Transform Your Bedroom with a Handmade Wooden Bed Frame
After our recent move last summer, I found that our mattress was simply resting directly on the floor. No bed frame, no rails, no box springs—just the mattress and the bare floor. Moving everything without a proper foundation made me realize how much better a sturdy, stylish bed frame could be. Plus, considering my age, getting up from the floor every morning was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. That’s when I decided to team up with Kreg Tools to design and build a beautiful, durable bed frame using their fantastic pocket hole jig!
My go-to tool for woodworking projects is the Kreg pocket hole jig. It simplifies creating strong, seamless joints, making large projects like this queen-sized bed frame straightforward and enjoyable. If you’re new to woodworking or looking to upgrade your bedroom, this DIY bed frame is an excellent project to get started with, thanks to its simplicity and professional results.
Designing an Elegant Bed Frame with Headboard & Footboard
Many assume that large furniture projects are complex, but this build proves otherwise. The most challenging part was coordinating with an extra set of hands to lift and position the heavy components. I built this bed in a queen size, but I’ve prepared plans for all standard sizes, including twin, full, king, and California king. The design comprises five main pieces:
- Headboard
- Footboard
- Right side rails
- Left side rails
- Center support beam
Each piece is assembled individually, then connected using bed rail brackets. For simplicity and cost savings, I opted for 2×4 joist hangers to support the center beam, which are hidden once the bed is assembled. The headboard and footboard are quick to assemble, requiring only pocket holes for strong, clean joints, with no elaborate joinery needed.
Creating a Classic Platform-Style Bed
This bed is designed to support modern mattresses that don’t require a box spring. I aimed for a traditional aesthetic with ample space underneath for storage. To achieve this, I constructed the rails from 2×8 boards, positioning the 2×2 supports close to the top of the frame. This results in a look reminiscent of a classic bed with a box spring, but with a spacious gap beneath the mattress.
If you prefer a traditional setup with box springs, you can adjust the height of the 2×2 supports accordingly. The plans are flexible enough to accommodate either bed slats or plywood for mattress support. For our mattress, plywood was recommended, but slats are easy to DIY or purchase if preferred.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Building Your Bed
Tools & Materials You Will Need
Recommended Tools:
- Kreg pocket hole jig
- Miter saw or circular saw (a sliding miter saw is ideal for precise cuts)
- Power drill
- Impact driver
- Finish nailer
- Sander (preferably orbital)
- Optional: Palm router for finishing edges
Supplies Needed:
- Premium PDF build plans (downloadable)
- Wood materials (quantities vary based on size):
- 4×4 boards for legs
- 2×8, 2×6, 2×2, 2×4 boards for various parts
- 2 ½-inch Kreg pocket hole screws
- 2 ½-inch 16-gauge nails
- Wood glue
- Set of bed rail brackets
- (2) 2×4 joist hangers
- 1 ¼-inch wood screws
- Sandpaper (100-220 grit)
- Finish: stain or paint and sealant (e.g., polyurethane)
- Bed slats or ¾-inch plywood for mattress support
Cut List and Dimensions
Specific measurements for each size are detailed in the downloadable PDF plans. Basic dimensions are as follows:
- Twin: 38½” x 75½”
- Full: 54½” x 75½”
- Queen: 60½” x 80½”
- King: 76½” x 80½”
- California King: 72½” x 84½”
Get Your Detailed Woodworking Plans
Our comprehensive PDF plans include:
- Clear cut list
- Shopping list
- Step-by-step instructions with 3D diagrams
- Helpful tips and resources
- Bonus: 3D SketchUp file for virtual assembly
Click here to purchase and download your plans now!
Building Your Bed: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Construct the Footboard
Cut the footboard legs and slats per the plans. Set your pocket hole jig to drill for 1½” thick material, and drill three pocket holes on each end of the 2×8 board. Assemble by attaching the 2×8 between the 4×4 legs, ensuring the top is 1½” below the top of the legs, with the back flush. Secure with wood glue and 2½” pocket screws. Attach a 2×6 board on top for finishing, with overhangs on both sides, secured with glue and nails. Fill pocket holes if desired.
Step 2: Build the Headboard
Cut headboard legs and slats based on the plans. Drill three pocket holes per end of the 2×8 boards. Attach the boards to one side of the legs, starting from the top and spacing each 1½” below the previous, using glue and screws. Secure all boards, then attach a 2×6 on top with overhangs. Round over edges for a polished look if desired.
Step 3: Make the Rails
Cut two side rails from 2×8 and support pieces from 2×2. Position the 2×2 supports 2″ from the top (or adjust if using a box spring). Secure supports with glue, nails, and screws, ensuring proper alignment.
Step 4: Build the Center Support
Cut the center rail and leg from 2×4. Drill pocket holes at each end of the support and attach the leg with screws and glue, ensuring it’s flush and centered.
Step 5: Finish and Sand
Sand all components thoroughly, starting with 100-150 grit and finishing with 220 grit. Apply stain or paint, then seal with polyurethane or your preferred finish. Allow drying completely.
Step 6: Assemble the Complete Bed
Attach the rails to the headboard and footboard using bed rail brackets, positioned 1″ from the top of the rails. Install the center support using joist hangers, positioned 2″ below the top. Place the plywood sheets or bed slats inside the frame, resting on the supports. Your custom bed is now ready for your mattress and bedding!
Enjoy your new handcrafted bed frame, offering style, durability, and a personal touch to your bedroom décor. Happy building!
Thanks to Kreg Tools for sponsoring this project. I only endorse products I trust and love, and all opinions remain my own. Read my full disclosure policy here.