How to Build a Kid's Platform Bed

Decide what you'd like the kid's platform bed to be, whether a twin or full-sized bed. A twin bed is generally 39 inches wide and 75 inches long, while a full-sized bed is 54 inches wide and 75 inches long.

Consider what you'd like the height of the kid's platform bed to be. Since you are making the bed yourself, you can make it any height you'd like. You can make it so it's a conventional bed height, or higher so that you can store a toy chest beneath it.

Go to your local building supply store, and buy four lengths of 2 inch by 4 inch boards, and MDF or plywood (your choice) that's at least 3/4 inch thick. The MDF or plywood will be that platform on which the mattress of the kid's platform bed will rest. Pick up plenty of wood screws as well as some wood glue.

Buy legs for the kid's platform bed. If you'd like the bed to be a conventional height, buy pre-made bed legs that have a screw already inserted in the top. If you'd like to make a taller bed, buy table legs that also have the screw inserted in the top. Make sure you buy the brackets that go with the legs.

Bring your building supplies home, and cut the 2 inch by 4 inch boards into the lengths you'll need according the the size of the mattress for the kid's platform bed. Sand the wood to make sure there's no rough edges, and dust it thoroughly. Apply wood glue to the ends of the lumber, and screw them together to make the frame of the platform bed.

Measure and cut four triangles that will fit inside the corners of the frame from the scraps of the 2 inch by 4 inch lumber. Cut the MDF or plywood to size, lay it over the bed frame, and wood glue and screw it in place. Turn the platform over until the frame is exposed, and lay the inside the corners of the frame and flat against the plywood or MDF. Wood glue and screw the triangles in place.

Attach the leg brackets (see step four) to the triangles with screws, then screw on the legs. Sand the edges of the platform to make sure there's no rough edges, and dust it thoroughly. You can finish the kid's platform bed by either staining it or painting it the color of your choice.