There are many ways to build a bed frame, both cheap and expensive, depending on the materials used and the complexity of the frame. In this little how-to guide, we’ll explore an easy way to create a bed frame with materials that don’t cost much.

The first thing to do before building a new frame is to decide whether you will use your current bed mattress or buy a new one. This is important, as you will need the dimensions of the mattress even before you plan your frame. The frame needs to fit the mattress you will be using, so make a basic sketch with the dimensions of the mattress and the frame that will fit the mattress.

The next step is to create a list of the materials you will use. If you already have tools at home, besides nails, all you need is wood.

You will need a large piece of plywood on which the mattress will rest. The plywood needs to be slightly larger than the mattress, so that the mattress will fit after all the protectors are placed on all four sides. The plywood should measure the size of the mattress plus the thickness of the bumpers on all four sides.

For most builds, a 2×2 should suffice. Your plywood will be four inches longer than the mattress and four inches wider.

The protectors will need to be cut as follows: two 2×2’s will be cut to the exact length of the mattress plus an additional four inches and another two 2×2’s will be cut to the exact width of the mattress.

You do not need to add an additional four inches to the width of the frame, as these bumpers will butt up with the other two bumpers.

You will need extra wood to make the bed posts as well. For basic builds, 2x2s cut to length should suffice.

On the mounting part, all you need are nails and a hammer. Lay everything out on the floor, starting with the plywood. On top of the plywood you need to lay the bumpers and nail them at all four corners. After this, you need to remove the frame from the plywood and lay it on the floor only. Lay the plywood over the bumpers and make sure it’s sitting right in the middle of the frame, after which you’ll nail it to the bumpers, on all sides.

The bed posts are next. You need to place them at each corner of the frame and nail them to the frame. Make sure they don’t move at all. Now all you have to do is place the mattress on the frame and you’re ready to catch some Z’s.