How to Build a Mission Bed

Elaborate looking, a mission bed frame is also among the easiest to build. Since a mission bed has many parts, it is advisable to apply the finish prior to assembly. This article describes the process of building a twin bed.

Things You'll Need

• Four pieces, 4-by-4-by-36-inch posts
• Variable speed drill
• 1-inch paddle bit
• 3/8-inch drill bit
• Two pieces, 2-by-6-by-75-inch lumber
• Three 2-by-6-by-33-inch lumber
• 12 4-inch lag screws
• Four 2-by-6-by-10-inch lumber
• Philips head screw tip
• 2-1/2-inch deck screws (16)
• Table saw with 3/4-inch dado blades
• Four 2-by-6-by-29-inch lumber
• 10 pieces, 1-by-4-by-21-inch lumber
• Small box 4d finish nails
• Eight 6-inch lag screws
• Eight pieces 2-by-4-by-5-inch lumber
• Two pieces 1-by-4-by-36-inch lumber

Instructions

1. Place the 4-by-4-by-36-inch posts on a worktable. Measure up from one end and make a mark at 6 and 8 inches centered on the width.

2. Drill a countersink hole 1/2-inch deep with 1-inch paddle bit. Next, drill a hole through the posts in the center of the countersink holes with the 3/8-inch drill bit.

3. 

   Place the two 2-by-6-by-75-inch pieces on the worktable. Drill two holes 3/4-inch from the edge on both ends of the lumber and two in the center, the first hole at 2 inches from the long edge and the other at 4 inches.

4. 

   Place the three 2-by-6-by-33-inch lumber between the two 75-inch pieces and secure them with the 4-inch lag screws. Next, secure the four 2-by-6-by-10-inch lumber to the outside of the 33-inch lumber 10 inches from the ends with the deck screws.

5. 

   Set the fence of the table saw at 3/8-inch, the height of the 3/4-inch dado blades at 1/2 inch and cut a groove in the 1-1/2-inch edge of the four 2-by-6-by-29-inch lumber. Insert the 1-by-4-by-21-inch lumber into the grooves, space them out evenly and secure them with the 4d finish nails.

6. Secure four of the 2-by-4-by-5-inch lumber to the posts with the deck screws so that when the assembly from Step 5 is placed on them, the holes drilled in the 4-by-4s in Step 1 are facing you. Secure the other four pieces of 5-inch lumber on the side of the posts for the bed frame to rest on and secure the frame to the posts with the 6-inch lag screws.

7. Place the head and footboard of the mission bed on the 5-inch lumber and secure it to the bed frame through the 2-by-6s into the 10-inch pieces installed in Step 4. Place the 1-by-4-by-36-inch lumber on top of the posts, center the head and footboards on them and secure it the mission bed with the 4d finish nails.

Tips & Warnings

• Sand the 1-by-4 inch lumber prior to installation. Apply finish to the head and footboard pieces before assembly.

• Do not raise the blade of the table saw any higher than needed to make the cut. Do not leave power tools unattended in the presence of children.

References

• Building a Bed Frame

Resources

• Mission Furniture Plans