There are many ways to build a bed frame, both cheap and expensive, depending on the materials used and the complexity of the frame. In this little how-to guide, we’ll explore an easy way to create a bed frame out of materials that don’t cost a lot.
The first thing to do before building a new frame is to decide whether to use your current bed mattress or buy a new one. This is important, as you will need the dimensions of the mattress before you even plan your frame. The frame needs to fit the mattress you will be using, so make a basic sketch with the dimensions of the mattress and the frame that will fit the mattress.
The next step is to create a list of the materials you will be using. If you already have tools at home, other than nails, all you need is wood.
You will need a large piece of plywood for the mattress to rest on. The plywood should be slightly larger than the mattress so that the mattress will fit after all the protectors are attached to all four sides. The plywood should measure the size of the mattress plus the thickness of the bumpers on all four sides.
For most builds, a 2×2 should suffice. Your plywood will be four inches longer than the mattress and four inches wider.
The protectors will need to be cut as follows: two 2x2s will be cut to the exact length of the mattress plus an additional four inches and another two 2x2s will be cut to the exact width of the mattress.
You do not need to add an additional four inches to the width of the frame, as these bumpers will meet the other two bumpers.
You will need extra wood to make the bedposts as well. For basic builds, 2x2s cut to length should suffice.
In the assembly part, all you need are nails and a hammer. Lay everything out on the floor, starting with the plywood. On top of the plywood you need to put the bumpers and nail them in all four corners. After this, you need to remove the frame from the plywood and put it only on the floor. Lay the plywood over the bumpers and make sure it sits right in the middle of the frame, after which you will nail it to the bumpers, on all sides.
The bed posts are next. You need to place them at each corner of the frame and nail them to the frame. Make sure they don’t move at all. Now all you have to do is place the mattress on the frame and you’re ready to catch some Z’s.
