An easy and affordable DIY project with reclaimed wood that is a perfect addition to any bedroom.
Building a bed frame can seem like a huge undertaking when you can easily order one online. However, the cost for that convenience can be quite high. Plus, being given the perk of customizing it to your preference is an added bonus.
Remodeling the basement in our home prompted new bedrooms for both of our daughters. It was the perfect surprise gift for Christmas. Making a new wood bed instead of buying one is a great choice to create more wiggle room within a tight budget.
DIY Reclaimed Wood Full Bed
My daughter needed a new bed for her new room. Having a tight budget to work with, I decided to build a DIY wood bed frame and headboard for my daughter.
You can cut extra costs by using reclaimed wood for this type of furniture. Luckily, I already had this type of wood in the garage. This is a great choice for the project.
Why You'll Love This
- Easy bed to make - If you are looking to try making some beginner furniture or making your own bed frame, this is a great place to start!
- Customized - Easily customized to fit your available space and measurements.
- Paint, stain or leave it - The type of wood can vary depending on the style you want to achieve.
- No box spring - It has a DIY platform bed frame which eliminates the need for a box spring.
- Affordable - Extra costs eliminated by using reclaimed wood.
These pictures show the platform that the mattress will sit on. The great thing about this simple design is that there are no box springs. The mattress will sit directly on this wooden bed frame.
Building a DIY Full Bed
The first step of the woodworking project is to have a plan.
To build this full size bed frame I used a free plan from Shanty 2 Chics plan for platform twin beds. They have great detailed instructions on their blog posts too, and lots of other free woodworking plans.
I was able to take their plans and adjust them a bit for my project. I made the homemade bed frame and headboard a little bigger so it would fit a full mattress. Luckily the sizing was very simple to adjust.
Supplies for Wooden Bed Frame
Easily make your own DIY bed frame. You can find these supplies at your local hardware store like Home Depot or Lowe's.
- Wood
- Wood glue
- Kreg jig
- Kreg jig screws
- Drill
- Miter Saw
- Tape measure
Measurements
A full mattress measures 54"x75". You want the mattress to fit nice and tight.
- The bed frame measures 57"x78"
- Long side bed rails (2) 71" long x 5" wide and (2) 71" long x 2" wide -
- Short top and bottom rail 50" long x 5" tall
- 4x4s in the corners 5" tall
How to Build a DIY Full Bed with Reclaimed Wood
Follow along with this easy tutorial.
To attach the wood together I used my pocket hole kreg jig to create pocket holes. Then I used pocket screws to connect the side rails to the 4x4 in each corner.
Easy Instructions
Step 1 - Create Pocket Holes to Attach Wood Pieces Together
Gather your wood rail pieces and tools. Using a pocket hole Kreg jig, make pocket holes to connect the side rails to the 4x4 corner pieces. Add two pocket holes to the inside end of each long side rail piece.
Step 2 - Glue and Attach Pieces
Once your holes are made, attach the bed rails (long pieces) by first adding glue and then screwing them into the 4x4s in each corner. You will do the same thing with the top and bottom rails.
Now add the 2 71" long x 2" wide piece. One to each side rail. Make sure to place it an inch down from the top. (The mattress supports will slide down in this and then the mattress will sit on the top).
Finally screw the long side rails in into the 4x4 and repeat to the footboard and headboard pieces.
Step 3 - Extra Support
To have enough support for the mattress be sure to add a center support. Measure a 2x4 to fit tightly down the center of the bed.
Add two pocket hole screws to each end of the 2x4s. Then use wood glue and screw the 2x4 into the top and bottom rails.
Add two other supports to extend out to the long side rails.
Step 4 - Sanding and Sealing
Sand down all of the wood after putting it together. Add a sealant coat if desired.
Bun Feet Legs
To elevate this bed slightly off the ground I used bun feet in each corner. I found them at my local home improvement store. These are easy to add and a great way to embellish the finishing detail on your bed frame.
Reclaimed Wood Headboard
After the bed frame was finished, I built the headboard. This headboard can be easily customizable to be a queen bed or king bed. It is awesome as a kid bed and also would be beautiful for a guest room or the master bedroom.
To make this headboard I used the reclaimed wood I had in my garage. I love all the natural weathering of the wood. To give the headboard a more weathered gray look I used vinegar. You can view my tutorials on weathering wood here.
I love how it turned out. Such a simple bed frame and headboard but it makes a big statement in my daughter's bedroom.
Adding Fun Decor
Since the headboard is so tall there is enough room to add some fun decor to it. The cute DIY garlands that match the wallpaper and the "just be you" cutout provide the perfect finishing touches.
Didn't this DIY full bed turn out so great? My daughter loved her Christmas surprise and I really enjoyed making it special just for her. This is an easy project that you can DIY too!
Happy Building!
Brooke
Looking for more DIY bed ideas? You can try out this DIY built-in bunk bed or give your current bed frame a makeover by learning how to strip and refinish a bed.
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