Platform bed frame plans

This article is about platform bed frame plans. In the past years, the platform bed frames have gained market share due to their nice appearance and high functionality. Consequently, more and more people crave to freshen up their bedrooms by purchasing a nice platform bed frame. Unfortunately, a king size platform bed frame may come at a prohibitive price for most of us, or you might haven’t found yet the one to fit your needs and tastes. Consequently, in this step by step article we will show how to build a nice platform bed  by using our free plans. Moreover, you can adjust the dimensions or the design of the platform frame, as to fulfill your needs and tastes.

A platform bed can take many shapes and designs, so it is up to you the one you choose. In addition, before building the platform bed frame, you have to decide the size of the mattress you are going to use.  Our platform bed frame plans are designed for a king size mattress, but you can adjust them as to fit your needs. When building the frame, you have to make pilot holes and then insert the screws (otherwise the wood would split).

Consequently, use a good drill machinery with torque control and sharp wood drill bits to make the holes. Then, insert the screws by using an electric screwdriver. Make sure the size of the drill bits is compatible with the screws you are using. Don’t forget to check out the rest of our furniture projects, if you want to see more step by step tutorials.

If you don’t like the idea of a double platform bed, then you could build just the top bed frame and the headboard. In addition, if you are a skilled diy-er you can add storage drawers and other unique features, as to satisfy your tastes and needs. In order to build the platform bed frame, you can choose to buy finished wood boards (more expensive but better quality), or regular wooden planks and sand them properly (cheaper but time-consuming).  See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

 

In order to use our platform bed frame plans, you need the following:

Materials

• A – 2 pieces of 2×8 – 70″, 4 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 63″, 3 pieces of 2×8 – 21 1/4” BASE
• B – 2 pieces of 2×4 – 84″, 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 81″, 10 pieces of 2×4 – 15” FRAME
• C – 2 pieces of 3/4” plywood or MDF – 42 x 84″ SUPPORT 
• D – 3 pieces of 1×6 – 48″, 7 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 84″ HEADBOARD

• 6 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 8′
• 10 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 1 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 9 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 8′
• 100 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
• 200 pieces of 1 1/4″ screws
• 20 pieces of 3 1/2″ screws
• glue, stain
• king size mattress

Tools

• Safety gloves, glasses
• Circular saw, jigsaw
• Spirit level, carpentry pencil, corner square
• Drill machinery and wood drill bits
• Electric screwdriver

Tips

• Make sure you pre-drill holes before inserting the screws
• Use hardware brackets rather than driving in the screws directly
• Use pocket hole screws

Time

• One Day

Related

• How to build a storage platform bed frame
• How to build a king size bed frame
• How to build a queen size bed frame
• Bunk bed frame plans

My best tips on building a king size platform bed with headboard:

Building a king-size platform bed with a headboard is a rewarding project that allows you to create a custom piece of furniture perfectly suited to your space. A platform bed is not only stylish but also functional, providing solid support without the need for a box spring. Here are my best tips for building a sturdy and attractive king-size platform bed with a headboard.

1. Plan Your Design

Start by planning the design of your platform bed. Consider the following:

• Size: A king-size bed typically measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, so your platform frame will need to accommodate this size. Make sure to leave some extra space for bedding or adjustments.
• Height: The height of the platform can vary, but a common height is between 12-18 inches off the ground. This height offers storage space underneath if desired.
• Style: Decide on the style of your bed. You can go for a minimalist design with clean lines or add decorative elements such as trims and molding for a more elegant look.
• Headboard: Plan for the size and style of the headboard. A tall, padded headboard adds a luxurious touch, while a simple wooden headboard gives a rustic or modern feel.

Sketching out your design helps you visualize the final product and ensures that you have the right materials.

2. Gather the Materials

Here’s a list of the essential materials for building a king-size platform bed:

• 2x4s or 2x6s for the bed frame and headboard
• Plywood (3/4 inch thick) for the platform base
• Wood screws and lag bolts
• L-brackets or corner braces for added stability
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper and wood stain or paint
• Headboard materials (plywood, fabric, padding, or additional wood)
• Tools: Circular saw, drill, measuring tape, clamps, and level

Be sure to choose high-quality, sturdy wood for the bed frame to ensure long-lasting durability.

