Build your own bed – Step-by-step guide
- Difficultymedium
- Cost350 €
- Duration6-8 h
Introduction
The time has come to put your own special mark on one of the most important rooms in your home: the bedroom. If you are looking to breathe some new life into your home with a special piece of homemade furniture, then you have come to the right place. A DIY bed is a fantastic way to revamp your bedroom – and it makes for a fun project, too!
Instead of reaching for an off-the-shelf, flatpack model and doing little more than tightening some screws, why not experience complete creative freedom and make your own bed? You decide what your bed will look like, what materials to use, how big your bed should be, and what style best suits your current aesthetic and lifestyle.
If you are more of a hobbyist and this is your first bed-building or major DIY project, do not fear. In this article, we will guide you through the basics of how to build a bed. We will also take you through the entire process step-by-step, from planning to selecting the right materials to completing the finished product.
Let's get started – step by step: How to build your own bed
Before you get started with our DIY bed frame instructions, be sure to check out our “Planning & Background Knowledge” section for useful information that will help your bed construction run smoothly.
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Of course, before starting to build a bed, it is important to pay attention to occupational safety at each step to protect yourself and your health, as is the case with any DIY project. We put together some of our most important tips for you in our overview of safety precautions for DIY.
So, now that you have your dream bed in mind, you’ve completed your basic planning and procured all the necessary materials, it is time to start making your own DIY bed.
Cut the wood
We recommend making a cutting plan first, especially if you plan to cut the wood yourself, for example with a jigsaw. That way you already have all the pieces ready for the construction phase.
Prepare materials for construction
The image above image is intended as a generic example, so we have refrained from using exact measurements. However, it shows the most important components you are likely to need to make your own bed.
Prepare the wood
First, sand the wood once over with coarse sandpaper. A random orbit sander can make light work of this task. Next, clean each individual part with a damp cloth and let the wood dry. Before moving on to the next step, you should sand the wood again with finer sandpaper until you are happy with the smoothness. Now you can apply a varnish or paint finish, if desired.
Further information on sanding wood can be found in our complete sanding guide. It might also be a good idea to check out our guide on dust extraction and healthier working environments.
Prepare the side panels
To make the process of building your own DIY bed frame easier down the line, we are going to prepare the two side panels and attach the slat supports now. Pay attention to your desired height and always keep the dimensions of your mattress in mind. The slat supports should be placed far enough down so that, once the mattress is added, the side panels still cover around half the side of the mattress (see image below for reference).
Build your bed frame
You will need an angle measure or similar here because this stage requires precise measurements. Take your time as this step will ensure that your DIY bed is stable later and that both the slatted frame and mattress fit to a tee. Mount the headboard and footboard to the side walls at exact 90-degree angles. You must mount the side walls and the headboard and footboard of your bed at precise right angles. Angle brackets are the easiest way to connect all the pieces.
Assemble the feet
Now that the frame is in place, the only missing pieces are the feet. Depending on the design you choose, you have several options. If you are thinking, “I want to build my bed to look sleek and minimalistic” then invisible feet are a terrific way to create a floating bed. If you would rather go for a more traditional look and feel, then four standard corner feet might be a better option. Simply attach four blocks with angle brackets and a cordless drill/driver.
Install cross-connections
If your bed is wider than 140cm, it is advisable to mount one or two cross-connections between the side panels to provide your bed with the stability it requires. These connections also serve to support the slatted frame so that you can sleep soundly.
Colours & decoration
The last step of the project is to give your bed a personalised touch. Now it’s time to reach for your chosen paint pot and handy paint spray system. Alternatively, if you are going for a more classic or rustic look, you can try staining or glazing the wood.
Customise your DIY bed even further with some practical storage boxes for under the bed or even a pair of matching bedside tables. If you want your bed to be the focal point of the bedroom, see our guide on building your own custom headboard.
Planning & background knowledge for building a DIY bed
Before you start to build your own bed, it is worth investing some time in planning, as well as boosting your background knowledge. The better you conceptualise what outcome you actually want from your bed DIY project, the easier it will all come together later. For example, do you want your bed to be made entirely from wood? Or would you prefer a combination of wood and metal? Do you want a minimalist DIY bed frame, or do you need plenty of storage?
Making your own bed opens countless possibilities for customisation. Not least of which is the size and shape of your new favourite sleeping place. Here we list everything you should consider before starting your DIY bed project.
How big should I build my bed?
