How to Build a Platform Bed

It’s modern and movable. Just follow these step-by-step instructions.

More from Room by Room
Filed under: Platform Beds, How To, Beds, Furniture

This modern bed is a simple platform on casters, so it’s easy to move. Here’s how to build it:

Materials and Tools:

router with ¾-inch bit
5-inch casters
2-by-4-inch and 2-by-6-inch pine lumber
¾-inch particleboard
paint
circular saw
1½-inch and 3-inch lag screws
3-inch 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 by 75 inches). Mark the particleboard larger all the way around to allow extra room for tucking in sheets and blankets (the featured project measured 56 by 77 inches). Cut the lumber to width and length with a circular saw and a long guide (it will take two sheets of particleboard to get the desired dimensions).

2. Cut four 2-by-6’s 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 ¾-inch-wide groove (a dado) along the length of two of the 2-by-6’s. The dado will allow the platform to slip into the groove for a sturdy bed. Be sure to start and stop the groove 1 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 2 inches from the edge of the 2-by-6. The depth of the groove will be ½-inch. Make several passes, raising the depth of the bit so that the router won’t 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.

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 2-by-6’s, and then attach the 3-inch lag screws with a ratchet bit).

5. Build the center support for the weight of the platform and the mattress using a 2-by-4 cut to the inside width of the frame. Attach it below the routed groove with wood screws driven in from the outside of the frame.

6. Remove the end rail, slide the particleboard into position, and reattach the end rail.

7. Attach the wheels to the bottom of the 2-by-6’s with a 2-by-4 block added for support. Set a wheel in position about 1 inch from each corner edge; drill pilot holes, and then secure them with 1½-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.