Things You'll Need:
- Measuring tape
- 3/4-inch thick plywood to cover the dimensions of the headboard
- Wood glue
- Clamps
- Electric sander
- 4 x 4 posts at least 6 feet high--determine the height by how tall you want your posts to be
- Lathe duplicator
- 3 pieces of 1 inch by 8 foot pine board
- Screws
- Electric drill
- Paint or stain
- Paintbrush
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Step 1
Measure the dimensions of the bed that you want. This is essential to having your bed turn out properly. If you already own the mattress, verify that it will fit onto your bed.
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Step 2
Make the headboard of the bed. Glue together the pieces of plywood. Clamp and wait for them to dry. Trace the shape of the headboard onto the wood and cut. Sand the headboard smooth.
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Step 3
Create the posts for the bed. Use the 4 by 4 posts that you purchased from the hardwood store. You may choose to use a lathe duplicator to create a pattern in your posts, or you can purchase posts that already have a pattern in them.
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Step 4
Build the bed frame. This should match the dimensions of your mattress. Cut the 1 inch by 8 foot boards to the correct length and connect one to two of the posts. Drill a hole and then screw the boards into place. Be sure that the boards are flush. Repeat by connecting the other 1 inch by 8 foot board to the other two posts.
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Step 5
Attach the headboard to the two sides of the bed using screws and your drill. Then attach the foot board (a 1 inch by 8 foot board cut to the specific measurements of your bed).
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Step 6
Cut rails from the plywood to hold up the mattress. You should have at least three rails. The rails should be about 6 inches wide. Attach rails down the length of the bed between the two side boards using screws.
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Step 7
Paint or stain your bed. Allow it to dry.
