Bed Frame for Full Size Mattress

Step 1

Make the four feet by joining the 13 inch lengths of 2 by 6 together. Use 2.5 inch pocket holes to join them on the inside. Use glue as well as screws for added strength.

Step 2

Attach two of the feet to the foot board as shown. I used four 2.5 inch wood screws to fix each foot to the foot board. If you don’t want to miter the corners that is fine you will just have to adjust the length of the side rails and make those a bit shorter. Use glue as well as screws for added strength.

Step 3

Make the headboard support from the other two legs already made and the two 40 inch pieces of 2 by 4 and the 6 inch piece of 2 by 4. The back of the headboard support will actually be hidden by the head board and so you can place the pocket holes on the rear side so they cannot be seen. Use glue as well as screws for added strength.

Step 4

Make the headboard frame from the two 49.5 inch 2 by 6 pieces, the two 46 inch 2 by 6 pieces and the 38.5 inch 2 by 6 piece. Place the pocket holes on the rear side.

Step 5

Step 6

At this point I stained all the separate pieces of: • Foot board • Headboard support • Headboard • Headboard inserts • Side Rails • Centre support rail

Step 7

If you decided to do the headboard inserts a different color then fit those into the headboard now.

Step 8

Join the headboard support to the headboard making sure the bottom edges are flush and an equal gap on each side. I used 2.5 inch wood screws and fixed through the back of the headboard into the headboard support

Step 9

This bed is heavy and so once you have it in the room it is going fit the side rails to the foot board and headboard. I used 2.5 inch wood screws to fix through the inside of the foot into the rail and I also used pocket hole screws on the headboard end towards the top of the rail. I didn’t use glue as thought maybe I might need to take it apart one day to move it elsewhere.

Step 10

Add the 67 inch long 1 by 2 inch slat supports to the inside of the outer rail making sure the top is flush with the top of the leg. I used 1.25 inch wood screws. Add the center support as well using 2.5 inch pocket hole screws on the sides.

Step 11

Add the slats. I found 11 slats gave more than adequate support and fixed in place at the edges with 1.25 inch wood screws.

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.