Looking for a modern bed project that’s accessible and cost-effective? This DIY Castle Joint Platform Bed was created by Jonny Builds. With just a few materials and tools, this guide will walk you through the steps to create a beautiful and sturdy platform bed that not only looks great but is also economical compared to store-bought alternatives.
Materials and Tools Needed
- 11 x 2×4 lumber (approx. $8 each)
- 11 x 1×4 lumber
- 2 x thumb screws
- Threaded T-nuts
- 2-inch nylon webbing
- Truss head screws
- 3/4-inch plywood for the headboard
- 1-inch foam
- Spray adhesive
- Wood glue
- Clamps
- Sander
- Jigsaw
- Circular saw
- Drill
- Forstner bit
Step 1: Preparing the Lumber
Jonny started by running the 2x4s through a planer to flatten both sides, which also removed the rounded corners. The finished dimension was just over one and an eighth inch thick. This step is crucial for ensuring that all parts fit together seamlessly.
Step 2: Creating the Legs
Next, Jonny cut the pieces that would be sliced and glued back together to form the legs. He utilized Rockler hand screw clamps as quick stop blocks for repeatable cuts. He needed 16 strips cut to 15 inches and eight strips cut to 11 inches.
Step 3: Assembling the Legs
Jonny assembled the legs by creating eight outer pieces made of two long strips and one short strip, arranged to offset the height of the stretchers. After gluing them together, he used Rockler squeeze clamps to hold everything in place while the glue set.
Step 4: Cutting Half Lap Joints
He then moved on to cut the half lap joints that would allow the side and end pieces to slot into the legs. By labeling each end of the pieces, he ensured everything was organized and cut correctly. The diagonal offset was added to prevent the joints from breaking.
Step 5: Fitting the Stretchers
After refining the cuts with a sanding block, Jonny slotted the stretchers into the legs, ensuring a snug fit. He measured 13 inches down from the top of the legs to set a stop block for uniform cuts on all four legs.
Step 6: Adding Ledges for Support
Jonny then measured and cut ledges that fit against the legs to enhance stability. He glued and clamped these ledges in place, ensuring they were flush with the top edges of the stretchers.
Step 7: Constructing the Center Support
To support the middle of the mattress, he created a center support that attached to each end with a thumb screw. A drill guide made from an offcut helped drill precise holes for the T-nuts.
Step 8: Attaching the Slats
Jonny used 1×4 boards for the slats, leaving about five inches of spacing between them. He attached the slats using two-inch nylon webbing, securing them in place with CA glue and truss head screws.
Step 9: Building the Headboard
The headboard was made from 3/4-inch plywood and 1-inch foam. After cutting the plywood to size, he attached the foam with spray adhesive and covered it with batting and fabric for a finished look.
Step 10: Final Assembly and Finishing Touches
Finally, Jonny performed finish sanding and applied a few coats of simple finish to complete the bed. The design’s beauty lies in how easily everything slots together.
Cost Comparison
Jonny calculated the total material cost for this project to be around $330, significantly less than the $1,100 price tag for a similar bed purchased online. This project showcases that DIY can be both satisfying and economical.
Conclusion
This DIY Castle Joint Platform Bed project is a great example of how accessible tools and techniques can help you create beautiful, modern furniture at a fraction of the cost. Jonny emphasizes that it’s worth it to DIY rather than buy, encouraging viewers to try their hand at woodworking.