How to Make a Queen-Sized Wood Bed Frame

Making your own queen-sized wood bed frame is a great way to update your bedroom without spending a lot of money. The bed frames sold in furniture stores can be very expensive. With just a few pieces of lumber and some common household tools, however, you can make a simple wooden bed frame at home. Building a queen-sized wood bed frame from scratch also allows you to customize it with your choice of paint or wood stain.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Electric saw
• Four pieces of 2-by-4-inch, 2-by-6-inch or 2-by-8-inch lumber
• Two 3/4-inch-thick 4-by-8-foot plywood panels
• Wood glue
• Large clamps
• 20 wood screws
• Screwdriver
• Paint, wood stain or polyurethane sealer

Instructions

1. Measure the mattress you will be putting onto the bed frame. Queen-size mattresses are generally around 6 1/2 feet long and 5 feet wide. Take an inch or two off of each edge so that the bed frame will be slightly smaller than the mattress. This keeps the bed frame out of the way so you will not bang your legs against it when getting in and out of bed.

2. Use an electric saw to cut the lumber into two long side pieces and two shorter end pieces according to your measurements from Step 1. The size of wood you choose depends on how high you want the bed frame to be.

3. Lay out the wooden pieces on the floor so that they form a box. Use wood glue to attach the pieces at each corner. Clamp the ends together to keep them in place while the glue dries. Allow the box to dry overnight, then remove the clamps. Reinforce the box by driving three large wood screws through each corner.

4. Cut three pieces of lumber the same length as your end pieces to serve as support beams that will prevent the mattress from sagging. Evenly space these support pieces inside the frame; use wood screws to attach them to both side pieces.

5. Cut a panel of plywood large enough to completely cover the bed frame. If you are using unfinished plywood, use a power sander to sand the top down before attaching it to the frame. This will prevent splinters from getting into your box spring or mattress when you place it on top of the bed frame.

6. Apply a wood stain or paint. If you prefer an unfinished look, apply a coat of clear polyurethane sealer. This will protect the wood from moisture and help your bed frame last longer.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear safety goggles and a face mask when working with power tools. Be sure you have adequate ventilation if you are applying paint or wood stain to your queen-sized bed frame.