Easy DIY Platform Bed

Hey guys!  I’m back to share the platform bed that I made for my son 

If you missed the Free Plans for the Planked Headboard, you can check them out HERE! I saw a platform bed in a West Elm catalog and loved how chunky the base and platform were, so that was my inspiration and I built it for about $55!!!

And a big thanks to our friend Jay at Jay’s Custom Creations, we also have a FREE Printable Plan for you   Just click the image below or HERE to print them!

This is a VERY EASY piece to build so it is perfect if you are a beginner! Here’s how I built it! This plan is for a full size bed but it is very easy to adjust the measurements to accommodate another size 

I started by making all of my cuts for my top and bottom frame.

Then, I drilled all of my pocket holes with my Kreg Jig set for 1 1/2″ thick boards.

I attached the top frame with 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws

and did the same for the bottom frame.

Next, I flipped the top frame over and attached the bottom frame to it with 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws.

I flipped it back over and attached the center support with 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws. You may need help flipping the bed back over, at this point, because it is heavy.

Finally, I attached the 2×3 cleats with 2 1/2″ wood screws (I call for 2×2 in the plans because 2×3’s are not available in every region.  If you do use 2×2’s for the cleats, get furring strips to save money). I like to use the Spax self-tapping screws. I find them at Home Depot and they are pricey but you don’t need to pre-drill with them!  If you use regular wood screws, make sure to pre-drill first to prevent the wood from splitting.

To finish, I applied one-coat of Rust-Oleum Dark Walnut Stain. If you are buying your supplies at Home Depot, get the Varathane brand in Dark Walnut (it’s the same stain).

When the bed was dry, the hubs and I took it inside and into our little man’s room!  I used my Ryobi Airstrike Nailer to attach the 1×3 slats.  I just spaced them out evenly and attached them to both cleats and the center support. You can use the cheap furring strips for this part, Just make sure they are smooth so they don’t tear-up your mattress.

To attach the headboard to the bed, I drilled 2 1/2″ spax screws from the backside of the headboard legs into the bottom and top frames of the platform.

I just love it so much and I’ve overheard our 11-year-old bragging to his friends (on a few occasions) that his mom built his bed – which is the best part for me 

Don’t forget to check out the headboard plans HERE and if you like the wall color in his room (I’m obsessed!) you can read about it HERE! I have received a lot of questions about the quilt on his bed, it is from Pottery Barn Teen but, I bought it a couple of years ago so I’m not sure that it is still available.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Ashley