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6 DIY Platform Bed Plans You Can Build Today (With Pictures)

Platform Bed by Maker Gray

Platform beds are a great addition to any home, especially if you don’t have a lot of extra space. They can be used as a guest bed or even as your primary bed. There are many different styles and designs of platform beds, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs.

To help you get started, here are some great DIY platform bed plans and ideas. You’ll find that most of the plans presented here have an easy difficulty level, so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll be able to successfully build one of these beds.

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The Top 6 DIY Platform Bed Plans

1. Easy Platform Bed Frame by The Stonybrook House

diy bed frame
Image Credit: The Stonybrook House
Materials: Boards of various sizes—2×2, 1×2, 2×4
Tools: Saw, drill, hammer (optional), screws or nails
Difficulty: Easy

This DIY platform bed is about as easy as it gets. All you need is some 2×2 lumber and 1×2 furring strips. You can put this together in just a few hours, and it will be sturdy and strong.

What’s more, you don’t need much in the way of carpentry skills, if any at all. Just measure, cut, and screw everything together. You can even use nails instead of screws if you prefer. So if you don’t have access to (or the budget for) power tools, this is the bed for you.

Feel free to adjust the plans to accommodate your mattress side. You can make it for everything from a twin to a king-size bed.


2. Modern Platform Bed

diy platform bed
Image Credit: Instructables
Materials: Boards of various sizes 2×4, 1×2, 2×6, 4×4 (this one is optional)
Tools: Drill, saw, screws or nails
Difficulty: Easy

This is a great platform bed for those who want something a little more stylish than the basic frame. It’s also perfect if you’re short on space, as it doesn’t require a box spring.

The plans are for a twin-size bed, but you can easily adjust them to fit a full or queen. You’ll just need to add some extra lumber, but the cost difference should be negligible.

As with the easy frame, you can use either 2x4s or 1x2s for the slats. The 2x4s will be a bit cheaper, but the 1x2s will give you a cleaner look.

If you want to get really fancy, you can use 4x4s for the posts instead of 2x4s. This will make the bed a bit sturdier, but it’s not necessary unless you need the added support.


3. IKEA KALLAX Queen Storage Bed by IKEA Hackers

diy ikea kallax queen storage bed
Image Credit: IKEA Hackers
Materials: Plywood, 2×4, 1×4, paint or stain (optional), baskets (optional)
Tools: Saw, drill, bolts, screws
Difficulty: Intermediate

This platform bed has a little bit more going on than the previous one. But it’s still easy to build and only requires basic carpentry skills. Plus, it has the added bonus of storage space.

You’ll need some plywood for the shelving units, as well as some 2x4s and 1x4s. Cut everything to size and assemble it according to the instructions. If you want, you can even paint or stain the wood to give it a nice finish, but it’s not required.

What’s nice about this unit is that you don’t have to install drawers, which makes it that much more accessible to those with limited carpentry skills. Just put some baskets on the shelves, and you’re good to go!


4. Custom Floating Bed Frame by This Minimal House

diy bed frame
Image Credit: This Minimal House
Materials: Boards of these sizes—2×4, 2×6
Tools: Miter saw, drill, screws, nail gun
Difficulty: Easy

Thanks to its simplistic construction of only 2x4s and 2x6s, this custom floating platform bed is a cinch to make. You can easily add your own personal touches to the design, like nailing on some extra 2x4s for a headboard or attaching caster wheels to the bottom for easier mobility.

What makes this piece stand out is its substantial overhang, giving it a truly floating appearance. Plus, the chunky 2x4s and 2x6s make for a solid frame that can support plenty of weight. And if you want to get really creative, you could even try building a storage shelf into the frame for extra space-saving functionality, but that’s completely optional.

With the tools listed above, you should be able to complete this one in an afternoon. So if you’re looking for a quick and easy project with a big impact, this custom floating platform bed is definitely it.


5. DIY Floating Platform Bed by UDH

diy floating platform bed
Image Credit: Ugly Duckling House
Materials: 2×4, 1×2, plywood (optional)
Tools: Saw, drill, jigsaw (optional), clamps (optional), screws or nails
Difficulty: Intermediate

This floating platform bed is a bit more challenging to build than the previous ones, but it’s still within the realm of possibility for most people. It’s also a very stylish bed and would look great in just about any room.

The first thing you need to do is build the frame. This can be made from 2×4 lumber or 1×2 lumber, depending on what you want. If you use 2x4s, you’ll need to cut them down to size and then assemble them using screws or nails.

If you use 1x2s, you can just screw them together without having to cut them down. Next, start working on assembling the top portion that supports your bedding. Once the frame is built, you can then attach the top. You may also use plywood in place of the top support.

Your DIY floating platform bed is perfect if you like your bed frame to be unseen. So feel free to build this bed frame without a box spring and use only a mattress.


6. DIY Wooden Bed Frame

diy bed frame
Image Credit: Instructables
Materials: Boards of these sizes—1×6, 2×4
Tools: Saw, drill, screws or nails
Difficulty: Easy

If you’re looking for a simple platform bed frame that’s easy to build, this one is for you. Made from 1×6 and 2×4 boards, it’s easy to put together and can be completed in just a few hours.

This bed frame is perfect for those on a budget but who need a sturdy, supportive bed. The 1×6 and 2×4 boards give it plenty of support.

The plans are designed to accommodate a king or queen, but you’re free to adjust the size to fit your needs. This is an excellent platform bed for kids and adults alike. And because it’s so easy to construct, it’s perfect for beginner woodworkers.

divider 1 DIY Platform Bed Tips

Before you choose a design plan and begin construction, it is important to understand a few tips and tricks about platform beds. By doing your research and planning ahead, you can build a beautiful and functional bed that will last for years to come.

Mattress

One of the most important things to consider when building a platform bed is the type of mattress you will be using. It is important to choose a mattress that is comfortable and will provide adequate support.

A memory foam mattress is a good option for those who want a softer surface, while a latex mattress may be better for those who need more support.

mattress sale
Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock

Height

Another thing to consider when building your own platform bed is the height of the bed. If you are taller than average, you may want to consider a taller bed frame.

Conversely, if you are shorter than average, you may want to opt for a lower bed frame. The height of the bed will also affect the type of sheets and blankets you use; higher beds require fitted sheets, while lower beds can use regular sheets.

Construction

When it comes to construction, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to use high-quality materials; cheap particle boards will not hold up over time and will not provide the level of support you need.

Second, take your time and measure twice before cutting once; an uneven or poorly fitting frame will be uncomfortable and look unsightly.

Finally, if you are not confident in your carpentry skills, it is best to hire a professional to do the job for you.

Follow these tips, and you can build a beautiful and functional bed that will last for years to come.

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Now that you know how easy it is to construct a DIY platform bed, you can get started with any one of the plans we’ve provided. With a little time and effort, you’ll have a brand-new bed that looks great and costs a fraction of what you would pay for a similarly styled platform bed from a store!

Don’t forget to browse through our other articles for more great DIY ideas, including how to make your own outdoor shower and kitchen.


Featured Image Credit: Maker Gray

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