Expert: Jamie Yocono - 6/5/2004

Question
I was wondering if you might know of any websites or books that might help me to get any ideas on building a platform bed to replace the metal frame I have now. Adding drawers would be a bonus but raising the bed is what I really want.
Thanks,

Answer
Hi Hector,

When I read your question, the first thing that came to mind is the book about bed building - I'm pretty sure it's just called "Beds" by Jeff Miller. I would love to look in my copy right now and tell you specifically if there is a plan for a bed with storage underneath- but....I recently loaned it to someone!  The good news is that your local Border's or Barnes and Noble bookstore probably has a copy, so maybe you can visit a store and check out that specific book. I believe there is a plan similar to what you want to build, but I am not certain.

There are quite a few places to find plans for bedroom furniture. The hard part (I think) is locating the hardware you need to go along with the designs. So the first place I would start is Rockler.com, which is a woodworking company that not only sells plans, but a complete line of supplies like bed fasteners, drawer glides, hinges, knobs and pulls, screws, etc. It's a retail site best known for it's "one stop" shopping. If you're going to  put drawers under your platform, you will want some good drawer glides.

Actually, now that I think about it, I have a friend who constructed a simple set of interlocking 2 x 12's that notched around each other to form a platform. He put a sheet of MDF (sort of like particle board) on top for his mattress. And for the drawers, he simply built boxes with wooden wheels right on the sides of them, almost like toy cars. The "drawers" rolled like miniature "go carts" right under the platform. He did a great job, and it probably only cost him $75 or so for the wood. So if you're on a tight budget, you could do something like that. Wouldn't take too many tools, either.

For plans, next, I would look into the sites of the various woodworking magazines. My favorites are: Taunton.com (home of Fine Woodworking magazine), WoodSmith.com, Wood.com and Woodweb.com.....the last one is more like a wood resource site, but should give you a lot of background information.

I probably have about 50 woodworking sites that I use as different resources....but the best search engine on the web should be able to point you in the right direction. Go to Google and type in "free woodworking plans" - it will show you MANY MANY places to locate plans.

Last thing...as a custom furniture maker, I am often asked to build pieces for which there are no plans available. I know this takes experience and an understanding of joinery, but it's possible to simplify your task by using some stock components. For example, I am currently working on a design for a local veterinarian who wants storage under her bed as you do. We are planning on using Rubbermaid rolling storage boxes that are designed to roll under beds. It's a simple, effective and decent solution for her needs and budget. So you might want to look at those, and then sketch a simple bed frame plan based on those storage boxes.

Hope this helps...I find so much free information on the web- you should be able to, as well.  Feel free to write again if you have any other questions.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV