DIY Stained Wood Raised Platform Bed Frame – Part 1
I’ve finally made some progress on my DIY stained wood raised platform bed frame. I still need to add all of the pretty trim and stain the whole thing, but I at least got it to the point where it was usable last night. And here’s what it looks like so far.
It’s definitely a step in the right direction, especially considering that this has been our master bedroom for the last two weeks.
So luxurious, right? 😀 Yep, our mattress and box spring are just sitting right on the floor. And yes, I’m using a step stool as a bedside table. And yes, that is a soon-to-be-installed toilet in a box sitting to the side. And yes, those are still the same blinds, window shade, and shelves that were here when we moved in. So much to do, but I’m trying not to let myself get stressed out. I want to enjoy the journey.
Anyway, here’s how I built the platform bed frame…
Tool & Supply List:
2 – 1″ x 8″ x 8′ pine boards*
2 – 1″ x 8″ x 6′ pine boards*
4 – 1″ x 2″ x 8′ pine boards*
4 – 1″ x 2″ x 6′ pine boards*
4 – 2″ x 3″ x 8′ boards
8 – 1″ x 4″ x 10′ boards
Wood glue
1 – 50-piece package #8 x 2-inch wood screws
Drill with drill bits and screwdriver bit
Brad nailer (this is the one I have) with 1 1/4-inch brads
Miter saw
Tape measure
4 – Heavy duty top plates for the decorative feet
4 – Decorative feet*
Choice of decorative trim*
*These pieces will show on the finished frame, so I made sure to choose high quality, super straight pieces of wood that will stain nicely (I hope). The nice stuff costs quite a bit more, so if you’re going to upholster the bed frame, there’s no need in purchasing the pretty stuff.
Build the basic frame:
I started with 1″ x 8″ pine boards, and cut two of them to 60 inches long, and two of them to 81.5 inches long. I attached one of the 60″ pieces to one of the 81.5″ pieces using wood glue and 2-inch wood screws.
You can see here that the wood screws went through the 81.5-inch piece, and into the end of the 60-inch piece. I pre-drilled all of the holes to prevent cracking.
Then I attached the other 81.5-inch piece to the other side, again using wood glue and wood screws.
And finally, I attached the last 60-inch piece.
Add support pieces to the long sides of the frame:
Next I cut four 80-inch long pieces of 2″ x 3″ lumber. I measured down 3 1/4 inches from the top of the frame, and aligned the top edge of the 2″ x 3″ lumber, and then attached it using wood glue and 2-inch wood screws. I screwed them in from the inside towards the outside so they wouldn’t show on the outside finished bed frame. I used a total of nine screws to attach the 2 by 3. Then I repeated the process on the other side of the bed frame.
Add center support pieces:
Next I attached the two center support pieces. I cut three spacer blocks (precisely 1 1/2-inches high) so that the center support pieces would be the same height as the side support pieces. With the 2 by 3 resting on the spacer blocks, I attached the first one using wood glue on the ends of the support piece, and wood screws through the frame and into the end of the 2 by 3. Then I used some scrap pieces of 2 by 3 wood (which would eventually be cut down and used as the center support legs) to properly space the support pieces, and attached the second center support piece using the same process.
You can see here that the screws are visible on the outside of the frame, but I did countersink them just a bit so that I can fill in with wood filler and sand it smooth before I stain the bed frame. Also, on the headboard side that is against the wall, I used two screws into each support piece since they’ll be against the wall and won’t show anyway.
And here’s a better view. You can see the spacer blocks that I cut to rest the support pieces on while I was attaching them. And you can also see how I used scrap 2 by 3 pieces to space the center support pieces. I later cut those scrap pieces down to use as the center legs. (Since the center legs don’t show, there’s no need to spend money on more fancy legs for that area.)
Attach the bottom frame:
Next I turned the bed frame completely over, so that the bottom was on top. Using 1″ x 2″ pine lumber, I cut pieces to create a frame around the bottom edges of the bed frame. I mitered the corners like I would on a frame. The I used wood glue and 1 1/4-inch brad nails to attach the pieces.
Here’s how it looked once all four pieces were attached, creating a frame around the bottom edge of the bed frame.
Here’s a closer look at the frame effect with the mitered corners.
Attach the decorative feet:
Next I attached the metal plates that the cute little feet screw into. I made very sure that I aligned the screws with the edge of the 1″ x 8″ wood that makes up the main frame. (Note: It looks like I didn’t space the metal plate properly on the right side, but that’s just because in the picture, the 1″ x 2″ piece of wood is blending into the 2″ x 3″ support piece that’s attached to the inside of the bed frame. The left side of the metal plate shows more accurately how I aligned the plate.)
