How to Build a Frame for a Queen Size Bed With Storage Underneath

Bottom Base Frame With Storage

• 1

  Cut two 2-by-10-inch boards to 70 inches in length. A standard queen size bed is 80 inches long, but subtract 10 inches from the total to allow for the thickness of the outer frame, which is 1 1/2 inches. This extra space allows the bottom frame to sit slightly back from the upper frame, providing toe room when you approach the bed.

  For example, 80 inches minus 10 inches results in 70-inch-long boards. These two boards form the back of the bottom frame when viewed from the side of the bed as if you are accessing the storage.

• 2

  Divide the length of the bottom platform into the number of storage compartments desired. Five equal spaces that are each 14 inches wide is one alternative. Since these might prove narrow, you could also create four at 17 1/2 inches wide or make irregular-sized compartments as well, such as two 24 inches wide and two 11 inches wide.

• 3

  Line the two lengthwise boards up with the ends flush. Measure down the length of the boards. Make a straight line to mark where you wish to attach a board to form the storage compartments.

• 4

  Count the number of marks on one board and double it to provide enough boards for both sides of the bottom frame. Add four additional boards to create the ends of the bottom frame.

• 5

  Cut the number of boards needed using additional 2-by-10 boards. Make the boards measure 23 1/2 inches in length, making the width of half the frame minus 1 1/2 inches for the back board.

  The normal width of a queen frame is 60 inches, so the bottom frame -- with 10 inches clearance removed -- is 50 inches. The bottom frame is two separate pieces, and the width of the back is accounted for.

• 6

  Lay a 70-inch-long board lengthwise. Align a short board with each mark across the board. Nail or screw through the long board and into the ends of the short boards, two times for each board. Line a board up flush with the end and beginning to attach the outer boards. Repeat with the opposite side.

• 7

  Measure and cut four sheets of plywood to the same size of each frame: 25 inches wide and 70 inches long. Place the plywood on one side of the first frame and nail or screw through the plywood into each of the frame boards underneath, spaced 6 to 8 inches apart. Flip the frame over and repeat on the bottom side. Attach two sheets of plywood to the second base section similarly.

Top Bed Frame

• 8

  Cut six 2-by-4-inch boards to measure 80 inches long, which is the same length as the queen bed mattress. Cut two additional boards measuring 60 inches in length. These boards form the lengthwise boards, sandwiched between the outer edges of the top frame.

• 9

  Line the two 60-inch-long boards up flush. Mark the boards every 12 inches.

• 10

  Attach each 80-inch-long board to one of the 60-inch long boards. Line the first board flush with the beginning and secure with screws or nails driven through the short board into the end of the long board.

  Continue down the length, matching each long board with a mark on the short board. Secure the opposite side similarly, nailing or screwing through the final 60-inch board into the long board ends. When complete, it looks like a stud wall.

• 11

  Cut up to 36 blocks that are 2-by-4 and measure 12 inches in length. Space these across the entire top frame, inserting them between the long boards in a staggered pattern about every 12 inches. Nail through the long boards into the block ends to secure. When complete, these form extra mattress support.

• 12

  Measure and cut one sheet of plywood to 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. Align the plywood with the top side of the top frame. Nail or screw through the plywood into the wood boards beneath.

Assembling the Bed

• 13

  Lay the first half of the bottom bed frame in position. Turn it so the compartments line the sides of the bed. Place the second half of the frame in place -- a mirror opposite of the first -- with the open compartments facing outward in the other direction. Push the pieces snug and flush.

• 14

  Lift the top section of the frame up. Lay it over the two bottom sections with the plywood facing down. Measure over from the right side of the bed the amount that the top overhangs the bottom, which is 5 inches in this case. Draw a straight line the length of the bed. Repeat on the opposite side. Turn to the top and bottom and draw lines indicating 5 inches clearance again.

• 15

  Lay 2-by-2-inch boards along the straight lines, leaving the width of a pencil line between the boards and the mark. Attach the boards with nails or screws. When complete, the bottom frame should fit inside the boards perfectly.

• 16

  Flip the top frame back over with the plywood facing up. Adjust the position of the top frame so the 2-by-2 boards sink down over the bottom frame. These will prevent the top from slipping around on top of the base frame when you use the bed.

• 17

  Complete the storage areas as desired. Cut sheets of plywood and attach hinges to hang over the openings, or even try building drawers. Cut the bottom, front and back, along with the drawer sides, and assemble into a box shape. Nail together with finishing nails and install tracks for the drawers to run on, if desired.