How to Make Quick & Easy Bed Frames

You can make a quick bed frame out of simple lumber.

Bed frames can be expensive. If you are on a budget, or just need a spare bed for occasional guests, build a bed frame using lumber. Regular spruce lumber, available from most lumber yards, is a cost-effective material from which to make a frame. If you have the tools for the project, a sturdy bed frame can cost you less than $100. Borrow friends' tools to keep your bed frame as cheap as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• 4 pieces of 2-by-6 lumber, 8 feet long
• Saw
• Screws
• 1 piece of plywood, 9 feet square
• 1 piece of 2-by-2 lumber, 8 feet long

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of your current mattress.

2. Cut two 2-by-6 pieces of lumber to the length of the mattress and two to the width. The pieces of lumber should be 2 inches longer than the mattress in both length and width to allow for blankets and sheets.

3. Apply wood glue to the ends of the 2-by-6 board and place the pieces together. Tighten a vise on the pieces while the wood glue dries.

4. Secure each joint with three screws.

5. Cut a piece of plywood to the length and width of the frame. Place the plywood over the frame and sink screws approximately every foot to tighten it down.

6. Cut four 2-by-2 pieces of lumber to the desired height of the bed. Attach the 2-by-2 pieces to the bottom of the plywood using screws. These pieces act as the feet.

7. Flip the bed over and insert your mattress in its new frame.

References

• Made Man; How to Make a Bed Frame; Robert Hosler
• Wood Gears; Building a Bed
• Wise Bread; Build a Bed for Cheap (and Look Good Doing It); Linsey Knerl