Build a Platform Bed
A platform bed is one that doesn't use a box spring or metal frame. Instead, it consists of a wooden platform and a mattress, sometimes with side rails, a headboard or drawers. Platform beds have existed throughout history, while box springs have only been available for about the last 150 years. Platform beds may be simple in design or heavily decorated, novice furniture makers can build a simple platform.
Steps
- Measure your mattress. Your platform should be 1 inch wider and 1 inch (2 to 3 cm) longer than your mattress, so when you put the mattress on the finished platform bed, there will be 1/2 inch (1 cm) of platform on each side.
- Subtract 12 inches (30 cm) from the length and width of your mattress to get the measurements for the base of your platform. The base should be smaller than the platform to keep you from stubbing your toes on the base when you get into bed.
- Gather your materials. In addition to the wood for your platform bed, you will need an assortment of tools and supplies, including painting or staining supplies.
- Build the base of the platform using either 2-by-8- or 2-by-10-foot boards. Consider things such as baseboard heaters, outlets and the thickness of your mattress when deciding how tall to build the platform.
- Cut the boards to the correct size for the base and arrange them on their edges in a rectangle. Measure and cut 2 or 3 crosspieces, depending on the size of the base, to fit inside the rectangle. Space the crosspieces at even intervals.
- Assemble the base using wood screws. Drill pilot holes for the screws in each board and apply carpenter's glue to the cut ends to help seal the joints. Use a carpenter's square to make sure all the boards meet at 90-degree angles.
- Place short pieces of board in the gaps between cross pieces and screw them in place to help stabilize the base. Stagger the pieces evenly.
- Allow time for the glue to dry. Cover the screw heads with wood putty, then paint or stain the outside of the base.
- Assemble the platform in the same manner as the base, remembering that the length and width of the platform will be 12 inches greater than the base.
- Set the platform on top of the base, center it carefully, and screw it to the base wherever the long boards of the platform meet the long board of the base. Use long deck screws, remembering to drill pilot holes to keep the wood from splitting.
- Fit a sheet of medium density fiberboard to the top of the platform. Carefully apply carpenter's glue to the edges of the boards and screw the sheet to the platform, taking care to make sure the screws don't split the fiberboard.
- Attach edging to the fiberboard sheet to hide the the unfinished edges.
- Allow time for the glue to dry, cover the screw heads with wood putty, then stain or paint the platform.
- Finished.
Tips
- Buy a mattress that is 6 inches longer than the height of the tallest person who will sleep on it. Because people change positions during sleep, they can often find themselves hanging off a too-small mattress.
- Ask for finish-quality wood for your platform bed. Softwood is easier to work with and can be stained or painted after proper conditioning. Hardwoods are more attractive, but more difficult to cut and drill. If you're certain of your measurements, consider having your fiberboard sheet cut at the store or lumberyard.
Warnings
- Build your platform bed in the room where it will be used. Depending on its size and design, you may find that a platform bed built in the garage won't fit through the doors when you try to bring it to the bedroom.
- Never assume that you know the measurements of your mattress. Even among standard sizes there is some variation; if you build your platform the wrong size, making a change will be difficult, if not impossible.
- Don't buy your boards on the same day you plan to build your platform. Instead, buy it two weeks early and store it indoors. Don't stack the boards but lean them against a wall, placing small pieces of wood in between so air can circulate.
Things You'll Need
- Finish-quality wood lumber
- Medium density fiberboard
- Wood and deck screws
- Carpenter's glue
- Wood putty
- Circular saw
- Miter saw
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Carpenter's square
- Measuring tape
- Drop cloth or tarp
- Painting or staining supplies
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