How to Build a Twin Mattress Frame With Drawers Under It

Planning and Cutting the Frame Boards

• 1

  Cut one 2-by-10-inch board to measure 73 inches in length. This board will comprise the center of the bed frame and is the only full-length board used. While twin mattresses measure 75 inches in length, this center will be sandwiched between each end board, each actually 1 1/2 inches thick. However, it will recess into the end boards 1/2 inch on either side.

  Thus, 75 inches minus 1 1/2 inches doubled is 72. Add 1 inch total for the depth it sinks into the ends to attain 73 inches.

• 2

  Create the end boards, which form the head and foot of the twin bed frame, from 2 2-by-10s measuring 39 inches in length. As with the other boards forming the bed, this could be lengthened to accommodate other bed dimensions.

• 3

  Divide the length of the bed -- 73 inches from inside the head board to inside the foot board -- by the desired number of drawers. Subtract 1 1/2 inches -- the thickness of the boards dividing the drawers -- to find the width of each drawer opening.

  For example, if you want three drawers per side each will measure: 24 1/3 inches minus 1 1 1/2 inches for a total of 22 5/6 inches wide. Keep in mind that you can vary the drawer widths; two drawer openings 30 inches wide and one 10 inches wide is another possibility.

• 4

  Cut 2-by-10 boards, one for each drawer on each side minus one board total, measuring 20 inches in length. These boards, which will sink into the center board and divide the drawer spaces, are each half the bed width less the thickness of the board dividing them.

  Thus, 39 inches divided in half is 19 1/2 inches. However, they will each sink 1/2 inch into the center board, which is 1 1/2 inches thick. 19 1/2 plus 1/2 inch is 20 inches total.

• 5

  Add 1/2 inch to the first drawer opening and mark one side of the center board at the first drawer opening dimension. Make another mark 1 1/2 inches over from the first. Continue over the second drawer measurement, marking the board again. Create another mark 1 1/2 inches over. Mark the next drawer width desired. Continue until you reach the end of the board, which should measure the last drawer width plus 1/2 inch in width. Flip and repeat on the opposite side.

  For two drawers 30 inches wide and another 10 inches in width, for example, measure over 30 1/2 inches for the first mark, another 1 1/2 inches to show the thickness of the dividing board, another 30 inches for the next drawer, and 1 1/2 inches again for the divider. Leave the remainder unmarked since it will form the last 10 inches of drawer opening. The first 1/2 inch added to the first measurement allows for the center board to sink into the header 1/2 inch.

• 6

  Measure from the end of the head board to 18 3/4 inches and mark. Run the tape measure over another 1 1/2 inches and mark again. Repeat for the foot board. When complete, this outlines the center board in the middle of the head and foot boards.

• 7

  Make kerf cuts in each board -- both the center board as well as the head and foot boards -- to allow the other boards to recess into their depth. Set a table saw blade to emerge 1/2 inch above the table surface. Align the guide so that the saw blade lines up with each dividing mark made -- and run the board, flat, through the saw. For instance, on the header the saw blade needs to cut a 1/2 inch deep cut at 18 3/4 inches and again at 20 1/4 inches. Repeat for the bottom board and again for the center board, cutting 1/2 inch deep cuts for each dividing board marked.

• 8

  Make successive cuts, in between the kerf cuts that outline the drawer dividers as well as the kerf cuts, showing the placement of the center divider on the head and foot boards. Remove as much wood as possible with these cuts, then switch to either a hammer and chisel or similar tool to completely hollow out the kerf cuts. When complete, each kerf cut should receive the end of a 2-by-10 board with a snug fit.

• 9

  Cut two sheets of 3/4 inch plywood, each measuring 39 inches wide by 75 inches long. These will cover the top and bottom of the twin bed frame.

Finishing the Frame

• 10

  Lay one sheet of plywood flat on the work surface. Assemble the bed frame on top, spreading glue in each kerf cut before joining the appropriate board. Hold the header up and insert the length board. Insert the free end of the length board into the footer as well.

• 11

  Repeat the process with each drawer divider board, on either side of the center board. Reinforce each joint created with screws, driven through the outside of the board into the adjoining boards. Countersink the screws beneath the surface slightly. Drive screws at an angle when necessary, such as through the second set of drawer divider boards, going through the center board into the divider.

• 12

  Place a sheet of plywood on top of the bed frame with the edges flush. Drive screws through the plywood, into the frame, every 8 inches around the entire perimeter as well as through the center board and the drawer dividers. Flip the frame over and repeat with the opposite sheet of plywood.

• 13

  Position the bed as desired and set the mattress on top. Finish the frame with drawers, either purchased or hand made. Each drawer must fit in the opening allocated and can slide freely or be attached with drawer slide rails.