How to Build a Platform Bed

Last Updated: December 8, 2021

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

1
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.
2
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.

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3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
6
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.
7
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.
8
Allow time for the glue to dry. Cover the screw heads with wood putty, then paint or stain the outside of the base.
9
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.
10
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.
11
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.
12
Attach edging to the fiberboard sheet to hide the the unfinished edges.
13
Allow time for the glue to dry, cover the screw heads with wood putty, then stain or paint the platform.
14
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

Should there be air holes in the platform to remove moisture?

Community Answer

If your floor is of wood construction (joists covered with subfloor and perhaps carpet or hardwood), then you do not need to ventilate. If you want to place this unit in a basement with concrete underneath, either bare or carpeted, find a way to ventilate. If you're uncertain, lay a piece of plastic on the floor for a few days; if after a few days there is no condensation on the plastic, you should not have to ventilate.
Question

How do I build a bed with storage space underneath it?

Community Answer

You can use pallets to make your platform rather than simple pieces of wood, and then place the hardy board over it. The space under the pallet can be used for storage.
Question

What type of wood is used in the platform?

Community Answer

Plywood is used in the platform. Plywood is best and is strong for beds and other furniture.

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.

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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.

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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.

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