How to Build a Platform Bed

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Measure your mattress.

   Your platform should be 1 inch wider and 1 inch (2 to 3 cm) longer than your mattress, so when you put the mattress on the finished platform bed, there will be 1/2 inch (1 cm) of platform on each side.
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   Step 2: Subtract 12 inches (30 cm) from the length and width of your mattress to get the measurements for the base of your platform.

   The base should be smaller than the platform to keep you from stubbing your toes on the base when you get into bed. , In addition to the wood for your platform bed, you will need an assortment of tools and supplies, including painting or staining supplies. , Consider things such as baseboard heaters, outlets and the thickness of your mattress when deciding how tall to build the platform. , Measure and cut 2 or 3 crosspieces, depending on the size of the base, to fit inside the rectangle.
   
   Space the crosspieces at even intervals. , Drill pilot holes for the screws in each board and apply carpenter's glue to the cut ends to help seal the joints.
   
   Use a carpenter's square to make sure all the boards meet at 90-degree angles. , Stagger the pieces evenly. , Cover the screw heads with wood putty, then paint or stain the outside of the base. ,, Use long deck screws, remembering to drill pilot holes to keep the wood from splitting. , Carefully apply carpenter's glue to the edges of the boards and screw the sheet to the platform, taking care to make sure the screws don't split the fiberboard. ,,,
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   Step 3: Gather your materials.

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   Step 4: Build the base of the platform using either 2-by-8- or 2-by-10-foot boards.

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   Step 5: Cut the boards to the correct size for the base and arrange them on their edges in a rectangle.

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   Step 6: Assemble the base using wood screws.

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   Step 7: Place short pieces of board in the gaps between cross pieces and screw them in place to help stabilize the base.

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   Step 8: Allow time for the glue to dry.

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   Step 9: Assemble the platform in the same manner as the base

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    Step 10: remembering that the length and width of the platform will be 12 inches greater than the base.

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    Step 11: Set the platform on top of the base

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    Step 12: center it carefully

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    Step 13: and screw it to the base wherever the long boards of the platform meet the long board of the base.

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    Step 14: Fit a sheet of medium density fiberboard to the top of the platform.

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    Step 15: Attach edging to the fiberboard sheet to hide the the unfinished edges.

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    Step 16: Allow time for the glue to dry

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    Step 17: cover the screw heads with wood putty

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    Step 18: then stain or paint the platform.

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    Step 19: Finished.

Detailed Guide

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