Once the plate was firmly attached, I could screw in the cute little feet.
Here’s how it looked with all four feet attached.
I also attached an anti-skid pad to each of the feet.
With the feet attached, I flipped the bed frame right side up.
Attach the center support feet:
Using those same two scrap pieces of 2 by 3 that I used earlier, I slid them between the two center support pieces, marked where they needed to be cut to make them flush with the top edges of the support pieces, and cut off the excess. Then I attached them using wood glue and 2-inch wood screws that were screwed through the support pieces and into the legs from each direction.
(Sorry, but I didn’t get a picture of the legs after they were cut down and attached!! But just imagine that all of the excess that’s sticking out of the top has been cut off so that the tops of the legs are flush with the top edges of the two support pieces.)
Add the support slats:
I cut 16 pieces of 1″ x 4″ pine to use as the slats. I cut the pieces to just under 60 inches long, and then spaced them evenly (I didn’t measure the spacing — just eyeballed it). Then I attached them with wood glue and 1 1/4-inch brad nails using my brad nailer.
At that point, I could add the mattress.
I started building at about 3:15pm yesterday afternoon, and got it to this point at 8:00pm, working by myself as usual. I still want to add some pretty decorative trim, and then I’ll stain the whole thing.
I was a tad bit disappointed that I wasn’t able to finish all of the building (I was hoping to just have the staining left to do today), but that’s alright. I’d say that even without the pretty trim, this is still far better than what we had before! 🙂
It’s a rainy day here today, but I’m still going to do my best to get this thing finished today so I can show you the finished bed frame tomorrow. No promises, though. 🙂 And as you might have noticed, I’m going to do the headboard as a separate project. It was imperative that I get the bed frame completed ASAP so that the bed can be at the correct height for Matt, but a headboard isn’t quite so imperative.
UPDATE:
The bed frame is finished! Here’s how it turned out…
You’ll find the other posts about this project here:
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
This is awesome! My husband knows that when we finally have a permanent residence, we WILL be buying me power tools so that I, too, may complete nifty projects! ~:)
Kristi, it is a sturdy well-built thing of beauty! Right now my 14 year old son’s bed is propped up with text books in the center because a center support broke. Thank you for your great step by step, you inspire us!
All I have to say is “WOW!” You did such an amazing job!
This is amazing!! I am wondering how you were able to get all the supports exactly level, that is what I would worry about.
I used the spacer blocks that I cut on all four supports. I guess I didn’t make that clear in the instructions. 🙂
You are amazing…I can’t even manage a straight cut, let alone miter corners!
Well, the laser guide on my miter saw quite working, so my mitered corners aren’t so pretty anymore. Just don’t look closely. 🙂 It’s nothing that a bit of wood filler won’t fix. 😀
It looks really good, so far. I’m sure the staining and addition of the headboard will make it look amazing.
What size is the bed?
It’s a queen size. If you were building a king size, it would definitely need more support.
High five to you and a round of applause. Looks pretty already.
Looking great as usual. Have you looked into investing into a Kreg Jig? Life changer!
I actually have one. I just decided not to use it on this project. A little wood filler will do the trick on those two screws. 🙂
Oh I have no doubt as you have mad skillz, 🙂 ! Just wondered. I give you so much credit for taking so much of everything on by yourself. So impressed.
You are doing great! You have your priorities laid out and you’re making progress, day by day. What more could you ask! Just keep on keepin’ on. It’ll all happen when it’s supposed to.
Glad you’re back to being able to post. Missed you, LOL.
Kristie! You are amazing. I’m in total ah. As I read this post I was thinking she’s doing this all by herself. My dear you need a huge hug. To be doing this on your own is something you should be extremely proud of. I can’t imagine how impressed your husband must be of you. You have your priorities in check in making sure Matt is comfortable. This journey is going to be a life changer for you. Take your time and enjoy the ride. I am so excited for you. Cheers
I am very impressed by her. She does all of this work plus takes care of me a disabled man. She is my rockstar. I guess that makes me her groupie? 🙂
You are utterly amazing! Wow.
Looks great, as usual Kristi. But mu using the glue I am surmising you don’t plan to ever take apart.
But in using the glue. . .
Right. 🙂 I definitely built it for strength and sturdiness, and to never be taken apart.
That bed is soooo pretty! I love it. Great job as usual. I hope to be doing awesome stuff once we get in our new house. Very inspirational.
Kristi,
Finally in your own bed in your new home! That’s a milestone…great job. Can’t wait to see after the staining…will be beautiful.
You truly are amazing and I am in awe.
It’s simply beautiful! Love following all the progress!
How much did the materials cost?
