How to Build a Twin Pedestal Bed

A twin bed is the perfect size for a growing child. This type of bed can fit a single sleeper who is 6 feet tall or smaller. Instead of buying a twin bed frame, it's easy to build a pedestal bed (also known as a platform bed), which is lower to the ground. The pedestal bed is a good alternative to to a traditional bed because the mattress actually rests upon the frame, eliminating the need for a box spring.

Things You'll Need

• 2 pieces two-by-twelve, 6 feet 3 inches long
• 3 pieces two-by-twelve, 3 feet long
• 1 piece 3/4-inch plywood, 6 feet 3 inches by 3 feet 3 inches
• Carpenter's square
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Wood screws
• Drill with screwdriver bit
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. Build a rectangular frame out of the two pieces of 6-foot 3-inch two-by-twelves and two of the pieces of 3-foot two-by-twelves. Place the four pieces together so that their ends touch to make four corners that are all 90 degrees. The pieces that make up the shorter sides of the rectangle need to be in between the pieces that make up the longer sides. Screw the frame together by placing two screws vertically on either end of the 6-foot 3-inch two-by-twelves and screwing them into the 3-foot two-by-twelves.

2. Measure 3 feet 1 1/2 inches along one side of the longer pieces to find the center and make a mark with a pencil. Place the remaining piece of 3-foot two-by-twelve at this point inside the rectangular frame at this mark so that the mark is at the center of the two-by-twelve crossbeam. Place two screws vertically on the outside of the frame and screw into the two-by-twelve crossbeam. Screw into the frame on both sides, using two screws in a vertical pattern.

3. Place the plywood on top of the frame. Place screws around the perimeter of the plywood and screw them down through the plywood into the top of the frame. Use a screw in each corner, a screw in the center of each side and then space them approximately 1 foot apart. Use the drill to drive the screws into the wood.

4. Rub the sandpaper over all wooden surfaces to smooth them out and get rid of any splinters. Paint or stain the furniture to match the furniture in the room.

5. Place the mattress on top of the frame. The mattress sides should be even with the pedestal frame.

Tips & Warnings

• The pedestal bed can be made to any size you need it. If you have an extra long twin bed, for example, you will need to add 5 inches to the longer size to make sure it fits properly.

• Don't miss the center beam. This provides extra support for the sleeper. Without it, the bed may crack and fall apart.

References

• Sleepys: Mattress Size Descriptions