How to Build a Platform Bed

Over the years, bedroom furniture and beds in particular, have witnessed a sea of transition with respect to design, decor, material, ergonomics, etc. In recent times, the craze among westerners has been the platform bed.

Platform Bed Characteristics
Platform beds can be easily distinguished by their individual characteristics, the most notable one being the fact that they do not require a box spring. These beds house multiple parallel wooden slats which bear the entire weight of the mattress, thereby eliminating the need for a separate box spring or any other similar foundation. Also, most platform beds incorporate a low-rise design and do not have head-boards or foot-boards. However, they can be personalized and enhanced according to individual likes and tastes.

Being a hot-selling product, platform beds are available in multiple variants across furniture stores and malls. At the same time, their simple and uncomplicated structural design makes it possible for enthusiastic people to build their own beds within a short span of time. Here is how one should go about building his own platform bed:

Building a Platform Bed
Procedure:

1. First and foremost, prepare a visual plan or a detailed sketch of the type of bed that you are planning to build. Study it carefully, keeping in mind the dimensions of your mattress. Double check all the measurements.
2. Get the right type of wood for your bed. Typically, platform beds are made out of hardwood such as teak, palm, etc.
3. Next, make a note of all the tools, saws, power drills, screws, adhesives and other material that will be required. Keep all these things at hand.
4. You need to cut the plywood into different frames as per the measurements in your design plan. If you are not skilled enough to do this on your own, you can always get it done from your local furniture shop.
5. Start by focusing on the bed frame. Assemble the different wooden frames that will form the frame of your platform bed. Use a combination of adhesives and screws to bind them securely. It is advisable not to nail them together, as hammering may cause the wood to split.
6. Once the frame is done, it is time to work on the wooden slats. In absence of a box spring, the slats serve as a foundation on which the mattress (and ultimately your body weight) will rest, so it is imperative that it be nice and solid. Once again, attach the cut-out slats onto the bed frame using adhesives and screw them in at the joints for added strength.
7. Glue the MDF (medium-density fiberboard) sheet on top of the slats. Use wood-filler to fill out any exposed drill holes.
8. At the end, you can smoothen the exposed wooden surfaces using sandpaper to get a good finish.
9. Apply a coat of paint if you wish to match the color of the bed with the bedroom interiors.
10. You should also consider spraying the wooden surfaces with a suitable insecticide, to protect them from being attacked by termites or carpenter ants.

Platform beds can further be accessorized and enhanced by adding a canopy, head board, foot board, border rim, drawer set, etc. The low-rise and adjustable design of these beds makes it possible to add a couple of storage compartments underneath, thereby increasing the utility value of the bed.

For those who wish to enhance the look of their bedroom with some contemporary furniture, platform beds are an ideal option as they are comfortable, contemporary and offer total value-for-money, should you decide to build one yourself.