Farmhouse Bed — California King Size

Lay out the panel boards on a clean, level surface. Measure the total assembled length and cut the trim boards to this measurement (approximately 78-1/2"). Fasten the trim to the panel with 1-1/4" nails and glue, attaching from the back to hide nail holes.

Fasten the back trim pieces to the headboard the same way, using glue and 2" nails. This side, with visible nail holes, becomes the back of the headboard.

Predrill and countersink your screws, then attach the inner legs to the headboard panel with 3" screws and glue.

Fasten the outer legs to the inner legs with 3" screws and glue, countersinking again, keeping the top and outside edges flush.

Attach the top rail and top trim to the headboard with 3" screws and glue.

Measure your actual side rails before cutting this piece — it may need to be shorter or longer depending on their thickness. Attach with 2" screws and glue, countersinking your screws.

Assemble the footboard the same way as the headboard, except the footboard leg pieces are all identical in size and there's no separate bottom leg piece.

Build the frame with 3" screws and glue. Space the joists every 12" as shown, adding more if you won't use a box spring (standard maximum slat spacing is 6"), or fewer if you have a strong box spring — remember a California king often uses two box springs side by side. Attach the side rails to the frame with front edges flush; the bottom edge of the frame overhangs the rails by 5/8". Adjust the frame height as needed depending on your box-spring situation.

Predrill and countersink, then attach the side rails to the headboard with 2-1/2" screws — only a few screws are needed per side, since the bottom leg piece carries the weight. Do not use glue on this joint.

Fasten the bottom frame joists directly to the footboard panel with 2" screws. Do not use glue.

Sand every surface and finish.