Cal King Platform Storage Bed

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.

16 Comments

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.

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?

I am not able to find the file. I’ve changed computers several times and have too many external hard drives…

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.