Hey everyone, I'm a total beginner at woodworking and I'm interested in building my own bed frame since buying one is just too pricey for me. I haven't built anything before, so I'm really looking for advice on the steps I should take. Is it true that I should sand everything down before I start measuring? And when should I paint it—before putting it together or after? My understanding is that the main steps are design, plan, sand, build, and paint. Is that about right? By the way, I'll have access to a DIY workshop with all the tools I need, and I'm planning to build a lofted queen bed frame, which can be really expensive if I buy it outright. Thanks in advance for your help!
3 Answers
I’ve got some tips for you! Your process should actually go like this: design, cut, assemble, then sand and paint. So, do your design first and get those measurements down. You’ll want to build the frame before sanding or painting. Just keep in mind that if this is your first project, take your time and don’t rush it! Also, remember that building your own frame usually isn't cheaper than buying one, unless you're really crafty and have tools already.
Thanks for clarifying! I'll definitely take it slow.
You can absolutely do this, but be ready for a learning curve! The tools and materials can add up. If you're starting from scratch, I’d suggest watching some DIY videos to get comfortable. Also, don’t forget to look for used materials or tools if you're serious about saving some cash. Just remember to enjoy the process!
Good points! I did that, and it made a big difference in my project!
Thanks for the encouragement! I’ll look into used options.
It's cool that you're diving into this! If you want to build a lofted queen bed, you'll definitely need to gather all your tools and plan out the dimensions carefully. I’d suggest checking out some plans online for a bed frame to guide you, like the ones on woodgears.ca. Honestly, you might spend close to $100 just on materials, so plan ahead! Good luck!
That site has great resources! I found it super helpful when I built mine.
Sweet, I’ll check that out! Thanks!

Haha, true! I’ve learned the hard way that patience is key in these projects.