House Frame Bed – Full Size

I few years ago I made a build plan for Remodelaholic for a super adorable House Frame Bed. The build plan was inspired by this darling room shared by an Australian magazine, Home Life.  Over the years a few requests have been made for a full size mattress version. Here it is –>

How to Build a House Frame Bed – Full Size

This bed is designed to fit a full mattress 53″ x 75″, with or without a box spring.  Here are the overall dimensions of the bed.

 

Materials Needed

• 5 – 2″ x 4″ x 104 5/8″ boards (actual 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″)
• 4 – 2″ x 4″ x 8′ boards (actual 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″)
• 3 – 2″ x 2″ x 8′ boards (actual 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″)
• No Box Spring option add:
  • 10 – 1″ x 4″ x 8′ boards (actual 3/4″ x 3 1/2″)
  • 1 1/2″ screws
• Headboard option add:
  • 1 – 2″ x 4″ x 8′ boards (actual 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″)
  • 7 – 1″ x 4″ x 8′ boards (actual 3/4″ x 3 1/2″)
  • 1 1/2″ pocket hole screws (self tapping)
• 2 1/2″ pocket screws (self tapping)
• 2″ brad nails
• wood glue
• wood filler – optional
• sand paper
• Paint and primer or wood stain

Tool Needed:

• Kreg Jig pocket hole jig
• Miter Saw (power or hand)
• Drill
• Sander – optional
• Tape Measure
• Brad Nailer (for the chimney, but screws and a drill can be substituted)

Cut List

Quantity	Board Type	Length
4	2×4	58″ with a 45 deg angle on one end
4	2×4	40 5/16″ with 45 deg angles on both ends
2	2×4	50″
4	2×4	77″
3	2×2	77″
1	2×2	10 11/16″ with a 45 deg angle on one end
1	2×2	5 11/16″ with a 45 deg angle on one end
1	2×2	6 1/2″
10	1×4	54″ *no box spring option
1	2×4	50″ *Headboard option
7	1×4	50″ *Headboard option

Cut diagram

Assemble the House Shapes

Cut the boards according to the cut list and cut diagram.  First we will assemble the front and back house shapes.  On the vertical boards, measure and mark 6 1/2″ from the bottom.  To join the boards, we will use pocket holes set for 1 1/2″ material.  Apply wood glue to the joints and secure with 2 1/2″ pocket screws as indicated.

Add the House Rails

Drill pocket holes in each end of the 5 – 77″ boards.  The 2 lower 77″ boards are mounted 6 1/2″ up from the bottom.  Secure with 2 1/2″ pocket screws as indicated.

Drill pilot holes in the 2 – 77″ 2×2 boards in about 7 places, spaced along the length of the board.  Attach the 77″ 2×2’s flush with the bottom of the 77″ 2×4’s.  Secure with 2 1/2″ screws.  The box spring will sit on this ledge.  For added support, use the extra pieces of the 2×2’s and install them on the inside of the front and back 50″ boards.

For the *No box spring option:

Cut 10 1″ x 4″ x 54″ boards for bed slats, you may have to trim the length a little to fit.  Drill 2 pilot holes in each end of the bed slats.  Space the bed slats approximately every 3 7/8″, starting with a space at the top and bottom.  Secure the bed slats on the 2″ x 2″ supports with 1 1/2″ screws.

 Put on the Chimney

Assemble the chimney pieces.  Use 2 1/2″ screws and screw from the top down into the vertical pieces.  Use brad nails and wood glue, and attach the chimney to the front roof about 17″ down from the peak. (Or whatever looks good to you.)

House Frame Bed – Headboard Option

If you’d like to add a headboard to the House Frame, here’s an option for you. It may be easiest to do this while you’re assembling the house shape.

Cut 7 pieces of 1×4 that are 50″ long (trim to fit) and drill pocket holes for 3/4″ material in both ends. Cut 1 piece of 2×4 that is 50″ long (trim to fit) and drill pocket holes for 1 1/2″ material in both ends.

Attach the 1×4’s starting above the 2×4 lower rail, using wood glue and 1 1/2″ pocket hole screws. Finish the headboard with the 2×4 and attach it with 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step 4

Remove any excess glue, apply wood filler to nail holes, cracks and blemishes and allow to dry.  Sand the wood filler and house frame bed until smooth, finishing with 120-150 grit sand paper.  Stain or paint and prime as you like.