Expert: Jamie Yocono - 12/18/2006

Question
Help Jamie!
I would like to make a king size platform bed with drawer storage using store bought cabinets. I thought that I could buy finished or unfinished cabinets at the big box store, (lots to pick from scratched, seconds,odd lots at a good $). I thought that it would take 8 units 24" wide to make it, 3 on each side 1 on each end center. They could be drawers or doors with roll outs. The platform would be plywood. The edge around the sheet 3" or 4" boards to length (to keep the mattress from sliding) attached with little "L" brackets. Can you help me ? Is this doable? Measurments? Plans? I have never build anything.  The prices of store bought platform beds with storage like this is very costly.
THANKS
Karen

Answer
Karen,

Your plan sounds doable, although I am concerned about not having basic woodworking skills (like being able to cut boards, or use power tools) or knowledge about woodworking joinery. You're going to need both, as a project of this size isn't an easy one.  But don't let me dissuade you, certainly you can do it if you get help with the two things I mention!

OK, let's assume you have some help available, and know how things should go together. Let's talk about the bed. You want to buy 8 cabinets, and use them around the perimeter, forming a base. And then you want to lay some plywood on top, to form the platform. Yes, that will work, although I am concerned about basic things, like- how high will the bed be, one it's made and the mattress is put upon the platform. I guess my question is- how tall are the cabinets you plan on buying? Ideally, a bed should be about 18-24 inches off the floor. Oh sure, some are higher, and obviously, there are many that are lower. Measure your current bed and see if it works for you. Or if you'd like to lower it or raise it.

See, I'm not sure that the cabinets you want to buy are worth it. They may not work with the configuration you need for a bed.  There are a couple of better solutions, and they might even be easier on your budget, too.

There are plastic tubs made for under-the-bed storage. They have wheels and lids, and are low, but offer a lot of storage. I think RubberMaid makes them, but I am not certain. I've seen them at Target and WalMart.  You might be better off using something like that, and then coming up with a frame of 2 x 12's to support the plywood top. If you connect the 2 x 12's, allowing for the storage containers to slide into the members, you might find this is an easier solution.  

As far as measurements - there can be quite a bit of difference between king size mattresses. I just built 2 king sized beds, and both mattress sizes were different. So get a tape measure, and get an accurate size for your mattress. I don't believe in making the platform a lot bigger than the mattress. It really isn't going to move that much, and making it bigger can be dangerous. I have a client I built a bed for- the platform was much bigger than the mattress and he eventually asked me to cut it smaller because he kept hitting his shin on the corners. So - you really only want the platform to be roughly the same size as the bed. If you find it slipping, you can put some of those non slip strips that people use in bathtubs, as a way of keeping the mattress in place. Or - I like this idea better- but they make some non slip mats, they look similar to what you might put in the bottom of a drawer. They work very well for stopping any slipping.

As far as plans- there are a few places to go- I'll list a few here, and you can check them out.

http://absolutelyfreeplans.com
http://www.am-wood.com/index.html (amateur woodworkers plans)
http://www.woodworkingplanfinder.com
http://www.woodworkersworkshop.com
http://www.woodzone.com
http://www.womeninwoodworking.com

These places cater to beginners, and they are a good starting point for your project.

I think you've thought your bed project out well, but once again- your question was a little vague about how you plan to cut and assemble this bed. If you have help, you should be able to do this, but without tools, you might have a tough time.  

If this answer isn't helpful, write back and I'll try to help with some specifics. Good luck,  

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