How to Make a Pioneer Bed

Headboard

• 1

  Measure out two 40 1/2 inch lengths on the 1x8 board and mark them with a pencil. Use the circular saw to cut the board to length. These will be the headboard rails.

• 2

  Measure out and mark two 33 1/2 inch lengths on a 1x3 and cut them to size with a circular saw. These will be the front legs for the headboard.

• 3

  Measure out two 33 1/2 inch lengths on a 1x2 board and cut them to size with a circular saw. These will be the side legs of the headboard.

• 4

  Measure out and mark eight 2 1/4 inch lengths on a 1x2 board, then cut them to size with the circular saw. These will be the top trim for headboard and footboard.

• 5

  Draw a gentle curve on one of the 1x8 pieces and cut it out with a jigsaw. This will be the top headboard rail. Sand the cut edge until it is smooth.

• 6

  Lay the two headboard slats on top of the 1x3 legs. Leave 3/4 inch on the outside of the each leg. Glue and nail the boards in place with 1 1/4 inch finishing nails.

• 7

  Nail the 1x2 legs to the 3/4 inch overhang with 2-inch finishing nails.

• 8

  Place two 2 1/4-inch 1x2s on the tops of the legs. Nail them in place with 2-inch finishing nails.

Footboard

• 9

  Measure out and cut 40 1/2 inches off the 1x10 board. This will be the footboard.

• 10

  Measure and cut two 16 3/4 inch lengths from a 1x3 board. These will be the front legs of the footboard.

• 11

  Measure and cut two 16 3/4-inch lengths from a 1x2 board. These will be the footboard side legs.

• 12

  Lay the footboard slat on top of the 1x3 legs. Leave 3/4 inch on the outside of each leg. Glue and nail the board in place with 1x1/4 inch finishing nails.

• 13

  Nail the 1x2 legs to the 3/4 inch overhang with 2-inch finishing nails.

• 14

  Place two 2 1/4 inch 1x2s on the tops of the legs. Nail them in place with 2-inch finishing nails.

Siderails and Cleats

• 15

  Measure and cut two 75 inch lengths of 1x6 boards. These will be the side rails for the bed.

• 16

  Measure and cut two 75-inch lengths of 1x2 board to use as the cleats for the side rails.

• 17

  Measure and cut 15 39 inch 1x3 boards. These will be the slats that lie across the cleats to hold the mattress in place.

• 18

  Glue the cleats 1 and 1/2 inches from the top of the side rail. Once the glue has dried, secure the cleats with 1/4-inch screws every four inches.

• 19

  Secure the side rails to the headboard and footboard with 2-inch screws. The top of the side rail should be the same height as the top of the footboard.

• 20

  Lay 15 1x3 slats, 2 inches apart, on top of the cleats. Secure them in place with 1 1/4 inch screws.

• 21

  Prime and paint the entire pioneer bed structure.