How to Build a Plank-Style Bed

Determine the size of your finished bed, which will be anywhere from 42 inches to 75 inches wide and 78 to 87 inches long, depending on the size of your mattress. Account for a 1/2-inch lip around the mattress to keep it from sliding.

Saw 2-by-10-inch lumber into two side rails measuring your desired bed length and two end rails that measure your desired width, less three inches.

Cut 2-by-2-inch lumber into two slat supports that measure the length of the bed, minus three inches.

Divide 2-by-4-inch lumber into at least six slats that measure the total width of the bed, less three inches, the same measurement as the end rails.

Cut down a piece of 2-by-6-inch lumber into one central support beam that measures the length of the slat supports, the length of the bed minus three inches.

Trim 1/2-inch plywood into panels that will lay across the slats and provide a platform for the mattress.

Begin assembling the bed frame by butting the end rails perpendicular to the side rails, flush with the head and foot edges, forming an even rectangle. Secure each joint with wood glue and six 3-inch countersunk screws placed through the outside of the side rail and through the end of the end rail. Ensure that the top and bottom of the frame is even.

Measure down four inches into the inside of the frame and secure the slat supports with wood glue, clamping them in place until the glue sets. Place one 3-inch countersunk screw every three inches along the length of the rail, from the inside of the frame. Turn the frame over.

Lay the slats across the slat supports and nail them in place using 3-inch nails on both sides of each slat.

Position the plywood atop the slats and secure it with 1-1/2-inch nails along the length of the slats. Turn the frame back over.

Place the central support beam into the frame, flush with the bottom of the slats, and secure it to the bed using three 3-inch countersunk screws placed from the outside. Turn the bed frame back over.