Expert: Jamie Yocono - 3/24/2009

Question
Hello,
I'm in the process of planning out a canopy bed for my fiance and I. We are beginners at this and are looking at really simple plans. We found one at http://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Wooden-Bed-Frame but we'd make the 4 posts taller and attach a top frame to make it a canopy bed. I like it because the posts are integrated into the bed frame. I've seen simpler plans where the posts are drilled into a preconstructed frame and I didn't like how lopsided it looked. I'm having this same problem in trying to figure out a way to reinforce this bed so that it's structure isn't based solely on some bedrail fasteners. I wanted to drill notches in the upper part of the posts and kind of "fit" 4 wood posts in between the bed posts (kind of like a spring loaded toilet paper roll in it's holder.) all around the bed. This would make it look nicer and also make it a snap to dismantle everything should I have to take it apart to move. But we're still stuck on making it sturdy. I need reinforcement in a bad way. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Jen,

There is a good book about bed making (Beds by Jeff Miller) that goes over a lot of information on bed hardware. I suggest you take a peek at this book, I think there are even plans for a canopy bed. It's probably available at any well stocked bookstore.

There is a device called a bed bolt (here's a link: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=12) that is designed to hold the bed corners together quite well. Many bed makers still use something to align the joint, like a mortise and tenon, dowels, or bed rail hangers, but add this bolt to the joint to keep it tight.

I like the mortise and tenon much better than those bed rail hangers, as I think they can be a little tough to install. But honestly, there's nothing wrong with the hanger hardware, it's just my preference to not use them.

At the top of your bedposts, you could add a simple knockdown bolt. They are attractive on their own, but you could also recess them in a hole and then cover the hole with a plug. Here's a link to some KD bolts: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10299  I've seen them in brass, black, and nickle finishes.

I suggest you use any joint you're comfortable with using on the lower part of the bed, for your bed rails, and a similar, yet smaller joint at the top, to keep your posts aligned up on top. Add some of these bed bolts to the joints and you'll have a bed that is easily disassembled for moving.

Good luck, I hope this helps.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com