This DIY Platform Bed Will Solve All Your Storage Problems

Caitlin Sole
·4 min read

Under-the-bed storage is highly underused, due to its inaccessibility and lack of organization. Items are often kicked beneath the bed frame, left to be forgotten. This DIY platform solves that problem, while giving you extra storage. Follow our instructions for making this hardworking unit yourself. Once all your belongings have a place, you'll be happy you did.

Note: We made our unit to fit a queen size mattress (80 x 60 inches). All measurements are approximate, and will vary depending on the size of your bookcases.

Hardware and Supplies

  • 1-1/4-inch coarse thread pocket-hole screws

  • 2-1/2-inch coarse thread pocket-hole screws

  • 1-1/4-inch wood screws

  • Set of two 2-inch angle braces

  • Wood glue

  • Three bookcase sets, approximately 18 x 70-7/8 x 14-5/8 inches

Note: This project calls for pocket holes, which are often preferred among professionals for their ease of use. If you don't have a pocket hole jig, you can use traditional screws.

Wood Products

  • (3) 1 x 4 x 96-inch pine boards

  • (2) 1 x 4 x 72-inch pine boards

  • (1) 1 x 4 x 48-inch pine boards

  • (1) 3/4 x 48 x 96-inch pine plywood

  • (1) 2 x 4 x 96-inch pine boards

Tools

  • Miter saw

  • Circular saw or table saw

  • Jigsaw

  • Drill/driver

  • Pocket hole jig

  • Speed square and/or carpenter square

  • Sander

  • Tape measure

Parts List

  • (1) Bed platform 3/4 x 41-5/8 x 70-7/8-inch pine plywood

  • (6) Platform stretchers 1 x 4 x 41-5/8-inch pine board

  • (2) Support legs 2 x 4 x 16-1/2-inch board

  • (1) Support stretcher 2 x 4 x 35-1/8-inch board

  • (1) Head stretcher 1 x 4 x 41-5/8-inch pine board

Step 1: Assemble the Base

Build and lay three bookcases on their sides in a U shape. Measure the dimensions between the bookcases; this will be used for the width of the bed platform. The length of the bed platform is equal to the height (or length) of your side bookcases.

Cut two headboard pieces to length using 1x4s. Drill pocket holes for 3/4-inch material at both ends. Attach them to the headboard end of your assembly, as shown, with wood glue and 1-1/4-inch pocket screws. The bottom is flush with the bottom of the bookcases and the top is attached 1-1/2-inches down from the top.

Attach 2-inch angle brackets at the bottom of the interior foot end, where the side bookcases meet the third bookcase.

Cut the side supports to length from 1x4s. Drill pocket holes for 3/4-inch material at one end of each board. Attach them to the inner sides of the bookcases 1-1/2-inches down from the top, as shown, with wood glue and 1-1/4-inch wood screws and pocket-hole screws. The pocket hole ends will go to the foot of the bed structure.

Optional: Attach fabric to the inside of the bookshelves if you don't wish to see though the cubbies to the other side. We recommend attaching the fabric to the top and bottom for a clean, taut look.

Another option is to fill the cubbies with large storage baskets. When they're removed, you'll be able to reach the storage for larger items under the bed.

Step 2: Build Bed Platform

Cut the bed platform from 3/4-inch plywood to the dimensions from Step 1.

Find the middle of the platform. Use a jigsaw to cut two handle holes on each long side of the platform. The handles should be 5-6 inches from the middle.

Step 3: Cut Platform Stretchers

Cut five bed stretchers to length from 1x4s. Attach to the bed platform, as shown, with wood glue and 1-1/4-inch wood screws.

Sand the platform assembly.

Step 4: Build Support Leg Assemblies

You will make 2 support leg assemblies. Cut two support legs and one support stretcher from the 2x4s. Drill pocket holes for 1-1/2-inch material at one end of each leg and both ends of the stretcher.

Attach the support stretcher to the support legs with wood glue and 2-1/2-inch pocket-hole screws.

Repeat for the second assembly. Sand the support assemblies.

Step 5: Attach Support

Attach the support assemblies to the platform assembly, as shown, with wood glue and 2-1/2-inch pocket screws

Step 6: Attach Platform

Set the platform assembly in place. You'll be able to lift the bed to gain access to the storage.