When determining the size of your bed, consider both the available space and who will be sleeping in it. Do you want to build a simple bed for yourself or one that can fit the whole family?
A look at the standard dimensions of beds may help here. You should take these measurements into account so that you do not have any problems choosing a slatted frame, mattress or bed linen.
- Single bed: 90 x 200cm
- Standard double bed: 140 x 200cm
- Queen-size bed: 160 x 200cm
- King-size bed: 180 x 200cm
Depending on which bed size you choose, you should think about the advantages and disadvantages in advance. Large beds offer more sleeping comfort for couples, but a small bedroom can quickly feel overcrowded.
In addition, the larger the DIY bed you intend to build the more it will cost. Not only do you need more material but mattresses, bed linen and accessories are also much more expensive for larger bed sizes. For small but high rooms, a DIY loft bed could be an alternative solution or even a pallet loft bed for children.
How to build a perfect wooden bed?
Wooden beds are aesthetically pleasing and can create a warm, cozy ambiance in a bedroom. The distinctive aroma of wood combined with some warm ambient lighting (see our article on the right lighting for every room), the perfect decorative touches and matching furniture pieces is the stuff dreams are made of. The experience is even better when form blends seamlessly with function, as seen with our bedside table and charging station.
For DIY beds, solid wood or softwood are suitable materials. Oak, beech, spruce or pine – all make for a sturdy and dependable bedframe. Hardwood is more resistant, but softwood is much easier to work with.
Regardless of the material you choose, you should plan for a middle beam or one or two cross-connections for any bed with a width greater than 140cm. This way, the frame can also hold the slatted frame optimally. Depending on the design and your own ideas, it is advisable not to skimp on the thickness of the beams for the DIY bedframe. Not only will this make for a more secure foundation, but thicker wood also lends a more expensive and premium feel to the construction.
How can I incorporate storage space into my DIY bed?
Do you need more storage space in your home? A bed with storage underneath is a great place to store your bedding and other bedroom necessities. Place your DIY bed on a set of high feet and leave some room for your own set of homemade drawers. Depending on the height, fruit or wine crates also work well as makeshift drawers. If combining storage space with a compact design is your main concern, our space-saving children’s bed might just be the perfect idea for you.
Building your own bed – How much will it cost?
As well all know, a passion for DIY projects isn’t the only motivation for undertaking a project like this. The potential to save a significant amount of money is a major factor. If you have certain must-have features but don't want to pay inflated in-store prices, building it yourself can save you a lot of money.
The costs involved depend on the type of bed you're building. Is it for a child or an adult? A loft bed or a futon? The design will determine the amount and type of materials needed.
Additionally, dimensions and features like integrated shelves or extra storage can increase costs. Precise planning before construction begins is essential to staying within your budget.
To save costs, you could also upcycle existing materials or what you already have at home. Check out all our furniture upcycling guides for inspiration, particularly our guide on building your own bed using scaffolding planks.
If you want to build a bed from pallets yourself, you could do so for as little as £50. If, on the other hand, you are looking to build an exquisite, four-post bed from premium wood, the material costs could be as high as £400.
That is why we love doing DIY projects with pallets, for example our DIY beach chair and our popular pallet sofa with backrest.
More ideas for your DIY bed
Once you have started building your own bed frame you will see how easy it is to bring your ideas to life. So why stop there? How about making a bench seat for the foot of the bed, integrated bedside tables or a handmade floating bedside lamp?
With the right tools, you could also build your own Murphy bed, a sofa bed, or a baby cot with integrated storage.
Simple materials such as pallets are suitable for lifting many types of beds if you are looking for some extra height. And with little effort, you can even build a slatted frame yourself. Ideal if you want to build an oversized bed and save money at the same time.
There are almost no limits when it comes to bed construction other than your own creativity. Have you ever considered making a DIY hanging bed. Or how about a stylish and minimalist bamboo headboard?
Custom furniture for those awkward nooks and crannies
With a DIY bed frame, you can make the most of those previously unused nooks and awkward spaces in your bedroom.
A bed belongs in the bedroom, but you can just as easily use the frame for a piece of resting furniture. For example, how about a cosy corner made up of a custom frame and decorated with throw pillows and blankets
Decorating the bedroom
With your DIY bed in pride of place, it is time to add some finishing touches. Use plants, indirect lighting, a swinging bedside table or maybe even a bold block colour or pattern for the wall behind the bed to create a soothing ambience. Check out our YouTube channel for more fantastic ideas and DIY video tutorials for the bedroom.