DIY Platform Bed Frame – For those that love DIY projects, the bedroom represents a great canvas. From top to bottom, the bedroom can be the source for awesome DIY projects to more difficult ones. You can give your bedroom a “do-over” over the course of several weeks gathering materials as you need them. From using plastic planters – or terracotta planters – to plant greenery to using a piece of reclaimed wood to create a headboard. If you have the time, there is no shortage of ideas and creative ways to create the room of your dreams.
Not surprisingly, the bed is often the main focal point of a bedroom. If you’re going to give your bedroom a makeover, building a DIY platform bed may be the ultimate project.
A platform bed is a simple support frame that does not need a box spring. Thus, you must make sure you buy a mattress that gives you adequate support. If you are handy with tools, you can build one from scratch after watching a video tutorial or consider buying one in a kit.
Even an easy DIY platform bed requires at least a basic knowledge of carpentry tools. Many DIY platform beds require a variety of carpentry skills. You also have to make sure you follow the step-by-step instructions. This includes those you make from scratch or in a kit.
It’s not just a matter of knowing how to nail or use screws. Depending on the design you’ll need to know how to create different corners such as dovetail joints, mitered corners, or even pocket-hole joinery. To make your task simpler, consider having your nearest big box home store pre-cut the pieces for you. Fortunately, there is no shortage of ideas for a DIY platform bed.
DIY Platform Bed Frame
DIY Pallet Platform Bed
Mid-Century Modern Platform Bed
Floating Platform Bed
Modern Platform Bed Frame
Platform Bed With Drawers
Design Idea #1 – DIY Pallet Platform Bed
Pallet furniture comes to the rescue again! This bed is relatively easy to make. However, you must make sure you choose good pallets that are strong, don’t creak, and free of toxic chemicals. Don’t forget you’ll need to sand the wood very well. When using pallets, after sanding, you’ll paint, stain, and seal the wood [1].
Design Idea #2 – Mid-Century Modern Platform Bed
This king-sized platform bed has a sleek, minimalist look. However, it still needs a fair amount of woodworking skills. The nice part is that you can choose between metal or wooden legs. This is not a bed that will provide you with under bed storage. It’s also closer to the ground so it is perfect for a twin platform bed or a full-size bed that your child can easily reach [2].
Design Idea #3 – Floating Platform Bed
Floating platform beds include “hidden legs.” Some choose to buy new plywood for the frame while others prefer going on a hunt for scrap plywood. Depending on the height you choose, this bed can include storage. This bed can be built as long as you have basic carpentry skills and experience with a drill and miter saw [3].
Design Idea #4 – Modern Platform Bed Frame
This modern platform headboard is a lot harder to create than it looks. But, if you know your way around a sander, nail gun, electric saw, and screws, this could be the perfect project for you. It also uses “pocket-hole joinery.” Consider using hardwoods, such as poplar, alder, or oak [4].
Design Idea #5 – Platform Bed With Drawers
This platform bed includes plenty of hidden storage. But, it’s not for novices. It’s not just a matter of knowing how to put together a solid frame, but to build and install drawer sliders. One of the nice aspects of this bed is that you can make it any size, from a DIY twin platform bed to a king-sized bed [5].
As for the platform mattress, any mattress that provides adequate support can be used. These beds are typically closer to the ground due to the fact you don’t need a box spring.
The nice thing about a wood platform bed is that you can make it any size: twin, full, queen, or king size. You also have the choice of wood, although most pick harder woods for their sturdiness. You also have the option of having a solid bottom or use slats or slotted boards.
There are DIY plans for platform beds for every carpenter from novice to master. However, no matter how proficient you are, you must follow the steps of the plans precisely. In general, most platform bed frame plans are rather complicated. So, don’t hesitate to read the instructions or watch the tutorials more than once.
If you find yourself finding instructions for DIY platform beds easy and you are a camper, you can find step-by-step instructions for creating a platform bed for your travel trailer just by adjusting the size. Wooden twin beds are a welcomed addition for any DIY camper.
No matter if you make a simple twin bed or a king-sized platform bed that’s a work of art, you’ll be making memories for your loved ones to sleep on every night.
DIY Platform Bed Frame Resources;
[1] Santiagodiy; Our DIY Pallet Bed, Sophie Aeiou, March 20, 2013.
[2] Mid Century Modern; George Nelson Case Study Inspired DIY Bed.
[3] DIY My Home; Our Floating Platform Bed … I Think I’m In Love.
[4] DIY Network; How to Build a Modern-Style Platform Bed With Headboard, Chris Hill.
[5] Instructables; Platform Bed With Drawers.
