Twin-size mattresses measure 39 inches x 75 inches. A small bed makes a good do-it-yourself project. This twin bed uses a platform to support the mattress, which eliminates the need for a box spring. The unique shape of the endboards gives the bed some style while allowing it to maintain a low profile. It will work well in attic bedrooms with less headroom.
Build the Endboards
Spread a layer of glue on one of the wide sides of a 7 1/2-inch 2 x 8, and position it against the side of one of the 30-inch 2 x 8s. This creates the bottom of one bedpost, so make sure both sides and one end of the boards are aligned. Clamp them until the glue dries. Repeat step 1 with another 30-inch 2 x 8 and 7 1/2-inch 2 x 8. You now have two bedposts. Lay three of the 40-inch 2 x 8s side-by-side on a flat surface. Butt one of the bedposts against them; the post should be laying on one of its long 2-inch edges, and the short 2 x 8 on the bedpost should fit beneath the lowest of the 40-inch 2 x 8s. The three 40-inch 2 x 8s should form a panel reaching from the short 2 x 8 to the top of the bedpost. Drill six holes through the bedpost into the end of the 40-inch 2 x 8s–two holes into each board–and countersink the holes halfway into the bedpost. Spread a layer of glue between each of the 40-inch 2 x 8s and butt them together. Spread a layer of glue on the ends of each of the 40-inch 2 x 8s where they butt against the bedpost, then screw through the bedpost into the 2 x 8s using six 4-inch screws. Repeat steps 4, 5, and 7 using the other bedpost. Butt one of the 45-inch 2 x 8s against the top of the endboard, so that it covers the edge of the top 40-inch 2 x 8 and the ends of both bedposts; you should have a one-inch overhang at each end. Drill and countersink six holes through this board–two holes into each bedpost and two holes into the top edge of the 2 x 8. Space these last two holes 1/3 and 2/3 along its length. Spread a layer of glue onto the top of both bedposts and along the edge of the top 2 x 8, then attach the 45-inch 2 x 8 using six 4-inch screws. This completes one endboard. Repeat the process to build the other endboard.
Build the Side Rails and Platform
Take one of the 76-inch 2 x 8s and one of the 69-inch 2 x 2s. Apply glue to one side of the 2 x 2 and attach it to the 2 x 8, aligning one long side and leaving 3 1/2 inches at either end. Clamp the pieces together. Drill six holes through the 2 x 2 into the 2 x 8–the first at 4 1/2 inches from one end, and the rest 12 inches apart. Screw the pieces together, using six 2 1/2-inch screws. Repeat the first two steps with the other 76-inch 2 x 8 and 69-inch 2 x 2s. This completes both side rails. Lay the plywood panel on a flat surface. Lift one end and place one of the 2 x 4s under it, so the wide side of the 2 x 4 is against the panel. Align the 2 x 4 to the end of the panel and clamp it to hold things together. Drill four holes through the panel into the 2 x 4–the first one 2 inches from one end, then space the others 12 inches apart from there. Apply glue to the 2 x 4, then screw through the panel into the 2 x 4 using four 2 1/2-inch screws. Repeat the last step using the other 2 x 4 on the other end of the panel.
Assemble and Finish
Turn one side rail so the 2 x 2 faces the inside of the bed frame, and rest one end of the rail on the notch in the endboard. Be sure the rail is flush against the notch and the inside of the endboard. Drill six holes (three rows of two holes) through the side rail into the bedpost. Screw the side rail into the bedpost with six 2 1/2-inch screws. Repeat steps 1 and 2 with the other three rail ends to completely assemble the bed frame. Fill all visible screw holes with wood putty. When it dries, sand it smooth with the sandpaper and then finish the bed as desired. Complete your assembly by placing the plywood panel, 2 x 4s on the underside, into the frame. The 2 x 4s should drop into the slot at the ends of the side rails, locking the panel in place. Add a mattress, and your bed is complete.