Anyone ever build a bed?

[injendsm]

I'm moving into a house with some buddies soon, and I'm thinking about building a platform bed. I've wanted a bed like this for a while now, but they are pretty expensive when looking for a pre-made one, so I think it would be better to just build one. However, I can't find any good information on building one. I'd like it to be similar to this:



Has anyone ever built a bed like this? If so, could you give me some tips on how to get it done or a good website with step by step instructions on the process? I realize this is a pretty random question, but most of you guys seem to have a good grasp of things such as this, so I trust your opinions. I appreciate any help.

[Sleeper300]

Well now you have to decide on what size mattress your going to use;

1) If you going to use say a King mattress then decide on if you want the platform to have to ability to be taken apart, since your investment is not going to be cheap, yet there are cheap ways to get the same thing.

Draw out on paper how high you want it and the dimensions.

Now you first need to make the supporting platform solid yet not overly heavy. If you planning on using box springs, queens have one and kings have two. That will determine the direction of your design.

You really need someone with Carpenter skills to guide you in this endeavor, cause you'll spend alot of time in this bed and it needs to be more stable than you think, Head boards don't slap walls cause of dreams.

Then decide on wood type and what kind of finish you want to seal and protect, not to mention sanding and making smooth, so as to not get slivers.

You could also cover the exposed area with leather/ vinyl / paint that depends on your budget. Expect to spend a few bucks, cheap way will still cost you something like $250 right way closer to $800 with good wood and proper sealant and nice Headboard. Adjustable legs or pads to prevent scratching nice flooring.

Cheap 2x6's for frame and ply wood for most of the area.

Right way 2 x 8 for frame using strong tie bracing then 3/4 plywood for under support and finish plywood for sides and top area. You could use a 1/4 pad and cover that with leather, would make a nice look and better quality.

Just get started with some kind of plan sketched out. Plan out what materials you'll need and then go price, Wood's not cheap....

I thought this was a CAR forum,,, find a Make my dream bed forum j/k

[injendsm]

Originally Posted by Sleeper300

I thought this was a CAR forum,,, find a Make my dream bed forum j/k

LOL, thanks for the good information. I'll see if I can find a good carpenter around here to speak with about this.

[Spittin Game]

I love those types of beds, definitely what my next one will be.

[srt8danno]

Here are a few links to HGTV & DIY Network that has some “how to’s” on making a platform bed. I hope they help. I have this type of bed and it really is very nice if you like the minimalist look.


Decorating : Dressers / Wardrobes : Modern Platform Bed : Home & Garden Television

LIVING : Bedroom : Platform Bed : DIY Network

GARDENING : Lawns & Landscaping : Bed Frame Platform, Headboard and Footboard : DIY Network

LIVING : Budget Decorating : Platform Bed : DIY Network

[BlkLikeMe]

WOW Danno! Looks like I might be taking on this project for the summer for a guest bed! I can add a few wall pics, simple bedside table, freestanding window and the room can be "minimally furnished" and look nice...no more HGTV needed when you have Danno and his magical links lol

[pipsmom]

This is what makes this forum so great...
With almost 12,000 members...Is there anything that we can't accomplish? There always seem to be members willing to help out no matter what the question...
I guess that is why there is an off topic section as well.
Danno that is cool that you found those links for him....
300sleeper...great instructions...

Good luck with your bed building Injendsm!

The 300 forum rocks!

Safety clause:
This is my own opinion and is stated solely by me..it is not the opinion of all the forum members here but based on my own experience.

[pipsdad]

What I would do, is get a waterbed frame and start from there. That way you get drawers instead of a plain platform. I can help you with this I think. I have some rough carpentry skills. I even have a few ideas how to do this.

The reason I say use a waterbed is they are just like Yugo's or Mustangs, you love them, you buy them, when you are done with them, you can't give them away. I was at a yard sale once and the people had a quenn size waterbed for sale. It had been marked from 40.00 down to 5.00. I just wanted it for the wood, so I offered them $3 and they took it, and helped me load it in the truck!!!!

[srt8danno]

Originally Posted by pipsdad

What I would do, is get a waterbed frame and start from there. That way you get drawers instead of a plain platform. I can help you with this I think. I have some rough carpentry skills. I even have a few ideas how to do this.

The reason I say use a waterbed is they are just like Yugo's or Mustangs, you love them, you buy them, when you are done with them, you can't give them away. I was at a yard sale once and the people had a quenn size waterbed for sale. It had been marked from 40.00 down to 5.00. I just wanted it for the wood, so I offered them $3 and they took it, and helped me load it in the truck!!!!

The platform a waterbed sits on would be a perfect starting point…..and you’re right PD there are people out there giving them away. I once had a free motion waterbed for quite a number of years. Then in the middle of the night I heard this very loud crack/BOOM! The center cheap particle board base collapsed sending me/and many gallons of water pouring across the floor! End of bed. However, today they make very nice bases….not the cheap crap I had. Good luck and hope you’re successful.

Waterbed Willy's on Cleveland has some great looking bases.