Looking for a new bed but not finding anything that matches your bedroom furniture? Why not build a do it yourself bed? Building your own do it yourself bed is a rewarding experience where you can unleash your creativity and put your carpentry skills to the test.
For starters, the size of your mattress controls the size of your do it yourself bed frame. The frame will be 4 inches longer and wider than the mattress for acceptable support. Measure the height of the mattress and subtract this from the final height you need. A typical Queen-sized mattress is 60x80 inches. Choose between the raised platform which is typically 18 inches high, and the standard, flat platform, measuring in around 12 inches high. The variety of wood used does not matter as long as it is 2 inches thick. This tutorial covers building a standard platform, Queen-sized, do it yourself bed frame.
Bed Sheet Sizes
Assembling the standard, flat platform, requires the construction of two frames, one for the bottom support and one that supports the mattress. For a Queen-sized do it yourself bed frame, the wood pieces will be 6 feet long, 2 inches thick, and 8 inches wide. For a stronger joint, use 2 1/2 inch deck screws, making sure to mark and drill holes before sinking in screws to avoid splitting the wood. For added strength, wood glue can be added between all joints and corner brackets can be screwed inside the main corners.
Join two of the 2x8s to make an L-shape. Then join two more 2x8s to make another. Join both L's to make the first square do it yourself bed frame. This one is completed when you screw two more 2x8s in the center of the box dividing it into equal thirds.
The top support is a repeat of the bottom, but with 7 foot 2x4s instead of 6 foot 2x8s. Make the square do it yourself bed frame as before and divide into equal thirds with center supports. Added stability is incorporated by including smaller, staggered 2x4s perpendicular to the center supports. This frame gets screwed onto the lower frame and then topped with two 7 foot sheets of plywood. The screw holes need filled with wood putty and the entire surface sanded and stained.