Twin Pioneer Bed

Mark a gentle curved top on one of the 1x8 headboard rails and cut it out carefully with a jigsaw. Sand the curved edge smooth, working from coarse to fine sandpaper. Lay the two headboard rails (one curved, one straight) across the 1x3 front legs, leaving 3/4" clear on the outside of each leg — using the 1x2 side-leg board as a spacing guide helps here. Nail on with 1-1/4" nails and glue, or 1-1/4" screws and glue.

Attach the 1x2 side legs to the sides of the headboard assembly with 2" nails and glue.

Nail each top trim piece on separately with 2" finish nails and glue.

Build the footboard using the exact same method as the headboard — the only difference is the panel is a single 1x10 instead of two 1x8s.

Attach the cleats to the side rails with 1-1/4" screws and glue. Position them at the bottom of the rail if you're using a box spring, or 1-1/2" from the top if you're going with slats and no box spring. Attach the side rails to the headboard and footboard with 2" screws — metal bed rail brackets are a good alternative if you want the frame to knock down for moving.

If you're not using a box spring, lay the fifteen slats across the cleats, spaced about 2" apart, and screw each one down with 1-1/4" screws — don't glue them, so they can be removed if needed.