How to Make Full Size Platform Beds
The simple lines of a platform bed create a peaceful transition from the cares of the day. Platform beds are designed for use with futon or memory foam mattresses and do not need a box spring. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 72-inch by 4-inch by 4-inch post wood
- 21 feet of 2-inch by 4-inch stock wood
- Dado and rabbet jig
- 6-inch by 1/4-inch brass wood screws
- Power drill, 1/8-inch diameter bit
- Countersink bit
- 1.5-inch by 1/4-inch diameter wood screws
- 16 slats measuring 1 inch by 4 inches by 46 inches
- Full-size 6-inch thick memory foam mattress
- Sabre saw
- Carpenter's try square
Instructions
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1
Use the sabre saw to cut six 12-inch long posts from the 4-by-4 post wood. These will be the legs of your platform bed.
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2
Cut two 50-inch lengths of 2-by-4 stock wood with the sabre saw. Make a 4-inch long, 1-inch deep rabbet cut along each 4-inch end of the 50-inch pieces using the rabbet and dado jig.
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3
Cut two more pieces of 2-by-4 stock wood into two 72-inch lengths. Make matching 4-inch long, 1-inch deep rabbet cuts across the 4-inch ends of the 72-inch long pieces using your rabbet and dado jig. Place the rabbet ends of the 50-inch pieces face down on the rabbets of the 72-inch pieces.
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4
Drill two pilot holes with the 1/8-bit 2 inches apart in the corners; see positions shown in the diagram. Secure the wood pieces with 1.5-inch wood screws.
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5
Turn 1-by-4-by-46 slats on their 1-inch sides and place them between the 72-inch sides of the bed frame, perpendicular to the long sides. Set each slat flush with the edges of the top of the frame. For each slat, drill two pilot holes with 1/8-bit through the side boards and into the slat. Use the 1.5-inch wood screws to attach each slat to the sides of the frame.
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6
Position the 12-inch posts under each corner and under the middle of each long side of the bed frame. All outside faces of the posts must be flush and square with the frame; use a carpenter's try square to check each post position.
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7
Drill pilot holes with 1/8-bit through the frame down into the posts of one corner, then do the same in the opposite corner. Use the 6-inch brass wood screws to secure all six posts. Position the bed frame in your room and lay your mattress on it.
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Tips & Warnings
A full-size mattress is 54 inches by 75 inches. Full-size beds give a single sleeper ample space but are not as generous to couples.
