How To Make A Full Size Platform Bed With Drawers

How to Make a Full-Size Platform Bed with Drawers

Building your own full-size platform bed with drawers is a great way to save money and add some extra storage to your bedroom. Plus, it's a fun and rewarding project that can be completed in a weekend.

Here's what you'll need:

Materials:
- 1 sheet of 3/4-inch plywood (4' x 8')
- 8 2x6s (8' long)
- 8 2x4s (8' long)
- 16 1 1/4-inch wood screws
- 16 2 1/2-inch wood screws
- Wood glue
- Drawer slides (optional)
Tools:
- Circular saw or miter saw
- Drill
- Clamps
- Countersink bit
- Hammer
- Nail gun (optional)

Instructions:

Cut the pieces:
- Cut the plywood into the following pieces:
  - 1 piece 54" x 75" (headboard)
  - 1 piece 54" x 75" (footboard)
  - 2 pieces 17 1/2" x 75" (side rails)
- Cut the 2x6s into the following pieces:
  - 4 pieces 75" long (legs)
  - 4 pieces 54" long (support rails)
- Cut the 2x4s into the following pieces:
  - 16 pieces 17 1/2" long (slats)
Assemble the headboard and footboard:
- Attach the 2x6 legs to the inside of the headboard and footboard, using wood glue and 2 1/2-inch screws. Make sure the legs are flush with the bottom of the plywood.
- Attach the 2x4 slats to the inside of the headboard and footboard, spacing them evenly apart. Use wood glue and 1 1/4-inch screws.
Assemble the side rails:
- Attach the 2x6 support rails to the inside of the side rails, using wood glue and 2 1/2-inch screws. Make sure the support rails are flush with the bottom of the plywood.
- Attach the 2x4 slats to the inside of the side rails, spacing them evenly apart. Use wood glue and 1 1/4-inch screws.
Assemble the bed frame:
- Attach the headboard to the side rails, using wood glue and 2 1/2-inch screws. Make sure the headboard is flush with the top of the side rails.
- Attach the footboard to the side rails, using wood glue and 2 1/2-inch screws. Make sure the footboard is flush with the top of the side rails.
Install the drawers (optional):
- Attach the drawer slides to the inside of the side rails, following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Build drawers to fit the space between the drawer slides. You can find instructions for building drawers online or in woodworking books.
- Insert the drawers into the drawer slides.
Finish the bed:
- Sand the bed smooth and apply a finish of your choice, such as paint, stain, or polyurethane.