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This is the bed frame stripped to its studs: a 2x6 perimeter box, 2x2 cleats to carry the slats, and a center 2x4 rail so a queen or king doesn't sag in the middle. There's no headboard or footboard here at all — pair it with one you already own, lean it against a wall, or add a simple panel of your own later, since the frame itself doesn't depend on either.
The plan gives five complete, genuinely distinct cut lists — twin through California king — not one size scaled by guesswork, so build to the numbers for your actual mattress rather than interpolating between two sizes. King-size beds need the additional center leg supports in the last step; smaller sizes can skip them. The corner bracing is optional but adds real rigidity for very little extra material, and it's a good place to spend an extra 20 minutes if the bed will see rough use.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Pine, 2x6, 8 ft |
| 3 each |
| Pine, 2x2, 8 ft | 2 each |
| Pine, 1x4, 8 ftSlats — scrap lumber works as long as the thickness is consistent. | 5 each |
| 2-1/2" self-tapping star-bit screws | 1 box |
| 1-1/2" to 2" self-tapping star-bit screwsFor screwing down the slats. | 1 box |
| Bed legs with mounting hardware | 1 set |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| Side railsPine 2x6Twin length shown — see the size-specific note for other mattress sizes. | 2 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 75" |
| CleatsPine 2x2 | 2 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 75" |
| Top/bottom railsPine 2x6Twin width shown; 57"/63"/79"/75" for full/queen/king/cal-king respectively. | 2 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 41" |
| SlatsPine 1x4Half slats can be used if working from scrap. | 10 | 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 38" |
| Corner bracesPine 2x6Optional. Both ends cut at 45°. | 4 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 8" |
Buy 10 boards at 8 ft.
3 boards
2 boards
5 boards
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →
On the inside face of both side rails, attach the 2x2 cleats with 2-1/2" screws.
Attach the top and bottom rails to the side rails to complete the perimeter box.
For full size and up, add the center 2x4 rail so its top surface sits flush with the top of the 2x2 cleats — this is what keeps a wide mattress from sagging in the middle over the unsupported span.
For extra strength, add corner braces cut from 2x6 with both ends at 45°, screwed in from both sides.
Lay the slats across the 2x2 cleats and the center 2x4, then screw each one down. Half slats work fine if you're using up scrap material.
Attach the bed legs to the underside of the frame with screws.
For standard king and California king, add the center leg supports called out in the cut list to help carry the extra weight across the wider center span.
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