How to Build an Elegant Bed Frame

Tired of that cheap metal frame? Want something elegant but inexpensive? Here's a simple way to give yourself an elegant bedframe.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• (1) 4 foot x 8 foot sheet of prefinished birch plywood.
• (4) 6 inch x 6 inch x 8 foot planks.
• Crown moulding
• 20 "L" brackets
• Cherry stain
• Pocket screw jig
• Wood filler
• Brad nailer
• sander
• Tape measure
• Drill
• Circular saw
• Glue
• Router with a 1 inch rabbat bit
• Stain

1. Make these cuts:
   Plywood:
   1 piece @ 42 inches x 48 inches
   1 piece @ 42 inches x 24 inches
   2 pieces @ 44 inches x 4 iches
   1 piece @ 4 inches x 79 inches
   2 pieces @ 42 inches x 4 inches
   6x6:
   2 pieces @ 60 inches
   2 pieces @ 35 7/8 inches
   2 pieces @ 75 inches

2. Build the headboard. Take the (2) 60 inch 6x6s and the 42 inch x 48 inch piece of plywood. Attach the plywood (so that the 42 inch side is the width) between the 6x6s. Let the top of the plywood be 12 inches below the top of the 6x6s and the front edge of the plywood will be 2 inches back from the front of the 6x6s. Attach crown moulding to the full length of the front and the back of the plywood so that the top of the crown is 3/4 inch higher than the plywood. Insert a 42 inch x 4 inch piece of plywood in between the pieces of crown so that it is flush with the top of the crown. If the plywood piece is too wide, trim it. Fill in all the holes with woodfiller and sand smooth.

3. Build the foot board. Using the shorter 6x6s and the 24 inch x 42 inch piece of plywood, do what you did with the headboard.

4. Notch the 6x6s. On the 75 inch 6x6s use your router to cut out (2) 1 inch wide and 3/4 inch deep notches about 20 inches from each end. You could cut out the whole length if you're feeling ambitious.

5. Put it all together. Span the headboard and the foot board with the 75 inch 6x6s so that the bottoms of the 6x6s are 12 inches off the ground. The routed edge should be up and in. Attach using "L" brackets. Span the center of the head and footboards with the 79 inch x 4 inch piece of plywood. Attach using "L" brackets.

6. Stain. Don't worry about the center piece of plywood, but stain everything else you've assembled so far. Use a couple of coats of lacquer to give it a nice finish.

7. Place the (2) 44 inch pieces of plywood in the notches. Throw on you box springs and mattress.

Tips & Warnings

• NOTE: this frame is designed for a full mattress. Adjust the length and width according to the size bed you have.
• Never paint or stain without proper ventilation.