How to Make an Easy 2x6 Platform Bed

The sleek form of a platform bed fulfills both form and function in the contemporary bedroom. The simple shape allows the frugal homeowner to build the bed frame while the firm platform base comforts his aching back. You can easily adjust a do-it-yourself platform bed to fit any size mattress. If you need a custom-size bed to fit an extra small or odd-shaped room, extra-firm foam for a mattress is available at your local fabric store and online. Building your own platform bed is a one-weekend project.

Measuring tape
Pencil
8 2-by-6-inch boards, 8 feet long
4 2-by-2-inch boards. 8 feet long
2 sheets 1-inch plywood, 4-by-8-feet
16 lag screws, 4-inch
Deck screws, 2 1/2-inch
Deck screws, 1 1/2-inch
4 "L" brackets
Saw
Drill
Socket set
Sandpaper, fine-grit

Instructions

- 1
  Measure your mattress. Standard U.S. sizes are: California King - 72-by-84 inches, King - 76-by-80 inches, Queen - 60-by-80 inches, Full - 54-by-75 inches and Twin - 39-by-75 inches. For the purposes of this article, a queen-size mattress is used for the platform bed.
- 2
  Cut two 2-by-6-boards to 58 inches long. Cut two more boards to 81 inches long. Lightly sand all edges to smooth any rough spots.
- 3
  Measure 1 inch down on the inside of the boards and mark with a pencil.
- 4
  Cut two 2-by-2 boards to 58 inches long and two to 75 inches long. Align the top of the 58-inch board to the top of pencil line on the 58-inch, 2-by-6 board. Pre-drill and screw together, using the 2 1/2-inch screws. Center the 75-inch board on the 81-inch, 2-by-6 board, aligning to the top of the pencil line. Again, pre-drill and screw together.
- 5
  Lay the boards in a rectangle, butting the pieces together in the corners and carefully aligning the tops. The 58-inch boards fit inside the 81-inch boards. Pre-drill two holes in the sides of the 81-inch boards and into the ends of the 58-inch boards, 1 1/2 inches from the top and bottom. Use the lag screws to screw the frame together.
- 6
  Cut the plywood panels to 29-by-78 inches. Lay side by side inside the top of the frame. Pre-drill and screw down to the 2-by-2 boards, using the 1 1/2-inch screws.
- 7
  Cut the remaining 2-by-6-inch boards, two at 58 inches and two at 78 inches. Lay in a rectangle with the 58-inch boards inside the 78-inch sides, tops aligned and ends butted together. Pre-drill and screw together, using the lag screws. Screw an "L" bracket into each corner, using the 1 1/2-inch deck screws. Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper.
- 8
  Place the smaller rectangle in position in the bedroom, 2 inches from the wall. With a helper, lift the top of the platform bed onto the base, with the inner 2-by-2 supports resting on top of the 2-by-6 base.
- 9
  Place the mattress on the platform and make the bed.

Options for Bed Frames

What Is the Difference Between Latex & Foam?

Beds