Classic Storage Bed — King

The two side benches are built identically to a queen-size bed's side benches — assemble each as a simple plywood box with fixed dividers and a face frame. Add cleats for the mattress slats to the back of each side bench.

Build the end bench (the only piece that differs from the queen version, in overall length) with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws — three screws per joint is enough.

Attach the 1/4" plywood backs to both the side benches and the end bench with 3/4" brad nails and glue.

Build each face frame first with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws, then nail the completed face frames to the front of each bench with 1-1/4" brad nails.

Build the end bench's side trim face frame first, then attach with 1-1/4" brad nails to the sides of the end bench.

Bring the three benches into the room and assemble in a row, screwing together if needed. Cut scrap plywood pieces to fit the cavity between benches and screw to the mattress-slat cleats on the backs of the side benches.

Draw a line 1" up from the bottom edge of each drawer-side mounting board. Attach a drawer slide to each board with its front edge flush to the board's front edge and the slide's center holes lined up on your marked line, so every slide is installed level. Remember the opposing slide in each pair installs as a mirror image. Set the mounting boards inside the cubbies, front edges flush with the cabinet fronts, and nail in place with 1-1/4" brad nails.

Measure the distance between the mounted slide boards, subtract the slide clearance (usually about 1" total), and build each drawer box to that width.

Install the drawer boxes into the slides. Cut the drawer faces and adjust to fit, sanding down edges or trimming with a table saw as needed for an even gap of about 1/8" on all sides.

Sand every surface and finish.