How to Make Your Own Wooden 4-Post Bed

Build a frame to support the mattress. The size of the support frame depends on the bed size being used, with a king or queen size obviously larger than a single bed. Build a perimeter frame of 2-by-10 inch lumber cut to appropriate size of the bed and fastened with three 3-inch screws at each corner.

Cut four supports to fit between the bed support frame from side to side. Fasten these in place every 16 inches with three 3-inch screws from each end.

Cut two pieces of 1/2-inch plywood to fit as a top to the bed frame. Do not install the plywood cover at this time.

Make the posts. Cut four 4-by-4-inch pieces of wood to 4 feet long. As the featured element of the bed, the posts are commonly made of a furniture-grade hardwood. If you plan to leave the posts square, you can sand them smooth at this time.

Turn the posts to a decorative look. Cut the previously cut posts to a length that you can mount in the turning lathe. The remaining portion of the post will serve as the bottom of the post, is below bed level and will remain square.

Turn the four posts. You may choose to make the two posts at the head longer and of a different design than those at the foot of the bed. Start with a gouge to round the posts. Use skews and other turning tools to create whatever pattern of the curves and bands you desire. The top is commonly turned to a rounded point.

Drill a 1/2-inch hole about 3 inches deep in the center of the turned segment of each post. Drill a similar 1/2-inch hole in the center of the remaining square segment of each post. Insert a 1/2-inch dowel into the base and fit the turned segment to it to create the complete post. Stain the posts and exposed portion of the bed frame.

Attach the posts to the bed frame with 3-inch screws and run into the post from the inside of the frame at each corner.

Place the plywood on the frame and attach it in place using 1 1/2-inch screws. Place the box spring and mattress on the frame.