Easy Bed Platform

I needed an easy, yet attractive Queen bed platform for my guest room so I built this one! I love how simple and easy the project is, but also minimal, modern and attractive.

Check out the video tutorial above to see more detail of how to build it.

• Circular saw: https://amzn.to/2WSrF7Q
• Table saw: https://amzn.to/2PSap1o
• Belt sander: https://amzn.to/2D4BcBm
• Pocket Hole Jig: https://amzn.to/2QzkoZh
• Drill: https://amzn.to/2ULFuYm
• Impact Driver: https://amzn.to/2MJGYgp
• Counter sink bit: https://amzn.to/2sASfJd
• Glue: https://amzn.to/2D8lqFx
• Orbital sander: https://amzn.to/2uWHM8A
• Custom Squares: http://bit.ly/2mZENvg
• Miter saw: https://amzn.to/2pxpyeu
• Dust Mask: https://amzn.to/2G8w8wm
• Wood Finish: https://amzn.to/2TDOAFQ

I’m going to start this project by building the outer frame.

I got 4 pieces of 2x 12’s from my local home center and started by making a small cut off the ends of the boards to give them a fresh edge. I then cut them all to length with a circular saw.

This gives me the two sides, the headboard and the footboard. I also cut one additional board that will be the center support.

If you’d like to build this bed platform yourself, I have a set of plans which includes a material list and a cut list.

I then took the boards over to my table saw and cut them to width. This also took off the rounded edge that a 2x board normally has. You could also do this with a circular saw and a straight edge.

These boards from the big box stores often come with factory stamp markings and scuffs. So I used my belt sander and gave the outside pieces a good rough cleanup sanding.

I designed the frame to come apart when it needs to be moved and because of this I decided to join the boards with pocket holes and no glue. Pocket holes are a great way to join boards together without fasteners being seen from the outside.

I then took one 2x4 and cut it right down the center to create the two side rails that will eventually support the slats. I cut them to length with my circular saw and then pre-drilled the holes where I’ll attach them with screws.

These rails can permanently attach to the side boards, so I used wood glue here and then screwed them to the two side boards of my frame.

I then gave all the pieces a final sanding with 220 grit before applying a finish. I like to use a water based finish on light woods because it dries clear and doesn’t cause the wood to yellow.

At this point the frame was finished so I could move it into its room and start assembling the platform.

I worked my way through the corners and screwed them all together with pocket hole screws, making sure to keep everything super square. Boards often shift when assembling with pocket hole screws, so I clamped the corners to my squares to hold everything tight.

With the outside assembled, the center support could now be added… again using pocket holes to secure it. This board is only as tall as the side rail supports… and this is so the rails will sit flat all the way across when I add them.

The slats were really simple to create. I used 1x4 boards, and set up a simple stop block at my miter saw to quickly cut them all to length.

I then laid them out across the platform, leaving space in between so the mattress can breathe. This worked out great and was plenty strong.

To secure the slats, I pre-drilled and counter sunk holes and then screwed them to the rails. Sinking in the screws will help avoid any snags on the mattress.

And with the rails in place, this bed platform was done! Such an attractive, easy improvement from the mattress on the floor.

For detailed instructions on this DIY Bed Platform, be sure and watch the video. I'd love to see pics of yours if you decide to make your own!

For more projects and tutorials, be sure and visit my YouTube channel and my website. You can also find me on Instagram @makergray. Thanks for following along!