Looking to create a stunning queen-sized bed with a modern touch? This project, designed and built by Nathan Builds, is perfect for your bedroom makeover. Using solid poplar wood, you can craft a durable and stylish bed that won’t break the bank—approximately $300 for materials!
Materials and Tools Needed:
- 1.5” kiln dried poplar wood
- Wood glue
- Biscuit joiner
- Circular saw
- Miter saw
- Drill
- Orbital sander
- Wood putty
- Danish oil
- Polyurethane
- Slap brackets for connection
- MDF board for slats support
Step 1: Cutting the Wood
Start by cutting the longer pieces down to a manageable size. For this project, we’re using 1.5-inch kiln dried poplar. The first cuts will be for the rails, footboard, and headboard. Since the planer only accommodates boards up to 12.5 inches wide, rip the boards down to the correct width first. Use a straight board to extend the table saw fence for a cleaner cut.
Step 2: Ripping and Planing
Next, rip the legs down to width, followed by the headboard supports. Finally, plane all pieces down to a uniform thickness of 1.25 inches. This preparation is crucial for ensuring a sturdy bed frame.
Step 3: Assembling the Headboard
To assemble the headboard, use a biscuit joiner to align the boards. This tool cuts a recess for a biscuit that expands when glued, providing a strong joint. While this step isn’t mandatory, it ensures a precise fit.
Step 4: Cutting Slats and Supports
Once the headboard is glued and clamped, start cutting the slats to length and the headboard supports. Clamping several pieces together ensures uniform length and speeds up the process.
Step 5: Final Cuts and Sanding
For the rails, if the circular saw isn’t yielding great results, switch to the miter saw for better accuracy. After cutting down the legs, use a jigsaw for any tricky headboard cuts. Once completed, chisel away any excess glue and level the surfaces with a block plane. Sand the entire bed frame down to 320 grit for a smooth finish.
Step 6: Supporting the Headboard
To support the headboard, cut slots in the ends of the supports using the biscuit joiner. Pre-drill and attach them with a screw in the middle. Use brackets designed for tabletops to clamp the supports, allowing for wood movement while maintaining strength.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Fill any cracks with wood putty and sand the areas smooth. For the finish, apply Danish oil to enhance the wood grain, followed by a few coats of polyurethane for durability.
Step 8: Assembling the Bed
Once the finish has dried, attach the legs to the headboard and footboard with screws and glue. This hidden assembly method keeps the aesthetic clean and modern.
Step 9: Final Assembly and Mattress Setup
Install the hardware for the rails using slap brackets for easy assembly and disassembly. Place an MDF board on top of the slats for added mattress support, and finally, set up your memory foam mattress.
Step 10: Enjoy Your New Bed!
Despite a minor hiccup with mismeasured cuts, the final product is a beautiful modern bed that showcases the stunning grain of the poplar. In total, the project cost around $300, making it a budget-friendly option for a high-quality piece of furniture.
