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Essential Platform Bed Frame

The budget platform bed: a 2x6 box with cleats, slats, trim, and stubby legs — every mattress size from twin to California king out of the same eight steps.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: 4–7 hrs, plus finish
Cost: $$

Cut list

Part	Qty	T × W × L	Material	✓
Side rails Queen. Twin/full: 75". Cal king: 84".	2	1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 80"	—	☐
Top and bottom rails Queen. Twin: 41", full: 57", king: 79", cal king: 75".	2	1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 63"	—	☐
Slat cleats Match the side rails.	2	1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 80"	—	☐
Center support REQUIRED full size and up; twin omits it.	1	1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 80"	—	☐
Side trim Queen. Runs 4" past the rails to wrap the head/foot trim.	2	3/4" × 2 1/2" × 84"	1x3	☐
Top trim Queen; matches mattress width.	1	3/4" × 1 1/2" × 60"	1x2	☐
Bottom trim	1	3/4" × 2 1/2" × 60"	1x3	☐
Bed legs 2x4 or 2x6 — 2x6 reads more modern. Cut longer for a taller bed; metal feet substitute.	4	1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 7"	—	☐
Bed slats Queen. Or 21 at 30" — half-length slats maximize 8-foot boards; meet over the center support.	10	3/4" × 2 1/2" × 60"	1x3 furring	☐

Materials

Item	Qty	✓
2x6, 12 ft The four frame rails (queen). Twin gets by on 8-footers.	2 each	☐
2x4, 8 ft Center support (full and up) and the bed legs — or use a 2x6 for chunkier legs.	2 each	☐
2x2, 8 ft Slat cleats.	2 each	☐
1x3, 8 ft Side and bottom trim.	3 each	☐
1x2, 8 ft Top trim.	1 each	☐
1x3 furring strips, 8 ft Bed slats — 1x4s work too. Twin needs 5; king/cal-king need 10.	7 each	☐
Self-tapping screws, #9 x 2-1/2" to 3", star drive SPAX/GRK or similar.	40 each	☐
Self-tapping screws, #8 x 1-1/2" to 2", star drive Trim and slats. 1-1/2" brads substitute on trim.	60 each	☐
Wood glue	4 oz	☐
Stain or paint	1 quart	☐

Overall cost: $$. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.