3. Build the Bed Frame

The bed frame is the foundation of your platform bed, so it needs to be solid and secure:

• Cut the frame pieces: Cut two side rails from 2×6 boards, each 80 inches long, and two end rails at 76 inches. These will form the outer frame.
• Assemble the frame: Attach the end rails to the side rails using wood screws and L-brackets for reinforcement. Check that the frame is square by measuring diagonally from corner to corner.
• Add support beams: Cut additional 2×6 boards to create support beams that will run across the middle of the bed frame. Space the support beams every 16-18 inches to provide a sturdy base for the mattress.
• Install corner supports: Reinforce the corners with corner braces or additional wood blocks for extra stability.

Once the bed frame is assembled, make sure it’s level and sturdy before proceeding.

4. Add the Platform Base

The platform base provides the surface for the mattress to rest on:

• Cut the plywood: Measure and cut 3/4 inch plywood to fit snugly on top of the bed frame. You may need to use multiple pieces, depending on the width of the plywood.
• Secure the plywood: Attach the plywood to the frame using wood screws, making sure it’s evenly spaced and flush with the top of the frame. Pre-drill the holes to prevent the wood from splitting.

This creates a flat, supportive base for the mattress, ensuring a stable sleeping surface.

5. Build the Headboard

The headboard is a key feature that adds both style and function to your bed:

• Cut the headboard frame: Use 2×4 or 2×6 boards to build the frame for the headboard. A typical king-size headboard is about 76 inches wide and can range in height from 36-48 inches, depending on your preference.
• Attach the headboard: Secure the headboard frame to the back of the bed frame using lag bolts or wood screws. Make sure the headboard is centered and level.
• Decorate the headboard: You can customize the headboard by adding plywood backing, fabric, and padding for an upholstered look, or leave it natural for a more rustic or modern design.

If you choose an upholstered headboard, wrap the plywood backing with foam padding and fabric, then secure it with a staple gun.

6. Sand and Stain or Paint

Before finishing the bed, sand all surfaces to smooth out rough edges and imperfections:

• Sand the wood: Use medium-grit sandpaper to smooth the edges and surfaces of the frame and headboard.
• Apply stain or paint: Once the wood is smooth, apply your choice of wood stain or paint to match the style of your room. If staining, apply at least two coats of stain and finish with a clear sealant to protect the wood.
• Allow drying time: Let the stain or paint dry completely before moving on to the final assembly.

Sanding and finishing not only enhance the look of the bed but also protect the wood from wear and tear.

7. Assemble the Bed in Place

Once the frame, platform, and headboard are complete, it’s time to assemble the bed in its final location:

• Move the bed frame: If you’ve built the frame outside the bedroom, carefully move it into place. You may need help to carry and position the bed frame, especially for a king-size bed.
• Secure the headboard: Attach the headboard securely to the wall or the bed frame, depending on your design. Ensure it’s flush and level.

Once the bed is assembled, place your mattress on top and enjoy your new custom platform bed!

Bonus Tip: Add Storage Underneath If you want extra storage space, consider adding built-in drawers or storage baskets underneath the platform. This makes the most of the space and adds functionality to your bed design.

King size platform bed plans

King size platform bed frame

Smart tip: Building a simple platform bed frame is a great opportunity to use your creativity. The plans in this article are detailed and can be used as their are, but you could also adjust the size and the design of the bed frame, as to fit your needs and the style of your bedroom.

Platform bed frame plans

Platform bed base structure

First of all, you have to build the base bed frame, by using 2×8 wooden boards (you can use 2×10 boards if you want a taller bed frame). Consequently, cut 2 wooden boards at 70”, while the other boards must be cut at 63”. In order to make the cuts, you have to use a circular saw or a jig saw.

Make sure you buy quality wooden boards, without scratches or cracks, as to build a durable and nice looking platform bed frames.

