We all want a spacious king-size bed that we can tuck ourselves in at night. However, king size platform beds are costly to purchase. The good news is, you can make your own with enough supplies, tools and of course, patience. You will learn how to build a king size platform bed in this article. It is not that easy, but absolutely worth it.
King-sized platform beds are popular in many parts of the globe, such as in Japan, Europe, and Scandinavia. You can make many variants, so it is best to have one in mind at this point. The mattress also plays an essential factor in making an excellent king size platform bed. With no further ado, let us discuss the things you need to know on how to build a king size platform bed.
Things You Need
Here are some of the tools and materials you need in learning how to build a king size platform bed:
Tools
- Hex keys
- Straightedge
- Clamps
- Tape Measure
- Wood glue
- Cordless drill with countersink and driver bits
- Circular saw with a straightedge
- Random-orbit sander with 120-grit sanding discs
- Framing square
- 3/8-in drill bit
- Iron
- Combination square
- Fine-grit sanding pads
Materials
- 4-1/4-in x 50mm antique bronze connecting bolt
- #8 2-in flathead wood screws
- Wipe-on satin polyurethane
- 4-1/4-in antique bronze connector nut
- 3/4-in x 25-ft red oak iron-on edging
- Wood stain (Pictured: Minwax Dark Walnut stain)
- 2-in x 8-ft red oak iron-on edging
- #8 1-1/4-in flathead wood screws
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Build a King Size Platform Bed
Building the Base
- Divide the ¾-inch plywood into pieces or sections for the tops, dividers, side backs, end-case top, and end-case back. Make sure that you vary your measurements according to the actual size of a king size platform bed, which is approximately 76 inches wide by about 80 inches long.
- Align the top ends and bottom ends of your side cases on the sawhorses and then lay out the dividers. Remember to use the framing square to transfer the marks on the plywood sheets for proper alignment.
- Some plywood edges should be covered with a veneer edge tape to create your finished look. Once you mark the edges that you need to cover, cut the veneer tape pieces an inch longer than the edges.
- Press the veneer at the edge of the panels to activate the glue on the cotton setting. You can secure the veneer with the painter’s tape until the adhesive is activated.
- Trip the edges with your utility knife after allowing the veneer tape to cool down. Create a softened edge using a sanding sponge to smooth down any sharp edges. Use a random-orbit sander for this purpose.
- Add glue to the dividers. Next, secure each with glue and three screws. After that, drill a countersunk pilot hole. Drive the screw about an inch from the edge of the panel to the front. Make sure that the dividers are 90 degrees from the bottom to the front edge
- Secure with two screws and repeat the process for the other dividers.
- Glue and screw the top to the case. Use screws in securing the side back to the dividers, top, and bottom. Once you are done with the first case, assemble the second side case.
Building the Mattress Support and Headboard
- Cut the stiles, headboard panel, and rail to size. After this, assemble using screws and glue. Then, cut the veneer edging and iron the same in place on the headboard. Sand away and trim the excess.
- Using a utility knife, trim the veneer after the glue cools down. Make sure that you sand the assembled headboard.
- Cut the end rail and side rails to length and sand.
- Cut the side supports, the slats, and the platform. You do not need to perform the edging on the plywood and on other parts that do not require sanding or finishing.
The Finishing Touches
- Then, remove the case backs from the base cabinets and apply the stain that you chose to the rails and headboard assembly. Once the stain dries, you can already apply around three coats of satin polyurethane. Sand, the finish after each coat, cures with the sanding sponge. After this, wipe with a tack cloth before applying the next coat. Reinstall the case backs after the final coat cures.
- The side should be applied to the back of the side cases. The top edge should be at least 1 ½ inches below and should be flush with the end of the side backs.
- Add the rails to your side cases. Make sure that the rails are flush on the headboard end. The footboard end of the cases must overhang the side by ½ inch.
- Position the cases and move the components into the bedroom around a foot from the wall. The headboard should extend 1 inch beyond the side cases and ½ inch from beyond the side rails. Connect your headboard using connector bolts and nuts, which are tightened by using two Hex keys.
- Across the foot of the bed between the side rails, install the end rails, so it overhangs by around ½ inch at the end of the bed.
- Rest the slats on its side supports and place the platform on said slats.
- And you are done. Place the bed against the wall and put the mattress. That is how to build a king size platform bed.
Conclusion
Learning how to build a king size platform bed is honestly a lot of work. However, you will save lots of bucks making your own than buying one. Make sure to follow all the instructions and to secure all the materials. This could be a new fun project for you, and you may want to ask for assistance from family members or friends. Get more tips on platform beds.