How to Build Platform Beds With Lips

Decide on the dimensions for your bed. For a twin, the bed surface will have to be at least 39-by-75 inches. A full will be at least 54-by-75 inches, a queen will be at least 60-by-80 inches, and a king will be at least 76-by-80 inches.

Saw 2-by-10-by-96-inch lumber into two side rails and two end rails, using a circular power saw. Saw through the shallow side of the wood, as the saw cannot extend enough to cut 9 1/4-inches deep.

Divide 2-by-2-by-96-inch lumber into two slat support rails to fit within the bed frame. These should measure 3 inches shorter than the side rails.

Cut 2-by-6-by-96-inch lumber into one center support beam that measures the length of the slat supports.

Cut 2-by-4-by-96-inch lumber into at least five slats to space evenly across the slat supports and support your weight.

Saw 4-by-8-foot, 3/4-inch plywood into sheets that will lay across the slats to spread the weight of your body over more surface area.

Make a butt-joint by juxtaposing the end rails between and perpendicular to the side rails, flush with their ends. Secure each joint with five 3-inch countersunk screws.

Fix the slat support rails into position 4 inches from the bottom of the boards, using wood glue and 3-inch screws spaced every 6 inches.

Lay the center support beam down the center of the bed, and secure it with wood glue and screws on each end. The top of the center support beam should be level with the top of the slat supports, 5 1/2 inches from the bottom of the frame.

Lay the slats across the slat supports and center beam, and nail them into place, using 3-inch nails.

Lay the plywood sheet atop the slats and nail it into place with 1-inch nails. This should leave a lip of 1 1/2 inches to secure the mattress in place.