Four Poster Bed

If you've ever gone shopping for a top-quality wooden poster bed, you know they can be quite expensive. The bed we're presenting to you here is not only considerably less expensive because you make it yourself, but you'll be assured of its quality because you select the raw lumber and you control its quality. These plans are designed for a twin size bed, however you can simply enlarge the dimensions for a queen, king or full size bed. You can also easily modify any of the turning profiles or headboard shape if you have some ideas of your own. We chose cherry stock for our bed.

Headboard and Frame

1. Glue up stock for the Headboard (A) according to the List of Materials. Clamp using a sufficient number of bar clamps to get a tight fit. Wipe off any excess glue immediately with a damp cloth. Let glue dry for at least 24 hours.
2. Using the diagram shown in Figure 1, transfer the Headboard design to the stock. Scrape off any excess glue that dried in the Headboard area.
3. Cut out the Headboard using a Bandsaw.
4. Drum sand all edges and surface sand the front and back with a portable belt sander.
5. Cut Head and Foot Rails (B), Side Rails (C ), Side Rail Cleats (D) and Slats (E) to size according to the List of Materials.
6. Cut the tenons on the Head and Foot Rails (B), (See Figure 2), and Side Rails (C ), (See Figure 3).
7. Cut the 3/4" deep x 2-1/2" wide Dados in the Side Rail Cleats (D) (See Figure 4).
8. Using the drill press with a 3/4" diameter brad-point bit, drill two holes off centerline 1-3/8" deep in each end of the Side Rails (C ). Hand Chisel to finish the ovals. (See Figure 3).

Equipment Needed

MARK V Setups and Accessories:

• Table Saw
• Vertical Drill Press
• Horizontal Boring
• Lathe
• Mortising Accessory
• Dado Accessory
• Drum Sander
• Jointer
• Bandsaw
• Portable Belt Sander
• Portable Drill
• Bench chisel
• Hand File
• Bar Clamps

LIST OF MATERIALS
Finished dimensions in inches.

Hardwood:

Miscellaneous: