Replies

1. 
   UncleDunc | Feb 13, 2004 09:48pm | #1

   Think about building it so you can take it apart for moving. I've lived in lots of houses where you couldn't get a box that size down the hall and through the door into the bedroom.

2. 
   CharlieP | Feb 13, 2004 10:50pm | #2

   The bottom of the box springs needs to have air ventilation.  I have heard of problems where the slats the box springs rest on were replaced by plywood.  Also, Queen and King require a center support to not void the warranty on most brands. 

   If you put decent height drawers under the bed, the bed will be a little taller than normal - not a problem, but not the "standard" bed height. 

   The bed I built for my son has 4 storage drawers, but not in the last foot or two at the head and foot (ventilation space, and avoid conflict between drawers and nightstands.  The drawers were set in about a foot, so you didn't stub your toes when walking up to the bed.  More opportunity for ventilation, although I don't have holes there.  The support that holds the drawers suspended a couple inches off the floor (carpet clearance and vent) also became the brace for a"fifth leg" in the center of the bed, at the center of the four drawers.  It is also a little tricky to get the drawers to lift off the floor under the bed, but lower to clear the side rail when you pull them out.  I am not happy with my solution on that bed, but have ideas for a better way the next time (as always) - drop me a line if interested. 

   Be sure to put in at least a vestigial head board.  I have seen a lot of pillow cases worn by plaster, and a lot of skin oil soaked into the wall (and laytex paint doesn't cover oil). 

   ________________________
   Charlie Plesums  Austin, Texas
   http://www.plesums.com/wood

3. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Feb 13, 2004 10:50pm | #3

   Yes, a platform bed can be very simple. Of course, you can make more complex if you want -- headboard,footboard, drawers, and such.

   You don't need to include box springs in a platform bed. (Heck, I've never understood why they're included in any bed, but that's a different discussion.) Check high-end European platform beds for examples without box springs. If you eliminate the box springs, you get lots of room for storage, and everybody needs more storage in the bedroom. You can put in drawers, or for simpler construction you can make boxes with wheels that just sit underneath the bed.

   You do need to be able to break the bed down for moving.

1. 
   Robin | Feb 13, 2004 11:07pm | #4

   Thanks for all the great suggestions.  Definitely going to do a headboard as I have the bed angled in the corner of the bedroom. 

   Question?  Can the headboard "be" the end of the box, or do I need to construct the platform and attach the headboard to it? is one way preferred or easier than the other? (Guess you can tell I'm still in the 'fixin' to do it stage - although I may be buying wood for it this weekend.)

   Will post pictures when I get it done. (Course right now we're working on all the adirondacks my sweetie's family wants after they saw the little ones we made for the niece's and nephews - 'phew is right!  After I got my patterns cut out of hardboard it sure goes quicker.

   Robin"Well-behaved women rarely make history."from the Sweet Potato Queens' Book of Love