Page #2 DIY Bed Construction
Next, we cut the 2×6 boards to size, when cutting don’t let the slack drop to the ground. Support the slack weight and cut cleanly.
With my cut I am cutting one inch bigger to play it safe. I am fine with a platform bed approximately 1 inch bigger than the mattress, if you prefer the platform structure even out with your mattress, cut exactly as your mattress is. With your 2×6 board cut:
Mattress Size: Long Side Board Cut: Short Head/Foot Board Cut:
Twin two 75″ boards (or 76″) two 39″ boards (or 40″)
Full two 75″ boards (or 76″) two 54″ boards (or 55″)
Queen two 60″ boards (or 61″) two 80″ boards (or 81″)
King two 76″/78″ boards (Kings varies) two 80″ boards or (81″)
My particular platform bed is underlined above. There’s a popular quote in carpentry that goes as “Measure twice, Cut once“. Be careful with your measurements. From this point on, there will be more measurements needed and I recommend a Carpenter’s Square for straight and even lines to cut from ($2.99 yellow plastic tool pictured above). Next, we do some drilling!
Before we start drilling inspect the boards for the best side on the board possible. With my 2×6 board, one side had a bad knot notch on it and I made sure that side would not be on the exterior. With the “inside and bad” side, pencil a line that’s 1/2 inch from the top of the whole board.
The entire platform bed will have a 1/2″ gap from the top, nothing will obstruct that 1/2″ inch gap all around the platform bed. This is done in advance to secure support beams/boards (plywood or wood strips) at the end of the project.
We do the short side boards (head/foot side) first, get the legs out and balance them on the ground, some wood, or on crates like me. Position them in drilling position, seeing the outside of the platform. Inspect to make sure you have the best legs showing. Realize that the next side of the leg will also show on the other side of the bed, so you will need to select the two best sides to show on the outside.
After deciding on the best appearance, rotate the leg and board exactly opposite for drilling. For your short (head/foot) side boards you want the edge of the legs and board to even out, as shown in picture above. Remember to maintain a 1/2″ inch gap.
Rotated and then on to drilling. Measure and locate center 2 1/2″ inches from the top and 2″ from the edge.
Get ready to drill, clamp would be great at this point but don’t have any that big. Looking from the bottom for one final inspection of the legs staying on the 1/2″ line and is even with the edges. I put hand pressure on the board, then put my foot on the board, and drill as straight as possible.
Drill through same hole repeatedly until your bolt is able to travel through somewhat firmly, but not too loose.
This was just for one leg, now repeat with your three others!