How to make a bed with a footboard?
In making a bed, you have to prepare the materials, plan the design and make it.
As much as we love to have somewhere to sleep, we couldn’t hide the fact that we often want something more.
That ‘something’ might be an extra mattress topper, inclined pillows, or a footboard to prevent your foot from slipping out of the bed.
Some of you has preferred bed length longer than the standard ones that we have in the market.
Custom-made beds for taller people have also been a trend and are often more convenient for others.
So, how are we going to make a bed? Are you ready to take on the journey of being a craftsman?
If yes, then let’s get started.
The Bed
Before making a bed, you must familiarize each part that you’re going to make.
There are 4 basic parts of the bed when constructing one; the header, bed frame, bed slats, and the leg.
Step-By-Step Guide To Make A Bed With Footboard
In making a bed, here are the steps that you should take.
So, how to make a bed with a footboard?
Step #1. Plan
The first step is to plan the bed that you are going to make.
Planning includes the bed’s design and wood that you are going to use.
Choosing the wood
In making a wooden bed, you should take your time in choosing the right wood for the job.
If you want a beautiful bed frame for your bed, do not use pressure-treated lumber.
Choosing the right wood should be sturdy enough to carry any weight, especially the wood is good if it doesn’t have any splits.
I used a Douglas fir for my bedposts and rails.
This type of wood is quite famous for its construction in lumber.
The Douglas fir wood is stronger and more compact while being lightly weighted compared to hardwood-like basswood.
But if you have no prior knowledge of wood types, mahogany, walnut, and oak could be a great option as bed bases.
Choosing the size
If you are planning to make a bed, decide which size you will use as a reference.
You can also depend on the size of the mattress that you are going to use since it will be placed on top too.
Some bed sizes include the king, queen, standard full, and single bed.
Each bed sizes differ in their width when their lengths don’t stray away from 80 inches long.
Step #2. Measure
The next step is to measure the woods needed.
You will approximately use the following measurements for your bed.
Header with leg
You have to use 2 pieces of 4×4 wood for the bed header along its leg.
Another 1×4 wood for the header base of at least 8 pieces.
#2. Bed frame
In constructing your bed frame, measure it according to the mattress that you are going to use.
Use 2×6 wood of 4 pieces cut according to the mattress’s dimension.
You might want to add 2×4 wood with 2 inches shorter width.
#3. Bed slats
Use a 4×4 woodcut in 3 inches length as bed spacers.
Use 2×1 wood as bed slats. You can use at least 20 pieces of these slats for your bed base.
Since we are making a bed with a footer, we’ll add a footer to the formula.
Same with the header, use a 4×4 wood for the support and the bed.
Use 2 pieces of 4×6 wood for the footboard.
Step #3. Make
If you have the wood intended for each part, assemble each part, starting with the header up to the footer.
¼ screws are advisable but you may have to use bigger screws for the bed’s support especially in assembling each part later.
Use lacquer and wood varnish also some wax to protect the wood from possible termite manifestation.
Step #4. Assemble
After assembling each part separately, let’s assemble them to make the whole bed. Let’s start with your bed frame.
Place the bed frame together with the bed slats.
Use screws to attach them tightly.
Add some wood glue to the parts to be joined together before screwing them.
You may have to use a chair or flip the bed frame sideways to attach the headboard and the footboard.
Screw the bed frame exactly above a foot from the lower part of the header.
The same process goes with the footer.
Secure each part with screws. You may have to use bigger screws for additional support.
Step #5. Make the bed
After you have constructed the bed, you can try its durability by standing on top of it.
If you have secured the bed to be sturdy, add the mattress.
Put your mattress on top of the bed frame.
Put the sheets then and place the pillows and blankets above.
There are other options for making the header.
Various designs are available on the internet. Here are some examples.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make a bed with a footboard, you can consider various options too.
I recommend you make the bed if you feel making it to feel motivated in making it.
The workflow will make it faster since you are in the mood to do so.
It will take a weekend to do the work.