Build a Chunky Modern King Bed

An Easy Build Using Off-the-Shelf Lumber!

If you build your own bed, it can honestly last for a really long time! I built my king platform bed in 2010 and it’s still standing strong! This bed is no exception, and one I might add to my list… The plans to build a Chunky Modern King bed use off-the-shelf lumber with minimal cuts (with the exception of the legs), and is assembled using pocket hole screws. The finish can be of any type – stain, paint, a combo of both, a stencil on the headboard, etc. Make it your own, and something that you will love for many years!

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ screws
• 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 3-1/2″ screws
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (80, 120, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies

Lumber:

• 19 – 1×3 at 8′
• 2 – 1×4 at 8′
• 1 – 2×4 at 8′
• 7 – 2×8 at 8′

Cut List:

• 6 – 1×3 at 42″** – Headboard Legs
• 6 – 1×3 at 14″** – Footboard Legs
• 3 – 2×8 at 73-1/2″ – Headboard and Footboard
• 3 – 2×8 at 20-3/4″ – Headboard
• 4 – 2×8 at 25-7/8″ – Headboard
• 2 – 2×8 at 81″ – Side Rails
• 2 – 1×4 at 73″ – Slat Supports
• 1 – 2×4 at 81″ – Center Support
• 6 – 1×3 at 10-1/4″ – Center Support Legs
• 13 – 1×3 at 73-1/2″ – Slats

Notes About the Project:

• Sand all pieces before assembling
• The leg pieces are stacked and glued together, then ripped to 2-1/4″ wide on a table saw. See THIS POST for reference!
• Plywood can be used in place of the individual slats, if desired!

Step One

Cut the pieces for the headboard and the footboard. With the pocket hole jig set for 1-1/2″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of each piece.

Stack the pieces for the legs in groups of three, applying glue to one face of two of those board. Secure the boards together using 1-1/4″ brad nails, and clamp until dry. Once the pieces are dry, run the assemblies through the table saw ripping them to 2-1/4″ wide (this will make them square since three pieces stacked equals 2-1/4″).

Assemble the headboard and footboard, as shown in the drawing, using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws. Note that the outside face of the headboard pieces will be flush with the outside face of the headboard legs while the inside face (the side with the pocket holes) will be flush with the inside face of the footboard legs.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the side rails and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the side rails to the headboard and footboard using 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws – DO NOT USE GLUE (so the bed can be taken apart, if needed).

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the slat supports then secure them to the side rails using glue and 1-1/4″ screws. The bottom edge will be flush with the bottom edge of the side rail.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the center support and legs. Stack and glue the pieces for the legs (just like the headboard and footboard legs), but there’s no need to rip them to 2-1/4″ wide.

Drill pocket holes in each end of the 2×4 piece for the center support. Secure the legs to the support (one on either side, evenly spaced) using glue and at least two 3-1/2″ screws for each leg.

Secure the support piece to the center of the footboard and the headboard using 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws – DO NOT USE GLUE!

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the slats and secure them, evenly spaced, to the slat supports on the side rails as well as to the center support using 1-1/4″ screws.

Finish as desired!

Have questions about the plans to build a Chunky Modern King Bed? Leave a comment below!