So many people have been asking how to modify Kristy’s platform storage bed to be build without the daybed/bench aspect that I decided just to make up some plans for a “normal” platform storage bed. This post has plans for a Cal King Platform Storage Bed. I also drew up a Queen Storage Bed plan. You might also like my other free woodworking plans for Beds
California King Platform Storage Bed – free plans
Materials
- Use 3/4″ plywood or MDF
- Wood glue
- Wood screws in these lengths: 3″, 1 3/4″, 1 1/4″
Phase 1: Build 6 storage boxes as shown below
Step 1: Attach bottom to sides
- Use a scrap of 3/4″ material to ensure correct placement of the bottom.
Step 2: Attach back
Step 3: Attach top
Yeah! You’re done with Phase 1! If you put all the compartments together this is what you should have. If your measurements are slightly different, adjust the next steps to fit YOUR compartments.
Phase 2: Build the Platform Base
Step 1: Build the 2×4 base
- Use 2×4’s and 3″ wood screws to assemble as shown below.
Step 2: Secure Storage Compartments to Base
- Attach a 2×4 cleat to bottom of each storage compartment
- Each cleat should fit INSIDE the base.
- Set the storage compartment inside the base and secure the compartments together by driving 1 1/4″ screws into the sides.
Phase 3: Faceframe and Surround
Step 1: Add “head” and “foot”
- 3/4″ MDF or Plywood
- If you plan on doing an upholstered headboard you COULD upholster the footboard too.
- Attach using 1 1/4″ screws driving through from inside the cabinet compartments. (You might might have to climb inside to get enough screws in there.
- Each board extends above the platform by 1 3/4″
Step 2: Build and attach Faceframes
- Use 1×2 and 1×3 poplar.
- Build and attach with 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws.
- refer to post on building and attaching face frames for basic instructions
- Faceframes match height of head and foot
- If you are NOT doing an upholstered footboard you add a face frame over the footer and skip adding a filler strip to the footboard area in step 3.
Step 3: Add filler
- Add a 1×2 to the inside of the two sides and then the foot
- Glue and nail (from the inside) the 1×2 flush with the TOP of the face frame and “foot”
- If you added a face frame to the footboard skip adding filler strip to the footboard area as that will already be doubled up.
Step 4: Add Top Face
- Add another 1×2 to the top of the “U” shaped bed platform
Phase 4: Drawers and Drawer Fronts
Build and install drawers and drawer fronts using relevant instructional posts
Finish then build an awesome Headboard and enjoy!
- sand everything and paint or stain
You might find my Cabinet Making 101 and Painting Tips helpful too.
Kyle says
I really like this bed frame! Only question i have. Is there a shopping list of the wood I’ll need?
Vanessa says
I am looking for the same answer
Sandra says
Sorry, this is an older plan and I apparently didn’t create a cut list.
Denis Iahnes says
Hello sawdustgirl! Very impressed with your project. Is it possible to download SketchUp file for this King Size bed ? Just wanted to do few minor changes. In reply I can send it back to you if interested. Thank you.
Sandra says
I am not able to find the file. I’ve changed computers several times and have too many external hard drives…
Hershibar48 says
Hi, love your plans but I was wondering if you have put any more thought into the plans for a king size bed. I would love to do this bed but I have no idea what measurements to use to make an accurate cut list. Also have you ever made one with open storage instead of drawers?
Sandra says
You could easily have open storage instead of drawers. Just don’t do the drawer step. That would save money and time. I produce more content about renovating than plans because I produce content about the projects I do because I have a need for them. I have a California King bed, a Queen bed and a Twin. So those are the plans I have created. Some day if I’m on bed rest and can’t do anything else, I’ll create some King bed plans.
Chelle says
If you look at all of the measurements I think the list is complete in the images.
ADAM BARCROFT says
I built this bed for my wife and I. We got a new California King sleep number bed. Just a heads up for anyone else, these plans are a bit big on the width dimension. According to sleep number, all “Cal King” mattresses are 72″ wide. Not s big deal as I just laid another 1×2 on its vertical edge inside of each side on top to fill out but if all the “boxes” were 3/4″ smaller on long axis, it would have been perfect. Good plans overall! Thank you for sharing
Joe says
Did you use the Sleep Number base? Or just the mattress?
Ray Rice says
do you happen to have the shopping list associated with this build?
Sonia Rapp says
Yes, I would love a shopping list also. Has anyone who has done the project saved what they purchased?
Chelle says
Just look at the images in this article. I believe all of the measurements and the cut list makes sense by studying the images. Thank you sawdustgirl for the great images and instructions.
Michael Worley says
These plans are just what I needed!I want to say thanks to you, will send some pictures when I’m done.
Jim Nindel-Edwards says
Working on a CAD model of this in preparation for making on. Question I have is “How to get the drawers out” — seems like there is nothing to “pull on”, other than adding drawer pull. With the drawer face fitting completely within the face frame, what might one “pull on” to open the drawers???
Sandra says
If you aren’t planning on adding a pull, you can make the drawers 1 1/2-2″ shorter or cut out a hand pull. If you are planning to add pulls, painters tape makes a good temporary pull.