DIY Platform Bed With Floating Night Stands

Glen
by Glen
$450
4 Days
Medium
Be sure to check out the video for more details.

For the past year or so I have been receiving a ton of request to make a platform bed. The whole time I actually needed one, but for whatever reason, I been putting it off. Well, I finally gave in and went to work. So glad I did because I thought it actually enhanced the space and have a luxury feel to it.

Get the KING plans here. https://gumroad.com/l/nuDYz
Get the QUEEN plans here https://gum.co/PtAZq


-----------------------------Price Breakdown-------------------------------------
King BED and electronics
- Wood $219
- Accessories brackets etc.. $65.00
- Electronics $165
Total investment = $449.00


Video
After sorting through all the lumber at my local HD store. I manage to find enough lumber that I could work with. I started this project with a rough sketch up of what I wanted.
Although this project can be made with a circular saw, I would highly suggest a miter saw to speed things up. The key to being successful is attacking all your projects with patience.
If you like to build this; I have a detailed set of PLANS this project. After all the lumber was cut down to size. I set up shop outside to begin the sanding process. Prepare for hours of sanding and be sure to wear a mask and safety glasses. I sand the bed down with 80 grit sand paper first, then 120 grit followed by 220 grit to wrap things up.
Next, paint or stain the bed frame whatever color you prefer. I chose black.
Due to the length of the headboard, I had to attach a small section to extend the 8ft sheet of plywood. I then painted the bottom section of the plywood to match the bed frame.
If you have any assistance around feel free to ask for help. I didn't have that luxury at the time, so I took advantage of the clamps I had on hand. I started from the top down. It would have been easier to start from the bottom up. The reason I took the route I did, was simply because I didn't want to be off by a fraction. Which would result in making cuts later on, when approaching the end.
After, clamping the lumber in place, I then screwed a couple screws in place. Checked that everything was visually ok then added two screws every 2 feet. I repeated the process until I reached the end.
I used one coat of dark walnut danish oil additional coats could be applied if a darker look is required.
With the headboard being so massive, it covered the existing wall receptacles. It made sense to add outlets in the nightstands. After identifying which piece looked less attractive I selected it to be the back of the nightstand. Then I cut out the opening for the electrical work box .
Building the floating nightstand
I used a dowel jig from Rockler to make accurate holes for the dowel pins. You have to be patient with dowels a fraction off could cause your workpiece to shift. Which could be very frustrating. The next option is to use screws and fill the heads in with wood filler. Either route you take be sure to use wood glue and clamps.
Mounting the nightstand
After allowing enough time for the glue to dry. Clamps the nightstand at the desired mounting height. I chose to mount them approximately 2 inches below the top of the mattress. Next, drill 4 pilot holes from the back of the headboard. These will be the mounting hole. To clarify the piolet hole should not exit out the nightstand (this should only mark the back). While the nightstand is still mounted with the clamps. Trace out the hole for the electric box on to the headboard, drill a hole for the small on/off switch and drill an angled hole at the bottom into the headboard for the puck light. Repeat this process for the other nightstand.
Now, remove the nightstand and drill out a 1/4'' hole for the bolts to pass through. Then install threaded inserts into the in the back of the nightstand. Be sure to add a stop to the drill bit to prevent going all the way though.


Applying top coat
Appy whip on polyurethane or a top coat of your choice. I used two coats of this a third coat would be even better. I sanded between each coat with 400 grit sand paper.
Adding puck lights
After researching online trying to find low profile puck lights. It seems as if all the wireless options had mixed reviews. I end up settling on a wired kit, to be honest, I'm not fond of maintenance replacing batteries etc. So this kind of worked out. The set I used can be found here on amazon.
I cut the connector off the wire and pass the wire through the hole previously drilled. Then screwed the lights in place. 
I use corner brackets in all 4 corners to assemble the bed frame. Then, installed the bed slats support. By the time I reached the middle frame I realized that I have forgotten to pick up enough brackets. So I used what I had on hand.


