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Need advice about next project -bed platform

10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago

Have some nice 2 x 12 vintage pine boards - 6 ft long.

Have latex mattress which is comfy when its on absolutely flat surface (ie floor in center of room) but its odd, every little bit of slope or unevenness telegraphs through the mattress and causes discomfort. I had it on floor next to wall (a one inch slope) and that was a problem. Had it on wood platform with slightly warped wood and that was a problem. Its like the rubber conforms to whatever is underneath it.

Any hoo... I would like to use these planks but need some kind of structure underneath to hold them absolutely straight and flat. The planks are pretty straight but there is slight (ver slight) twist in 2 of them. Was going to just attach to some 2 x 4s crosswise but are those going to bend and warp.... or can they stay rigid and hold the planks perfectly straight? Maybe use iron bars/framing underneath instead? if so - could you advise what specifically to look for?

It will have 4 legs and possibly a 5th in the center so I want to be sure there is no chance of it sagging .... ever. Will have casters so it can roll and look very industrial chic!

Comments (4)

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    I'm not sure of your design from reading your post but I would use 3/4" plywood under the mattress over a frame that would support it well and keep it flat.

  • 10 years ago

    Let me rephrase my question - I know I tend to blab on too much and the question gets lost.

    I want to use my vintage 2 x12 planks to build a bed platform (boards 6 ft long -running lengthwise)- what suggestions do y all have for how exactly to construct a base or support or frame or some sort of brace underneath these boards so as to hold them straightavoid any possible sagging or unevenness of the boards. Even a one inch warp or sag is too much. They were used in a previous bed frame that had four legs and just a couple 2x4s across and theres a definite sag. Dont want any measurable sag. Thnx.


  • 10 years ago

    I'd start by building a sturdy platform frame with 10" wide planks of 3/4" plywood, planks running side-to-side (on edge) every 16 to 18 inches, and 1/2" plywood on the frame for immediate support of the mattress and then attach the vintage planks as decorative facade. Screw heads from attaching vertical 2x2s to be used to join the plywood planks would be covered by the facade.

    You might get someone to resaw your vintage planks to half their thickness since they would be merely decorative.

  • 10 years ago

    If the wood isn't straight and square, then anything you build with the wood won't be straight and square. Assuming you want to use this wood, the first step would be to joint one face and the adjacent edge at a 90 degree angle to the face and use a planer and table saw to get the opposite face and edge parallel to the first.

    If you're looking for a large, dead flat surface the first thing that comes to mind is a torsion box. Maybe you can use your vintage wood for legs?

    Use casters that screw in rather than attach with a plate so you can adjust them to the floor.