I’ll post a breakdown of the cost when I post the final, finished bed. 🙂
It looks SO good! I know you mentioned the Pottery Barn basic platform bed in the “planning” post–yours is such a good bargain compared to theirs, and every bit as pretty–I’m sure it’s going to be glorious once you get it stained. 🙂 Just a quick question–are you using your box springs with this bed, or did you ditch them?
you are amazing!
looks amazing as usual. You are my favorite blog… EVER. I wish I had your abilities!
As usual, another DIY job well done – but then, I didn’t expect anything less!
You GO Girl!
My woodworking husband said kudos to you….you are amazing!!!
You are amazing!This is awesome!Thank you.
Adding my kudos to you. I am totally in awe of your abilities and talent. The bed already looks great; I don’t think a professional furniture builder would have done any better. And it is so ‘human’ to see that you use a step ladder as a temporary nightstand; I got a chuckle out of that. Looking forward to seeing it finished!
I wonder what you can,t do?? You are a legend and your husband must be so very proud.
Cheers from an overcast Brissie
What a great job! You rock, Kristi!
Hi Kristi…. I can only say……… WOW……..!
Glad to hear you’re being kind to yourself……
BIG HUGS, PAT
I absolutely love reading about all of your projects. Your blog is the first one I started reading. I owe you a huge thanks for making me love blogs, and inspiring me to tackle my own home makeover!
Your new bed….hand built bed…is on it’s way to amazing. I think it looks pretty terrific right now. I’m impressed that you did all that inside of 5 hours. Don’t be so hard on yourself, Kristi. 😉 To me…I think the biggest challenge would have been flipping the frame. It sounds like you did that all by yourself. I’m sure you’re thinking….I can’t mess up my new floor!!!
Blessings…
Fabulous!
Kudos to another job well done! The bed is beautiful before it’s even finished! Thanks for sharing your journey with all your readers!
Looks great! Can’t wait to see it stained and everything =)
I might just have to have my hubby use this post as a guide to make a platform bed for our guest bedroom…
You are an amazing, talented woman, Kristi. The bed is gorgeous!
Wow…good going Kristi!
As usual you have done a fantastic job! I just love your blog and all that you do. I have almost completed my version of your built-in book cases. Once the entire room is complete I would love to share some pictures with you. Thank you for always posting such great projects. 🙂
Hope there are teachers reading this and showing it to their students as an example of the value of math and what one can accomplish in the Design world with it! It’s a critical skill. The Designers Ms. SpoolTeacher worked with over the years that did not do their own calculations lost money because they had to pay others to do it for them and then they lost control of the outcome. If you want to be a drapery Designer or any kind of Designer, you need very, very, very good math skills. Great job Kristi. Really Great!
I absolutely love the bed. You are one awesome and talented lady. I’m so looking forward to seeing the finished bed. Blessings to you and Matt.
Great project. I was hesitant to start a project like this but saw your DIY write up and decided to give it a shot. With your post and two nights of work I was able to complete the project with no problems. Feels great to have a piece of furniture in my home that I built!! Thanks so much for the idea!
I am so impressed with this project..where did you learn to do all this building? The bed size(Full or Queen?) We need to go shopping for a new mattress for my DH and I dread it. Have read that shopping for a new matress is worst then shopping for a new car and I hate doing both! My DH sleeps in full bed but sleeps only on one side..I’ve been trying to talk him into just a twin size bed as it would give him more room to move around in but my talking isn’t working. Cost would be less, bed linens less and he could even get a chair to sit in if he went to a twin bed. Yet, on the other hand, he feels the need to keep the full size bed for guest. We don’t have any overnight guest anymore. The Grans don’t come over to stay overnight like they did when they were young. We’ve had one overnight guest in 9 years. I was even considering a platform type bed that would have storage space built in(drawers).
Did you have an idea how to build this bed frame before you started or did you design it yourself? It really came out beautiful; you could go in business!
Probably you’ve been told many times, but it’s truly amazing and inspiring. I found this post browsing and I fell in love with all your projects so my next attempt will be to have a go at an upholstered diamond tufted headboard bed with the stained bed frame. Thank you for the details on all the posts.
Your bed looks amazing. What size “curvy, turned feet” did you use?
I think they were 4-inch round and tall. The Home Depot here carries them in stock.
I can say that you are a professional!!! i’m gonna do the same one but the size is 84Lx28Wx12H
you should use pocket holes for the side and end boards joints. Not a great idea to screw into end grain of wood. It’ll loosen up over time, especially if the bed gets some “use”. Use pocket holes, plugs and sand down.
That bed has been used every single day since the day I built it, and it’s as sturdy as it was the day I finished it.