How to Build a Queen Box Frame

Arrange two 1-by-8 boards that are 60 inches long. These will serve as the top and bottom end rails. Lay two 1-by-8 boards that are 81 inches long along the sides. These are your left and right side rails. Take a weight, such as a brick, to hold the rails in the standing position.

Run a thin bead of wood glue on the edge of both the top and bottom rails. Do this quickly so that the glue does not have time to dry. Attach the side rails to each edge and reposition the weight to allow the glue on the bed frames to dry. Make sure that the edges are flush and positioned. Wait 10 to 20 minutes for the glue to become tacky.

Screw the right side rail to the bottom end rail. Mark one dot 2 inches from the bottom and one dot from the top of the side rail. These will serve as the guide to position your screws. Using 2-inch wood screws, carefully drill the screws into and through the side rail into the edge of the end rail. Repeat on all corners of the bed frame.

Lay one 2-by-4 piece of plywood on a cutting surface. Mark a right angle triangle from the end of the wood. This will make your corner supports for the frame. Cut this right triangle wedge off the 2-by-4 and then draw three more right angle triangles, cutting each off the same piece of wood. Set the remaining 2-by-4 wood aside.

Apply a line of wood glue to each triangle wedge and place one in each corner of your bed frame. Position the wedge flush with the bottom of the wood frame where it will be touching the floor. These will act as additional supports for the frame. Draw two guide marks on each outer side of the rails and use one wood screw per side to secure the corner supports to the rails.

Place a 2 x 6 in the center of the bed frame. This will serve as the center support. If the 2 x 6 does not fit, measure the extra and trim the excess with your saw. Be careful not to cut too much off because you will want the center support to be flush with the frame. Apply glue and drill wood screws in the support to firmly attach it.

Attach your side supports by drilling two 2 x 6 wood pieces into the inner sides of the side rails. Place each 2 x 6 at two inches lower than the top of the rail side. This will allow you to lay your box spring and mattress on the bed frame so that the bed is elevated slightly. If your bed comes with slats you can place them on the finished frame. If your bed has a box spring and separate mattress you will not need slats.