How to Create a Bed That Converts to a Bench

Remove the sides and center supports from a king-size bed frame. The king size bed frame is 76 inches wide and therefore long enough for the standard twin mattress of 72 inches.

Measure the width of the footboard and mark the center vertically at the half mark.

Cut the footboard in half using a circular saw. Place one half on either side of the head board, positioning the cut section perpendicular to the headboard. Drill two pilot holes through the footboard into the headboard, 4 inches apart vertically, starting at 12 inches from the ground, while holding the frames even with each other. Screw the sections to the headboard with 3/8-inch lag bolts. Use longer lag bolts if the footboard is thicker than 2 inches.

Measure the width of the headboard and saw a section of 1-by 6 furniture-grade hardwood to match. Cut two sections of 2-by-4 lumber the same length.

Lay the 1-by-6 front board on the ground and position one of the 2-by-4s parallel to and laying flat on top of the front board, 1 1/2 inches from the top edge. Drill pilot holes every 12 inches along the boards and screw them together with 2 1/2-inch wood screws.

Connect the 1-by-6 front board perpendicular to the front ends of the two halves of the footboard, positioning the bottom of the board 16 inches from the ground. Use the same procedure of pre-drilling and screwing in lag bolts as you did with the headboard.

Measure the distance between the inside of the front board to the inside of the headboard and cut 19 slats, each 1-by-3 inches, to serve as support for the bench part. Use a strong wood so the slats will have the strength necessary to hold the weight of several adults.

Place one slat on the edge of the 2-by-4 screwed to the inside of the front board and hold the other end next to the headboard. Place a level on top of the slat and adjust it so it is straight. Mark the position of the bottom of the slat on the headboard. Repeat on the other end of the headboard.

Place the top of the previously cut 2-by-4 lined up with the markings on the headboard and drill pilot holes every 12 inches. Screw the 2-by-4 to the headboard with 2 1/2-inch wood screws.

Position all the slats between the front board and the headboard, spacing them 1 inch apart. Glue the slats to the frame with a drip of wood glue under the ends of each one.

Cover a twin mattress with a decorative sheet, or make a custom cover with upholstery material. Place it on top of the bed and add several pillows along the headboard to serve as a backrest. When you use the bench as a bed, simply remove most of the pillows and add bedding.