DIY Plans to Build the Nala Queen Bed

Transform Your Bedroom: Step-by-Step DIY Plans for the Nala Queen Bed

Are you considering building a new bed frame? This beautiful bed is not only visually appealing but also easy to assemble! The DIY plans to build the Nala queen bed feature a paneled footboard and a taller headboard. They utilize simple joinery techniques, making them suitable for all skill levels. Additionally, the plans can be adapted for other mattress sizes as well!

Materials:

• 1” pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 1-1/4” pocket hole screws
• 1-1/4” screws
• 1-1/2” brad nails
• Sandpaper (80, 120, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer and paint or stain and sealer)

Lumber:

• 6 – 1×2 at 8’
• 4 – 1×3 at 8’
• 15 – 1×3 furring strips for slats at 8’
• 2 – 1×8 at 8’
• 2 – 2×2 at 8’
• 1 – 4’ x 8’ sheet of 1/2” plywood

Cut List:

• 2 – 2×2 at 13-1/4” – Footboard Legs
• 2 – 1×3 at 61” – Footboard Framing
• 3 – 1×3 at 5-1/4” – Footboard Framing
• 2 – 1/2” plywood at 5-1/4” x 26-3/4” – Footboard Panels
• 1 – 1×2 at 64” – Footboard Cap
• 2 – 2×2 at 42-1/4” – Headboard Legs
• 2 – 1×3 at 61” – Headboard Framing
• 3 – 1×3 at 19-1/4” – Headboard Framing
• 2 – 1/2” plywood at 19-1/4” x 26-3/4” – Headboard Panels
• 1 – 1×2 at 64” – Headboard Cap
• 1 – 1×2 at 61” – Headboard Support
• 2 – 1×8 at 81” – Side Rails
• 2 – 1×2 at 81” – Side Rail Caps
• 2 – 1×2 at 71” – Side Rail Slat Supports
• 1 – 1×2 at 81” – Center Slat Support
• 3 – 1×2 at 7-1/2” – Center Slat Support Legs
• 15 – 1×3 furring strips or strips of 3/4” plywood cut to fit – Slats

Notes About the Project:

• Sand all pieces before assembly
• Note that some sections of the bed use glue and some do not – this is so the bed can be broken down to move later if needed
• 1-1/2” pocket hole screws can be used to secure the side rails if desired

Step One

Cut the pieces for the footboard. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4” material and drill pocket holes in each end of the 1x framing pieces.

Set the pocket hole jig for 1/2” material and drill pocket holes in the top and bottom edges of the panels.

Assemble the footboard, as shown in the drawing, using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws for the framing and 1” pocket hole screws for the panels. Note that the back sides of all pieces are flush with one another.

Attach the top cap using glue and 1-1/2” brad nails.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the headboard. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4” material and drill pocket holes in each end of the 1x framing pieces.

Set the pocket hole jig for 1/2” material and drill pocket holes in the panels’ top, bottom, and side edges.

Assemble the headboard in the same manner as the footboard using 1-1/4” pocket hole screws through the 3/4” material, 1” pocket hole screws through the 1/2” panels, and all back faces are flush.

Attach the top cap using glue and 1-1/2” brad nails.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the side rails. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4” material and drill pocket holes in each end of the 1×8 pieces. Using glue and 1-1/2” brad nails, attach the 1×2 top cap, back edge flush with the pocket-hole side of the rails.

Secure the rails to the headboard and footboard as indicated in the drawing (top cap flush with the top cap of the footboard, and top cap of the rail 14” up on the headboard legs) using pocket hole screws ONLY! DO NOT USE GLUE.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the side rail slat supports. Secure to the rails, centered with the bottom edges flush, using glue and 1-1/2” screws.

Step Five

Cut the piece for the headboard support and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure this piece to the legs of the headboard, as shown, using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.

Step Six

Cut the piece for the center slat support and legs. Drill pocket holes in each end of the longer piece and secure to the center of the footboard and headboard support, locating it approximately 4-1/2” from the bottom edge of the footboard framing to the top of the support using 1-1/4” pocket hole screws ONLY. DO NOT USE GLUE.

Secure the three pieces for the legs, evenly spaced along the center support, using glue and 1-1/2” screws.

Step Seven

Measure the distance between the rails on the inside and subtract about 1/8”, then cut the pieces for the slats at this dimension. Secure the slats to the slat supports including the center using 1-1/2” screws. To reduce the number of screws, consider making a set of connected slats as outlined in this guide!

Finish the bed as desired!

Have questions about the DIY plans to build the Nala queen bed? Leave a comment below!