beginning, as to save time and to get the job done quickly.

There are many projects and designs you could choose from, so make sure you take a look over the rest of the bed frame plans before starting the actual construction. Take accurate measurements and align the components at both ends before inserting the screws. In addition, you should add waterproof glue to the joints, if you want to get a rigid structure and a professional result. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a simple bed frame

Materials

A – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 6” long LEGS
B – 2 pieces of 2×12 lumber – 63 1/2” long, 2 pieces – 80 1/2″ long FRAME
C – 3 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 80 1/2″ long CLEATS
D – 17 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 60 1/2” long SLATS
E – 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 85 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 65 1/2″ long TRIMS

1 piece of 4×4 lumber – 2 ft
2 pieces of 2×12 lumber – 12 ft
3 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
4 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 8 ft
9 pieces of 1x 4 lumber – 12 ft
queen mattress
1 1/4″ screws
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ brad nails
glue, stain

Tools

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

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface

Time

One Day

Building the frame

The first step of the project is to build the frame of the wooden bed. As you can see in the plans, you need to cut the 2×12 slats at the right size and to lock them together with galvanized screws. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the side slats and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the rim components. Use a carpentry square to check if the corners are right-angled.

Installing the legs

Afterwards, you should attach the 4×4 legs to the corners of the bed frame. In order to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to drill pilot holes and to insert the screws into the frame of the simple bed. Place a spirit level on top of the frame to check if it is perfectly horizontal.

Attaching the cleats

The next step of the woodworking project is to attach the 2×2 cleats inside the bed frame. As you can easily notice in the image, we recommend you to align the cleats at both ends, to drill pilot holes and to lock them to the frame with galvanized screws. Place a spirit level on top of the cleats to make sure they are perfectly horizontal.

Fitting the slats

Continue the project by attaching the slats to the cleats. After cutting the slats at the right size you should place them equally spaced and lock them to the cleats with 1 1/4″ screws. Leave about 1 – 1 1/2″ between the slats in order to support the weight effectively.

Attaching the trims

If you want to add character to your bed frame, we recommend you to add 1×3 trims to the top of the bed frame. Moreover, we recommend you to cut the ends of the slats at 45 degrees, in order to get accurate joints. Lock the trims to the frame with finishing nails and waterproof glue.

How to build a simple bed frame

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Afterwards, smooth the wooden surface with fine-grit sandpaper and vacuum the residues. Fit the mattress inside the bed frame and move it to the right location in your bedroom.

If you want to download the plans. just click on the GET PDF PLANS button bellow.

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