I use brackets on the inside and the outside of the bed. You could add as many as you like, 4 seems to do the job for me
 Each trim had four 1.5in corner brackets on the interior and 4 1in brackets on the outside. At the foot of the bed, I used mending plates to attach the two intersecting lumber. This method worked out very well, keeping the two lumber even with each other.
Once the frame was done it was time to center it up and attach it to the headboard.
End Results.
Night Stands
Thanks for checking out this project. If you would like to build your own I have a detailed set of plans.


-------------------------------------Material used -------------------------------------


Wood---------------------------------------------------------


Note: Wood may not be actual size listed below.  For example (2 by 4 is actual 1.5 by 3.5) 4
- ( 16) 2 by 8 Lumber  (headboard, bed frame and bed trim)  https://goo.gl/95nXPu
- (1) 2 by 12 lumber (top and bottom night stand) https://goo.gl/NAmx3O 
- (1) sheet or 3/4in (19.05mm) plywood a small piece 
- (2) sheet of  1/4in (6.35mm)  plywood
- (10) 1 by 4 (25.4mm by 101.6mm) lumber https://goo.gl/PcbUEn 
- (4) 2 by 4 (50.8mm by 101.6mm) Lumber https://goo.gl/Eo95vq 


Other accessories----------------------------------------
 
- (4 packs) Corner brace (outside of the bed trim and inside bed foot)  http://amzn.to/2oAkt07 
- (2 packs) Corner brace (inside the bed  trim ) http://amzn.to/2pFeaI6 
- (1 packs)  Mending plate (bed foot frame) http://amzn.to/2ojAFB6 
- L- brackets for the bed frame http://amzn.to/2ppPJzg  
- 1/4in – 20 inserts (to mount the night stand) http://amzn.to/2pFCmKx 
- 1/4in round head Philips 3in long
- 1/4in Washer 
- #10 Screws (2 in)  
- #8 Screws (1.5in) 


Finish ---------------------------------------------------------


- Danish oil http://amzn.to/2nR3QQN 
- Wipe on poly http://amzn.to/2oAkAZU
- Foam roller  http://amzn.to/2nRc4sp 
- Black paint https://goo.gl/mHwXqc 


LED, Electrical, and wire ------------------------------


- Puck Lights http://amzn.to/2oAsGSl 
- Led Strip http://amzn.to/2nRlkwr 
- Round switch http://amzn.to/2p7FWB1 
- (2) Outlet with USB ports http://amzn.to/2ojCNZX 
- (2 ) outlet cover http://amzn.to/2oMFJlx 
- (2) workbox [junction box] http://amzn.to/2nRha7Y 
- Electrical wire(for the outlet)  http://amzn.to/2ojBgTC 
- Receptacle Tester - http://amzn.to/2oMLcJ2 
- 22 gauge wire (for the puck light switch)  http://amzn.to/2oDjq1g 
- Extension cord http://amzn.to/2oMKiw3


Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 5 questions
  • Jod5413 Jod5413 on Jul 01, 2017

    Your platform bed with headboard and floating nightstands is gorgeous and I want one for me! Being the bed maker, the only thing I might consider asking about changing would be rounding of the corners at the bottom of the bed frame. My knees would surely appreciate that feature!

  • Jody Jody on Jul 02, 2017

    How many times did you hit your shins against the platform before you remembered where it was 😬? Had one years ago, loved because it was about 4" wide and you can set drinks, eyeglasses, books, all kinds of clutter there. But it took a little getting used to where it was. You did a beautiful job plus an excellent job explaining what and how you made it. 5 gold stars!!!

  • Michelle Schumacher Michelle Schumacher on Sep 05, 2019

    I love it! It looks so simple but once you stated the hours of sanding...yikes! Does the mattress slide around? Or is there a way for it to stay centered?

    Your work is beautiful.

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 90 comments
  • Kimberly Kimberly on Mar 10, 2021

    I have just one word for you....WOW! Not only is it gorgeous but you explain in a way even those of us who have no idea what the difference is between a miter and a circular saw is can understand. Thanks for this. Not sure if I'll ever really get around to building one but at least I feel confident I could with your tutorial! Keep it up, you're a real pro!!!

  • Sheryl Monaspa Sheryl Monaspa on Jun 07, 2023

    Simply awesome! I would get different lamps (probably matte black), though.

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