How to Build a Platform Bed Out of Box Springs

A popular trend in bedroom furnishings is the platform bed. It has a sleek, modern feel that fits in well with the minimalist look that's the prevailing décor in many homes. In an ironic twist, however, achieving this minimalist look is often expensive. Premade platform beds can sell for $1000 or more. Luckily, with some wood and box springs, you can achieve the same look for much less.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Finishing nails
• Mattress
• Box springs, one size bigger than the mattress
• 4 wood boards wide enough to cover the sides of the box spring
• 2 wood boards wide enough to cover the difference between the box spring and the mattress
• Stain or paint, optional
• Wooden legs, optional
• Fitted sheet to fit the box spring, optional
• Comforter to fit the box spring, optional

1. Cut the wood boards to the needed lengths, which depend on the size of your box springs. Be sure to measure carefully and check your measurements before you cut, to keep cost to a minimum. You can use whatever quality fits your budget-from 1 x 10" real wood boards to medium density fiberboard cut to your needs. Make sure to account for some overlap of the outside boards to create clean corners.

2. Attach the outside boards. Place the four outside boards around the outside of the box spring. Make sure the corners are flush, and nail the boards to the box spring with finishing nails. Be sure to drive the nail flush with the wood to hide the nail head. For additional stability, you can nail the overlapping boards together at the corners.

3. Install the top boards. Make sure these boards are cut to cover only the difference in size between the box spring and mattress. Assembling them in this fashion gives the mattress a place to rest and keeps it from sliding around on your platform. Nail these boards to the outside boards.

4. Add the finishing touches. You can keep the wood natural or stain it or paint it to your preference. You can also affix small legs to bring the bed to your height preference.

Tips & Warnings

• For an upholstered look, you can substitute a comforter covered by a fitted sheet for the outside boards. You will need to secure it to the bottom of the bed for the tidiest look. Add this before the top boards and then nail the top boards directly to the box spring.