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Modern Platform Bed

Room by Room : Episode RXR-2107 -- More Projects »
Photo
 Media
Video: This modern bed is a simple platform on castors so it's easy to move when necessary.
Materials:

router with 3/4" bit
5" castors
2x4 and 2x6 pine lumber
3/4" particle board
paint
circular saw
1-1/2" and 3" lag screws
3" wood screws
drill with ratchet bit

Steps:

1. Decide the type of mattress you will use on the platform (the featured project is for a full-size bed, which measures 54"x75"). Mark the particle board larger all the way around to allow extra room tucking in sheets and blankets (the featured project measured 56"x 77"). Cut the lumber to width and length using a circular saw and a long guide (it will take two sheets of particle board to get the desired dimensions).

PHOTO

Figure A
2. Cut four 2x6s to length to go around the perimeter of the platform to construct a frame. For the side rails, use a router table to make a 3/4-inch-wide groove (a dado) along the length of two of the 2x6s. The dado will allow the platform to slip into the groove for a sturdy bed. Be sure to start and stop the groove one inch in from the ends of the boards so they don't show once joined with the end rails. Set the fence so that the groove will be about two inches from the edge of the 2x6. The depth of the groove will be 1/2 inch. Make several passes, raising the depth of the bit so that the router will not make burn marks on the lumber from overheating.
3. Repeat the same process for the top and bottom rails, this time continuing the groove along the entire length of each board (figure A).
PHOTO

Figure B
4. Attach the frame with the side rails overlapping the end rails (again, this will hide the dado) using lag screws (drill pilot holes into the 2x6s, and then attach the three-inch lag screws using a ratchet bit) (figure B).
5. Build the support for the weight of the platform and mattress at the center using a 2x4 cut to the inside width of the frame. Attach it below the routed groove using wood screws driven in from the outside of the frame.
PHOTO

Figure C
6. Remove the end rail; slide the particle boards into position, and then reattach the end rail (figure C).
PHOTO

Figure D
7. Once the main body of the bed is constructed, attach the wheels to the bottom of the 2x6s with a 2x4 block added for support (figure D). Set a wheel in position about one inch from each corner edge; drill pilot holes, and then secure them with 1-1/2-inch lag screws. Place another wheel in the very center of the bed to give the center support.
8. Prime and paint or stain as desired.
Also in this Episode
Room by Room : Episode RXR-2107
•A Pre-Teen Artist's Room
•Painting With Dark Colors
•Modern Platform Bed
•Canvas Drop Cloth Wall Hanging
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