How to Build a Bed Yourself

Cut 2-by-12-inch lumber to size. You need two pieces that are 5 feet long and two pieces that are 6 feet 10 inches long. Make a rectangle with these boards, with the narrow edge on the ground. The shorter pieces fit between the longer sections. Screw the boards together at each corner, using at least three wood screws for each joint.

Cut 4-by-4-inch lumber into four equal 6-inch sections. Place one of these pieces on end in each corner of the rectangle you just made. Screw into place from each side, with at least two screws on each side. Do this for all four corners.

Cut a 2-by-6-inch board to 5 feet. Measure along both long sides of your rectangle to 3 feet 5 inches. Place the 5-foot board between the sides at the measurement. This is the first cross brace. Screw into place, using two screws per side.

Cut a the 2-by-6-inch board to 3 feet 3 inches long. Measuring along the short ends of the rectangle, find the 2-foot 8-inch mark. Insert the boards at these points. They will be between the end of the frame and the first cross brace. Screw into place on both the frame and the first cross brace. Turn over the rectangle and brace section.

Cut each plywood section to 35-by-82 inches. Lay these pieces side by side on top of the rectangle so the rectangle is completely covered. Screw into place at each corner. Use additional screws in the middle of both the long and short edges. Find the midpoint between each corner and the middle screw and add another screw.

Sand the edges smooth. Place the mattress on the bed frame.