Cutting wooden boards

In order to make accurate cuts, you have to use an l-square and a carpentry pencil to draw the cut line. Next, you could make a smart set up, as to help you cut the boards perfectly straight.  Use another board and 2 C-clamps to secure the board, to ensure the blade of the saw goes exactly over the cut line, at both ends.

You can read more about this technique, by reading our article on how to build a wooden bed frame.

Ensuring frame corners are square

Next, after you have cut the boards at the proper dimensions, you have to build the frame. Consequently, use a corner square to make sure the corners of the platform bed frame are 90º angled. This aspect is essential, so make sure you check this several times for every corner of the frame. Next, you have to drill at least 2 holes at every joint, by using a good drill machinery with torque control. If you decide to insert the screws without making the pilot holes, you risk cracking the wood boards.

Setup for bed frame joint

We strongly recommend you to use the following setup when connecting the wooden boards. Therefore, use a 4×4 piece and 4 C-clamps to lock the wooden boards into position, before making the pilot holes with the drill machinery.

Use a good wood drill bit and make sure its size is compatible with the screws you are going to insert. Using a smaller or a larger drill bit is a common mistake, so pay attention to the size of the drill bit when making the holes.

Platform bed frame

Next, after you have assembled the base frame, you need to build the platform frame using the same techniques. Study carefully our platform bed frame plans and build the wooden structure properly.

Smart tip: Cut the 2×4 wooden boards at the proper dimensions and connect them by using the wooden screws (2 1/2 – 3”). Make sure you pre-drill before inserting the screws, as to avoid cracking the wood.

Centering the platform frame on base

Next, after you have finished assembling the platform bed frame, you should center it on the base structure. As you can see in the image, on both sides you must have the same distance (6”).

Nevertheless, as you can notice, at the head of the bed frame, the two structures should overlap perfectly. The platform bed frame is designed to protect your legs from hitting the base frame and to create a nice storage area for books.

Toenailing the two frames

Remember that the two frames must be locked together tightly, by using 3 1/2” screws. At each intersection of the the two frames, just drill holes (at angle) and then insert the screws. This techniques is called toenailing and it is very efficient in this case, as it lock together the wooden structures.

If you have built the frames properly (level and square), you should find it a relatively easy job to connect them together.

Platform bed plywood

After you have build the frame, by using our platform bed frame plans, you have to attach the plywood or the MDF. Therefore, you have to go to your local diy store and order the needed surface (in our case 84 x 84”). They will cut the plywood for you (better than you could do it with a saw) as you will need more than one board.

You could buy a thick plywood or a nice looking MDF, it all depends on your budget and tastes.

King size mattress on platform bed

Next, you have to install the mattress on your brand new platform bed frame. The cost of this project will be around 150-200 dollars, if you use the best quality materials. If you choose average quality material, you could pull it trough even cheaper.

Last but not least, I think this platform bed frame would look fantastic with a nice headboard, so we will show you the plans.

Headboard plans for platform bed frame

Bed frame headboard

We recommend you to use 1×6 wooden boards to make the frame of the headboard. Next, you have to fasten the wooden boards by using 2 screws in each frame. Pay attention to the screws you are going to use and make sure they are smaller than the added thickness of the wood boards + the frame.

Smart tip: We recommend you to use quality wooden boards, as to make your platform bed frame have a neat look.

Platform bed frame

Last but not least, you have to connect the wooden headboard to the platform bed frame by using wood screws. After you have assembled the bed frame, you can enjoy your brand new bed frame.

Smart tip: You can use the space under the bed frame to deposit books or other little objects. In addition, you can paint the bed frame as to fit with the rest of your house, therefore it is essential to use quality wooden boards.

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

By following these steps, you’ll be able to build a sturdy and stylish king-size platform bed with a headboard. With careful planning, quality materials, and attention to detail, your DIY bed will provide both comfort and a striking focal point in your bedroom.

Thank you for reading our article about platform bed frame plans and we recommend you to check out the rest of our projects. Please share our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets. LIKE us on Facebook to be the first that gets our latest projects and to.

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