The Box Frame Bed
A tutorial by
Step 1:
Size and prep your wood
Start by cutting your plywood and lumber to fit your mattress size (view cut list). Sand things smooth, remove the dust, and finish the outer plywood frame, if desired.
Step 2:
Assemble the frame
Set the four Box Frame Bed Brackets out. Insert the two longer lengths of wood into the brackets, flush against the bracket corners. Add the shorter pieces between the two sides, at the head and foot ends. Drive #10 x 3/4" wood screws through the bracket holes into the plywood frame.
Step 3:
Add 2x4 rails
Set the 2x4 rails on the inside of the brackets, and attach them to the inside of the plywood frame with 2" deck screws. The bottom of the 2x4s should be flush with the bottom of the frame.
Step 4:
Add a center support if needed
You'll want to add a center support beam to full-size or larger bed frames. Screw one center support bracket onto each end of the beam, and secure it to the inside rails so that the top of the beam is flush with the rails.
Step 5:
Secure the slats
Start by placing the slats at the head and foot ends of the bed, so the first and last slats are flush with the bracket corners. Space the remaining slats out evenly across the rails, and secure to the 2x4 rails with a screw at each end.