How to Make a DIY Platform Bed

Align the ends of the tops (A) and the bottom panels (A) of the side cases on saw horses and lay out the divider locations. A framing square will help transfer the marks onto both plywood sheets to ensure proper alignment during assembly.

Use a household iron on the cotton setting to activate the glue and press the veneer into position on the edges of the panels. A piece of painters tape can secure the veneer until you activate the adhesive.

Allow the veneer tape to cool for a few minutes, trim the edges with a utility knife and sand the panels and edging. Create a softened edge on the veneer with a sanding sponge to reduce any sharp edges. Smooth the plywood panels using a random orbit sander with 180-grit sandpaper.

Apply glue to a divider (B), position it against the bottom (A) and clamp in position (Project Diagram, Drawing 1). Each divider will be secured with three screws and glue. To ensure a square assembly, drill a countersunk pilot hole and drive a screw 1 inch from the front edge of the panel and then use a square to ensure the dividers are 90 degrees to the front edge of the bottom (A); secure with the remaining two screws. Repeat for the other dividers.

Apply the side supports (K) to the back of the side cases (Project Diagram, Drawing 3). The top edge of the 2 by 4s should be 1-1/2 inches below the top of the cases and flush with each end of the case side backs (C). Slats aren't necessary for the twin-size bed; position the side supports 3/4 inch below the top edge of the case.

Add the side rails (I) to the side cases. The rails should be flush on the headboard end of the cases and overhang the side and footboard end of the cases by 1/2 inch.

Move the components into the bedroom and position the cases at the bed location about a foot from the wall. Slip the headboard into position so it extends 1 inch beyond the side cases and 1/2 inch beyond the side rails (I) (Project Diagram, Drawing 4). Drill two 3/8-inch holes through the side case dividers (B) and the headboard assembly. Connect the headboard using 1/4-20 connector bolts and nuts tightened using two hex keys. Tightening the connector bolts will square the bed assembly.

Rest evenly spaced slats (L) on the side supports and place the platform (M) on the slats (Project Diagram, Drawing 4). Note that the twin bed doesn't require slats.