Cheap DIY Memory Foam Platform Bed

I received a comment on my DIY Memory Foam Bed  post recently asking for plans to our pine platform frame.  I didn’t go into much detail with that post because we were planning on replacing that frame with a homemade oak frame by now.  But we haven’t felt in a rush to replace it.   It serves its purpose, I can store more stuff underneath than before, the bare pine doesn’t offend me at all, and we can devote our time to other projects.

So here’s the lowdown.  Be warned, this is not in any way a slick post (are they ever) but I wanted to respond in case a reader was desperate for a weekend project and really couldn’t find plans on the web that are better than mine.  This frame is for a queen sized mattress.  Sorry there aren’t more photos, but as soon as the bed was set up, it became a purgatory for unfolded laundry during the day, and I’m not commemorating that with images.

You’ll need:
a drill
hairpin legs (We got ours here.)
1.5 ” lag bolts (for attaching legs)
box of cabinet screws, with hex bit included
(5) 8ft 2x4s
(8) 6ft 1x6s
a socket wrench
leg coasters for protecting your floor (optional)

Cut 2X4’s into:
2- 80″lengths for sides,
1- 73″ center piece,
and 2 – 53″lengths for end pieces.

Cut 1x6s into: 8- 60″ lengths for slats.

Lay out the 2 longer 2x4s ,vertically, forming the sides of the frame, with the  2- 53″ boards horizontally, between them, at each end, to form a rectangle.  The 73″ board will also run vertically in the center, between these top and bottom pieces (see photo below.)

Lay 1 slat along the 2×4 end pieces at the top and bottom.  Use 3 cabinet screws, one at each end and one at center, to secure each slat to the 2×4 beneath.

Once the top and bottom slats are screwed down, turn the whole thing upside down.   Set the legs onto each corner of the frame (as in the picture above) where they will be attached and mark for the placement of the bolts.  Use your hex bit to pre-drill holes for the lag bolts.

After the holes are drilled for legs, use a socket wrench to screw them in (careful not to over tighten.)

Turn frame right side up, make sure it sits evenly.  Lay out other slats, evenly spaced, over the top.  Use three cabinet screws to secure each slat at ends and  center.

Once mattress is on bed, tap 3- 12″ 2x4s into place in center of each of the frame’s vertical 2x4s to prevent sagging, so your cat can safely hide from company under it.

This is absolutely a good weekend project.  Like I said, my husband did this in an hour, flat.  Though we will probably replace it, everyone who sees it really likes it.

Two things that may reduce the need for additional 2×4 support might be changing the placement of the legs or using a harder wood, like oak.  However, some of the nice diy beds I’ve seen still have 2x4s hidden underneath, in case.

Check out my Pinterest for some other ideas and ways to modify this.  Some are solid platforms, but I read that slats are better for letting latex “breathe,” plus I like the look.  Hope this helps.