How to Build a Canopy for a Four Poster Bed Frame With Wood

Measure the distance between the top of the posts from a corner at the head of the bed to the same corner at the foot of the bed. This should be roughly the same measurement as the length of the bed.

Measure the distance between the top of the posts from one corner of the head or foot to the other corner of the head or foot. This will be roughly the same measurement as the width of the bed. Subtract 4 inches from this measurement, which is twice the width of the 1-by-2-inch canopy lumber you are using.

Cut two planks of the 1-by-2-inch lumber to the length measurement and four planks to the width measurement, less the 4 inches. For example, if the length measurement is 75 inches and the width measurement is 60 inches, cut two 75-inch planks and four 56-inch planks of 1-by-2-inch lumber.

Lay the two length planks flat on a work surface, as far apart as the width planks are long.

Place two of the width planks between the ends of the length planks so you have a rectangular frame. Then evenly space the other two width planks between the end two for supports across the top of the canopy frame.

Glue the ends of the width planks to the sides of the length planks, checking with a carpenter’s square that the corners and angles are all 90 degrees before letting the glue set.

Drill two pilot holes sized for 2 1/2-inch wood screws through the length planks into each end of each width plank and secure the canopy frame together with the screws through the pilot holes.

Climb a ladder and have a helper assist you in lifting the canopy onto the top of the bed posts. Adjust the position so that the corners of the canopy frame align with the corners of the bedposts.

Drill four pilot holes sized for 2 1/2-inch screws through the canopy frame into the corners of the end of each bedpost. Then secure the canopy frame in place with the screws through the pilot holes.

Lay a cotton mosquito canopy on the bed, with the top of the canopy covering the top of the mattress and the sides of the canopy falling over the sides of the bed. Open all the points of attachment — typically ties or press-stud loops — on the top of the canopy then have your helper elevate the top of the canopy up to meet the top of the canopy frame. Tie or clip the attachment loops around the canopy frame to hang the canopy up.

Gather the corners of the cotton canopy up to each of the bedposts, arranging the fabric so to create nicely draped sides on the canopy. Tie the canopy sides to the bedposts to complete the four-poster bed with canopy.