How To Build A King Size Bed Out Of Pallets

How to Build a King Size Bed Out of Pallets

Building a king size bed out of pallets is an excellent way to upcycle used materials, save money, and create a unique and sturdy piece of furniture. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to do it:

Materials:

- 3 standard pallets (48" x 40") for the base - 2 standard pallets (48" x 40") for the headboard - 2 standard pallets (40" x 40") for the footboard - 2x4 lumber (8 feet long) for the side rails - Screws (3 inches and 2 inches) - Nails (2 inches) - Wood glue - Sandpaper or sanding block - Paint or stain (optional)

Tools:

- Circular saw or reciprocating saw - Jigsaw - Hammer or nail gun - Screwdriver or impact driver - Drill - Level - Measuring tape

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pallets:

- Disassemble the pallets carefully, removing all nails and staples. - Sand the pallet boards to remove any splinters or rough edges.

2. Build the Base:

- Align the three 48" x 40" pallets side by side. - Screw them together using 3-inch screws every 6-8 inches. - To strengthen the base, add additional 2x4 lumber perpendicular to the pallets, spacing them evenly.

3. Build the Headboard:

- Cut the top two planks off each of the two 48" x 40" pallets. This will create two 48" long x 12" wide boards. - Joint the two boards together to create a 96" long x 12" wide headboard. - Screw the headboard to the base using 2-inch screws.

4. Build the Footboard:

- Cut the top plank off each of the two 40" x 40" pallets. This will create two 40" long x 12" wide boards. - Joint the two boards together to create an 80" long x 12" wide footboard. - Screw the footboard to the base using 2-inch screws.

5. Build the Side Rails:

- Cut two 8-foot 2x4 lumber in half to create four 4-foot pieces. - Attach the 4-foot 2x4s to the inside edges of the base, between the headboard and footboard. - Use wood glue and 2-inch nails or screws to secure them.

6. Reinforce the Frame:

- For added strength, install corner braces or L-brackets on each corner of the bed frame. - Screw or nail them into the 2x4 side rails and the pallet base.

7. Finishing Touches:

- Sand the entire bed frame to smooth any rough edges. - Paint or stain the bed to your desired color or finish. - Add a box spring and mattress to complete the king size bed.

Tips:

- Use heavy-duty screws or nails for a secure connection. - Check the level of the bed frame throughout the building process to ensure it's even. - If you have difficulty finding standard size pallets, you can cut smaller pallets to the desired dimensions. - Be careful when handling nails and screws to avoid injury. - Enjoy your new, upcycled king size pallet bed!