Tripod member Tvanwink asks:
I'm looking for a simple plan for making a full-size platform bed. Any suggestions?

Handy Girl Jennifer suggests:
A platform bed is basically a box with slats to hold the futon. I love to make my own plans but sometimes I can't get started. So I go to a store and look at how the frames are made. I really examine the construction and joiners used. Don't be embarrassed to look closely — the clerk will think you are a conscientious consumer. Now you are armed with some helpful hints and construction ideas to a make a simplified design for yourself.

If you see an aspect of the store bed's design that you don't have the tools for, figure out a way around it. If they've used a router to make a groove to hold the slats, you could just screw or nail a 2x4 length of wood inside the frame to support the slats (use wood glue for extra strength). Make the slats out of MDF, a strong, rigid fiber board. The lumber yard can cut the sheet into 6- or 8-inch wide slats for you.

More Tips:

• Pre-drilling the holes on the frame will keep the wood from splitting, especially on the edges.
• Closely examine the wood you buy. Put the long plank up to your eye to look down the skinny edge to make sure it's not warped. Look out for knots where you'll need to put screws or nails.
• Work around the tools you have.
• Always remember, a nice lumber yard can make a nice cut.

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