PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

A platform bed is one that doesn't use a box spring or metal frame. Instead, it consists of a wooden platform and a mattress, sometimes with side rails, a headboard or drawers. Platform beds have existed throughout history, while box springs have only been available for about the last 150 years. Platform beds may be simple in design or heavily decorated, novice furniture makers can build a simple platform.

  1. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Platform Bed
    Your platform should be 1 inch wider and 1 inch (2 to 3 cm) longer than your mattress, so when you put the mattress on the finished platform bed, there will be 1/2 inch (1 cm) of platform on each side.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Platform Bed
    The base should be smaller than the platform to keep you from stubbing your toes on the base when you get into bed.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Platform Bed
    In addition to the wood for your platform bed, you will need an assortment of tools and supplies, including painting or staining supplies.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Platform Bed
    Consider things such as baseboard heaters, outlets and the thickness of your mattress when deciding how tall to build the platform.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Platform Bed
    Measure and cut 2 or 3 crosspieces, depending on the size of the base, to fit inside the rectangle. Space the crosspieces at even intervals.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Platform Bed
    Drill pilot holes for the screws in each board and apply carpenter's glue to the cut ends to help seal the joints. Use a carpenter's square to make sure all the boards meet at 90-degree angles.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Platform Bed
    Stagger the pieces evenly.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Platform Bed
    Cover the screw heads with wood putty, then paint or stain the outside of the base.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Platform Bed
    Assemble the platform in the same manner as the base, remembering that the length and width of the platform will be 12 inches greater than the base.
  10. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Platform Bed
    Set the platform on top of the base, center it carefully, and screw it to the base wherever the long boards of the platform meet the long board of the base. Use long deck screws, remembering to drill pilot holes to keep the wood from splitting.
  11. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Platform Bed
    Carefully apply carpenter's glue to the edges of the boards and screw the sheet to the platform, taking care to make sure the screws don't split the fiberboard.
  12. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Platform Bed
  13. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Platform Bed
  14. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Platform Bed
  15. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Should there be air holes in the platform to remove moisture?
    Community Answer
    If your floor is of wood construction (joists covered with subfloor and perhaps carpet or hardwood), then you do not need to ventilate. If you want to place this unit in a basement with concrete underneath, either bare or carpeted, find a way to ventilate. If you're uncertain, lay a piece of plastic on the floor for a few days; if after a few days there is no condensation on the plastic, you should not have to ventilate.
  • Question
    How do I build a bed with storage space underneath it?
    Community Answer
    You can use pallets to make your platform rather than simple pieces of wood, and then place the hardy board over it. The space under the pallet can be used for storage.
  • Question
    What type of wood is used in the platform?
    Community Answer
    Plywood is used in the platform. Plywood is best and is strong for beds and other furniture.
See more answers
Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Buy a mattress that is 6 inches longer than the height of the tallest person who will sleep on it. Because people change positions during sleep, they can often find themselves hanging off a too-small mattress.
      • Ask for finish-quality wood for your platform bed. Softwood is easier to work with and can be stained or painted after proper conditioning. Hardwoods are more attractive, but more difficult to cut and drill. If you're certain of your measurements, consider having your fiberboard sheet cut at the store or lumberyard.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Build your platform bed in the room where it will be used. Depending on its size and design, you may find that a platform bed built in the garage won't fit through the doors when you try to bring it to the bedroom.
      • Never assume that you know the measurements of your mattress. Even among standard sizes there is some variation; if you build your platform the wrong size, making a change will be difficult, if not impossible.
      • Don't buy your boards on the same day you plan to build your platform. Instead, buy it two weeks early and store it indoors. Don't stack the boards but lean them against a wall, placing small pieces of wood in between so air can circulate.
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Finish-quality wood lumber
      • Medium density fiberboard
      • Wood and deck screws
      • Carpenter's glue
      • Wood putty
      • Circular saw
      • Miter saw
      • Drill
      • Screwdriver
      • Carpenter's square
      • Measuring tape
      • Drop cloth or tarp
      • Painting or staining supplies

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 455,346 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Becky Troyer

        Sep 5, 2016

        "I am just beginning to think about building my own platform bed and need clear guidance on materials and how to(s). ..." more
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement