digest
Short Summary
Main recommendation: Build a king-size platform bed with six drawers by making it in two mirror-image sections that are fastened together once in the room, using simple construction and a limited tool set. The frame is assembled with pocket screws and glue, with drawer fronts and false fronts arranged so the nightstands don't block them. Most boards are a uniform 3 1/2 in (89 mm) width to avoid ripping stock.
Key Points
- Build the frame first and cut the remaining pieces after measuring, so any small errors can be corrected by trimming.
- Make two of every frame part and keep them as mirror images so the two halves line up.
- Reinforce the outer frame corners with glue and screws before adding the cross pieces to keep the frame square.
- Use the drawer runner ledges, formed by offsetting boards, so drawers slide on guides and stay supported.
- Add upper drawer guides so drawers don't tip when pulled out, and finish the piece with a coat of Danish oil.
Details Worth Noting
- Concrete instructions:
- Use uniform 3 1/2 in (89 mm) wide boards for most of the project so you don't have to rip any narrower.
- Clamp a stop block to the miter saw fence to cut all shorter pieces to the same length.
- Work in sections, building the frame first and cutting additional pieces only after it is assembled.
- Assemble the basic frame with pocket screws, using a spacer to align the center supports.
- Glue and screw the frame corners, then measure carefully for the cross pieces and cut them to size.
- For drawer runners at the foot of the bed, offset a couple of boards by raising one with a spacer strip to create a ledge.
- Glue and tack thin strips along the inside of the frame as slat rests, adding a few screws for extra hold.
- Cut drawer sides and bottoms from plywood on a crosscut sled, cutting a rabbet along one edge of each side to drop the bottom into.
- Cut drawer faces from solid wood and round over all edges with a round-over bit; use finger pulls rather than knobs since drawers sit low.
- Position drawer faces using spacers referenced from the top edge rather than the bottom, since the garage floor is uneven; hold temporarily with brads, then secure with screws.
- Align slats with spacers and secure each slat with a single screw at each end.
- A Murphy bed is shown as an alternative build in a separate video, with the legs folding up to hold the mattress.
Bottom Line
This project is manageable for a hobbyist because of its repetitive, simple parts and minimal tool requirements, though the number of pieces makes it time-consuming.
