DIY Floating Bed Frame: A Step-by-Step Guide with Plans

How to Build a DIY Floating Bed Frame

Materials:

• 2×6 lumber
• 2×4 lumber
• 3/4-inch plywood
• 2 1/2-inch self-tapping wood screws
• 1 5/8-inch self-tapping wood screws
• Wood glue
• Construction adhesive

Tools:

• 10-inch compound miter saw
• Circular saw
• Impact driver
• Tape measure
• Carpenter’s pencil
• Speed square
• Safety glasses
• Framing square
• Chalk line
• Woodworking clamps (optional)
• Straight edge (8-foot spirit level or straight lumber) (optional)

Before You Begin:

• These plans are for a standard Queen-sized bed (60 x 80 inches). Adjust dimensions as needed.
• Use self-tapping screws that don’t require pre-drilling. Alternatively, pre-drill holes for standard screws.

Safety Considerations:

• This project involves power tools. Handle them safely and use appropriate safety gear.

Building the Base Frame:

1. Cut 2×6 lumber to the following dimensions:

   • 2 x 48 inches
   • 3 x 56 1/2 inches
   • 6 x 22 1/2 inches

2. Mark the center of one of the 48-inch boards and draw a perpendicular line. Mark an X on the opposite side of the line.

3. Align a second 48-inch board with the first and transfer the center mark. These marks indicate where the center support board will go.

4. Secure the 56 1/2-inch boards to the 48-inch boards, aligning the edges and driving screws through the 48-inch boards into the 56 1/2-inch boards.

5. Place the center support board onto the X marks and secure it with screws.

6. Mark the edges of the 56 1/2-inch boards and center support board every 13 1/4 inches. Draw perpendicular lines and mark Xs on the opposite side of the lines.

7. Cut 2×4 lumber into 22 1/2-inch lengths.

8. Align the blocks with the Xs on the base frame and secure them with screws.

Installing Vertical 2x4s:

1. Insert 2x4s into the inside corners of the base frame, where the 48-inch and 56 1/2-inch boards meet.
2. Secure the 2x4s with screws, ensuring they protrude 5 1/2 inches from the top of the frame.
3. Stagger the screws when securing the 2x4s to prevent splitting.

Building the Top Frame:

1. Cut 2×6 lumber to the following dimensions:

   • 2 x 60 inches
   • 3 x 78 inches
   • 10 x 28 1/2 inches

2. Mark the center of one of the 60-inch boards and draw a perpendicular line. Mark an X on the opposite side of the line.

3. Assemble the top frame similarly to the base frame, securing the 78-inch boards to the 60-inch boards and the center support board.

4. Mark the edges of the 78-inch boards and center support board every 13 1/4 inches and mark Xs.

5. Cut 2×4 lumber into 28 1/2-inch lengths and secure them as blocks on the top frame.

Attaching the Top Frame to the Base Frame:

1. Align the top frame onto the base frame, resting the center support boards together.
2. Drive screws through the 2x4s into the blocks on the top frame.

Attaching the Plywood to the Top Frame:

1. Spread construction adhesive over the top edges of the top frame.
2. Place the plywood onto the top frame, aligning the edges.
3. Drive self-tapping screws every 12 inches around the perimeter and down the center of the plywood.

Tips:

• Use a helper when lifting the top frame onto the base frame.
• Consider adding decorative elements, such as lighting or upholstered headboard, to customize your floating bed frame.
• Adjust the dimensions to create a floating bed frame for any size bed.