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A 2x6 box frame with 2x2 cleats and screwed-down 1x4 slats — no headboard, no footboard, just the minimum structure a mattress needs, in five real sizes.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side rails Twin length shown — see the size-specific note for other mattress sizes. | 2 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 75" | Pine 2x6 | ☐ |
| Cleats | 2 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 75" | Pine 2x2 | ☐ |
| Top/bottom rails Twin width shown; 57"/63"/79"/75" for full/queen/king/cal-king respectively. | 2 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 41" | Pine 2x6 | ☐ |
| Slats Half slats can be used if working from scrap. | 10 | 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 38" | Pine 1x4 | ☐ |
| Corner braces Optional. Both ends cut at 45°. | 4 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 8" | Pine 2x6 | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Pine, 2x6, 8 ft Sized for twin — add boards per the size-specific shopping list for larger mattresses. | 3 each | ☐ |
| Pine, 2x2, 8 ft | 2 each | ☐ |
| Pine, 1x4, 8 ft Slats — 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 screws For screwing down the slats. | 1 box | ☐ |
| Bed legs with mounting hardware | 1 set | ☐ |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: Pine, 2x6, 8 ft, Pine, 2x2, 8 ft, 2-1/2" self-tapping star-bit screws
On the inside face of both side rails, attach the 2x2 cleats with 2-1/2" screws.
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: Pine, 2x6, 8 ft
Attach the top and bottom rails to the side rails to complete the perimeter box.
Tools: Drill / Driver
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.
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: Pine, 2x6, 8 ft
For extra strength, add corner braces cut from 2x6 with both ends at 45°, screwed in from both sides.
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: Pine, 1x4, 8 ft, 1-1/2" to 2" self-tapping star-bit screws
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.
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: Bed legs with mounting hardware
Attach the bed legs to the underside of the frame with screws.
Tools: Drill / Driver
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.