Replies

1. 
   LandMade | Jan 12, 2014 01:31pm | #1

   Just for looks?

   Plywood in general is strong stuff and is able to support weight as long as its properly supported.  When someone says "oak plywood" its typically refering to just oak veneer over a lesser quality wood laminate core which is what most plywoods are.   With that said, there are different levels of plywood as far as quality goes and number of plys or layers.  Typically the more layers it has, the stronger it will be.  A basic 7 ply Birch plywood from lowes, or Poplar ply that is sometimes available at home depot for $50 per sheet is very nice stuff and has all the strength of the oak, but not the fancy surface to it.  You could read through the plans and establish whre the oak will be seen and limit the use of the oak to just those places.  For instance, if its being used under the matress, anything will do but the foot board and side boards will be seen.  Maple plywood is also sold for less than the oak and has a nice surface to stain and seal, but lacks the visual appeal of the oak.   I hope this helps.   Danny

1. 
   LandMade | Jan 12, 2014 01:42pm | #2

   http://www.lowes.com/creative-ideas/bed-and-bath/platform-bed/project#noop

   Is this the bed you are looking to build?

       Looking up the going price for oak and birch ply sold at lowes, they are close enough in price to not make a difference.  The poplar I mentioned at HD is listed at $42 per sheet.  Its paint grade stuff so if you were willing to paint it rather than stain it, you could get it done for less.  

1. 
   Nighthawk213 | Jan 12, 2014 06:08pm | #4

   Thats it

   Thats the one i plan on building.  So from what i read, HD has red oak plywood for $47 that seem preety good then.

2. 
   bones | Jan 12, 2014 02:49pm | #3

   if you are talking the bed supports then yes

   If by substituting do you meand the bed support thend definately.  I'll attach a link some picutures of a a bed I made for myself and my wife.   It's an 8 sided pencil post bed.  It's a california king and I'm a big boy.   In reality I built it similar to a platform bed in that I did not use a box spring.  The matress is a foam type and very heavy and not a lot of edge support.  So I made T-beams from poplar (cheap).  Simply cut a dado down the center to allow the cross beam to set in that.  Glue and screw.  the Beam will not sag.  I have no center support and its been over a year now and its solid as a rock.   Top with the cheapest 1/2 ply you can find (with one good face so not to snag your mattress).  Top with your bed and don't worry about it.    I cannot claim credit for the design.  Charles Neil came up with it.  The design and plans are from his "building a period bed dvd".    Good luck.   

   http://flic.kr/s/aHsjDxpcFT

3. 
   Westchester | Jan 13, 2014 10:35am | #5

   New Bed

   If your Wife punches you no one would blame her.   You can double up the plywood but I think more importantly you can add center legs down the middle underneath with adjustable glides.

   SA