Easy Bed Frame for Under $40!

Easy Bed Frame for Under $40!

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I can't believe how easy this bed frame was to make, and cheap! 

My daughter bought a new full size mattress without a box spring, she didn't want the height a box spring would add, and she desperately needed storage under her bed. So, Hubs and I set to work to design and build an EASY, sturdy, inexpensive bed frame.

So, right before Hubs had hernia surgery, he designed the bed frame. We made a few tweaks before I got started.  He wasn't going to be able to help me build the frame, so I was on my own. He did supervise and give LOTS of help from the sidelines. He really was a lot of help!

The measurements of the bed were 75"X54". We didn't actually measure the bed. That was what was on the box it came it, I was concerned that it wouldn't fit so I increased the width by and inch. I should have just left it at 54", but oh well....

The supplies I bought were 6 - 2x4x10s, 3 - 2x4x8s and 3 - 2x2x8. That total was 38.31! You can't beat that! The only other thing you need is screws.  I had plenty of those already! I used 2 ½" wood screws. 

I basically cut all of the 10' pieces in half measuring 55".  Those are the slats that go across. The 8' pieces I cut to 75".  Two of them are the sides and one will be a center support down the middle.

Measurements of Bed frame

Next, I cut one of the 2x2s into 4 legs 13" long. I used my handy dandy Kreg Pocket Hole Jig System, on all of the side boards to attach to the legs. Seriously, this is an invaluable tool! I love this thing! If you don't know what I'm talking about.... Please YouTube it! There are TONS of videos out there explaining the dynamics of this fabulous little tool!

Kreg Jig

The toughest part of the whole bed was attaching the sides to the legs.  In this humid weather, the boards can warp pretty quickly... They weren't too bad, but just enough to give me a bit of trouble.

But we got this! I placed the Kreg Jig holes close together on the head and foot boards. Then on the two side boards I place them farther apart. That way they won't hit each other going into the leg. Hubby showed me how to use clamps to get them nice tight.

Measurements of leg for bed frame

Next, I flipped the frame on its side and held it up with a ladder to put in the slat supports.  I forgot to take a picture of that.... sorry. I just wanted to be able to screw the nails in going down, I don't have as much strength using the drill at an angle.

Here's a close up of the side support installed. This will hold all of the horizontal slats across the bed.

Close up of Bed frame leg finished

Here is the frame part complete. It's looking good! YAY! Half way there!

Outer bed frame complete

It's time for all the slats to go in.  We made them approximately 4½ inches apart.  You can add more if you want, it's up to you. Hubs felt that was plenty for support.

I pre-drilled every screw, I really don't like doing that... so much work, but if you don't want the wood to split, that's what you have to do. So, I set up two drills one with the a drill bit and one with the screw bit. That made it go a lot quicker!!

Installing slats on bed frame

I used clamps to secure each board from moving and to help with some of the warping.  I even had Hubs stand on a few boards to get them screwed in!

I got them all in! But... after I got them all in, I couldn't flip it over, it was sooo heavy! And....I still needed to install the center support on the underside.

Frame and slats installed in bed frame

So, I took all of them out except for the head and foot board slats and another one that was a bit of a bear to get in (the one Hubby stood on for me).

Okay, time for the center support.  I flipped it over and laid the center support down the middle. I measured and marked the center of the head and foot board and the center of the 2x4 support board.

Installing center support for slats in bed frame

I Kreg Jigged the center support to the head and foot board. I actually had Hubs stand on this board too. The slats were pushing on it. This bed is nice and sturdy! 

Okay, now it's time for delivery! My brother came over and helped me load it up into the trailer, I loaded all of the tools and stuff, ready to head down to VA, where my daughter goes to college.

After we unloaded it, my daughter and I sanded the whole thing down. She just wanted the natural wood no stain or paint. We carried it into her room, I screwed in all the slats and it was good to go!

DIY Bed Frame set up in room

It fit great. It was an inch too wide.... oh well. Not a deal breaker. 😊 We made the bed!

One happy girl!! Now she has storage!

Bed frame complete and bed made

So, yes, you can build a bed frame for under $40!

Blessings!
Lori

Easy Bed Frame for Under $40!

34 comments

  1. That is genius! Pinning this, because I'm loving it!

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  2. I'm impressed with the 2x4 slats lol.

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    1. Thanks! You can do soooo much with a couple of 2x4's! Thanks for stopping by!!

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    1. Thanks!! I appreciate you stopping by! Who knew what you'd be able to do with a couple of 2x4s!

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  4. What size did you use for the support slats?

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    1. Most of all the wood was 2x4's. I believe if you look at the pictures, the length was 55". Hope that helps!

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  5. You did this project a couple days ago, I would love to know how it has held up. Broken legs? Sagging center? Thanks in advance!

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    1. It held up terrific! No issues whatsoever! Thanks for asking!

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  6. What did the two other 2x2 boards get used for?

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    1. The 2x2's were used as legs for the bed frame. Thanks for stopping by!

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  7. Keep on working, great job!

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  8. Hello! I've been following your site for a long time now and finally got
    the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from
    Dallas Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the fantastic
    job!

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  9. Almost 4 years later, how is the bed holding up?

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    1. Hi There Ms CJ! Well, it lasted through my daughter's college days and she ended up selling it to another student! It was incredibly sturdy!

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    2. Awesome to see! Mine collapsed after a year+ - But I did NOT use 2x4s, so would probably have had better luck with those. Cheers!

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    3. Oh, no! That's a bummer. This really held up well! Thanks for stopping by!

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  10. Love the frame!!! To what measurements would you extend the wood cut to make it a queen-size frame? I see this is for a Full.

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  11. Thanks so much! You're best bet, would be to actually measure the mattress you'll be putting this on. Then allow some space on the sides. That way you know it will fit for your mattress.

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  12. Hi, is it possible for you to adjust the measurements to fit a queen size bed? I’m new to wood working and don’t know nothing, while trying to save money by making it.

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    1. Hi Tamar! Absolutely! I would measure your queen size bed and make the adjustments. You will basically just make it wider. I'm thinking the length will be the same.

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  13. You mentioned what wood sizes you purchased. But what type of wood did you use? Thanks!

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  14. Its now 2022, this bed is probably 400 bucks now with all that wood !!

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    Replies
    1. Well, you have a point! Wood certainly has skyrocketed! Hopefully, it won't stay there. In our fixer upper we live in now, we've been able to reclaim all the wood studs for framing! Yay!

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  15. Just finished building this frame for my 5 year old!

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  16. Getting ready to make this for my daughter in twin size (college kid). Do you think I need a center support for that? 🤔

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    1. Cool! Probably not since it's a twin sized bed. But if you feel after you've made it that you need one, you can always add it afterwards.

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  17. I am currently building this and it has been a ball. I created a 4x4 by putting 2 2x4’s together to make the legs. Stained in walnut and it’s all coming together! Thank you so much for this simple and fun build.

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  18. Looking to build this as it looks nice especially using 2x4s. Just looking at materials Home Depot the prices was around $68. Definitely more than when you put this together.

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    1. You are so right! We built this back in 2015. Not sure if you can purchase a wood frame for any cheaper though.

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