Dresser Platform Bed

Build a Dresser Platform Bed From Scratch: 7 Simple Materials

Drawer runners: We bought plastic drawer runner replacement kits for 12 drawers from Lowes. We bought them in the biggest size so that we could make wooden runners. We ripped a 2 by 4 in half and then ripped the dimensions to 1-1/16” by 1-5/8” by 16-3/4”.

Dresser Platform Bed

Using the dado blade, we put ¼” grooves into each piece to create a t-shaped runner. After cutting each wood runner, we slid the plastic drawer runner piece over it to make sure it was a smooth fit. We screwed our plastic pieces onto the backs of all of our drawers and then installed our wood runners into our dresser frame.

Dresser Platform Bed

To install the runners, we re-trimmed each piece to fit exactly in the desired position. After marking the centre of the drawer space, we put glue on the front and back end, centred the piece and used a nail gun to attach the front end. Then I moved to the back to hold up the runner, while my wife put in the drawer and levelled it.

We adjusted the back of the runner so that the front of the drawer was flush against the frame. When we thought the drawer looked level and flush, I nailed in the back piece. As we went, we left each drawer in place to make sure the faces were parallel. We also labelled each drawer to ensure it could be matched back to its custom fit spot.

Dresser Platform Bed

Installing dresser top and trim: To start installing the dresser tops, we first routed our tops with the same bit we used for the drawers. Next we removed all of the drawers from the dresser and set the top onto the frame. For our design, the top overhangs the frame 1.5” on the front and sides and ¾” on the back. We marked the top when we had it in place, removed it, and put glue on the joints. Then we clamped the top down and screwed it into place using the existing pocket holes we made using the kreg jig earlier.

Dresser Platform Bed

We didn’t buy any trim for this project, so we made our own with some old wood laying around. We routed one edge with a fancy looking bit, then ripped it so we got a 1-1/4” wide long strip. We made four long strips, used the miter saw to cut 45 degree angles for the corners, and nailed them under the top overhang.

Dresser Platform Bed

I cut out ¼” and nailed it into the dresser. With that, I was structurally finished!

Dresser Platform Bed

Drawer handles: My wife and I picked up some great simple hardware from a surplus store for $0.10 each! We drilled the holes for them before we painted and could hardly wait to see them on our dressers.

To drill the holes in a centred and repeatable way, I made a little jig to do the job. As you can see in the photo, all I had to do in each drawer was line up the side pieces with the sides of the drawer and clamp it in place, then I could drill the holes in the same place on every drawer. We also countersunk the back of the drawer face so the bolts would sit flush.

Bookshelves: The bookshelves were much easier to build than the dressers. Since our total bed platform width was 58”, we decided to make two 29” wide bookshelves. That way, we can slide one out of the way to get into the long-term storage, and they are easier to transport. We decided we wanted them to be 15” deep, which would make the whole assembly long enough for a queen size mattress. We didn’t mind that the full size mattress we have would leave a ledge on the top of the bookshelves.

Dresser Platform Bed

Board sizes – We cut out two sets of the following, from ¾” plywood:

Top = 28.75”x15” (1)

Sides=28”x15” (2)

Shelves = 27.75” x 15” (2)

And a 28.75×28.75 piece of ¼ plywood for backing.

Dresser Platform Bed

We chose our shelf height based on some big tin cans that we were going to use for storage on the bottom shelf, but you could make the shelf at any level. We found the dado blade to be very useful, because we just cut ¾” wide grooves ¼” deep at the bottom and at the shelf height. That made the assembly very easy.

Dresser Platform Bed

We assembled the shelf dry (without glue) face down on the workbench, then glued and screwed the top onto the sides (remembering the countersunk pilot hole to avoid splitting). Then we did the same for the bottom shelf.

Dresser Platform Bed

We found that our middle shelf was so snug in its groove that we just put in some screws instead of forcing it out to use glue.

Dresser Platform Bed

We nailed the backing onto the back of the shelf and were finished!

Dresser Platform Bed

Putty, sanding, painting: Building the dressers and shelves was the most fun part, but sanding and painting was what made them look so good. Since we used plywood, we had a lot of holes and imperfections to putty, especially around the routed areas. After letting the putty set, we sanded everywhere carefully. How much you sand is up to you, and at some point you have to declare it enough and get on with the project.

Dresser Platform Bed

We found an old white paint to use as a primer, then did two coats of a “Cathedral Gray” Behr paint, because we might have to move apartments a few times in the next four years. We figured that a nice grey would go with any paint colour.

Dresser Platform Bed Finished Product

Assembly: We were very excited when we put all the pieces together and everything worked like we had planned. The night before we moved we cut out the 1-1/4” support cross pieces and some slats to hold up the mattress, and it only took 3 minutes to assemble everything and set the mattress on top. We are very pleased with the amount of storage this allows in our closet-less apartment. As you can see, all of our camping gear fits between the dressers with room to spare!

For those of you who have limited tools, time, or budget, an alternative way to accomplish a similar set up would be to only build shelves. What I would do is buy any old dresser that you can find and refinish it to whatever colour you would want (there are plenty of refinishing tutorials out there), and build shelves for the other side of the dresser platform bed and the foot of the bed. That way, you would only need to build shelves, but you would get a dresser on one side and accomplish the same look.

Thanks to JMYilla for this great dresser platform bed project!

The Wrap Up

Embarking on the journey to build a dresser platform bed from scratch using just seven simple materials is a rewarding and practical endeavour that offers numerous advantages. This DIY dresser platform bed project allows you to create a customized piece of furniture that meets your specific needs, enhances the organization of your bedroom, and adds a touch of personal flair to your living space.

By leveraging basic woodworking skills and readily available materials like plywood, lumber, screws, and drawer slides, crafting a dresser platform bed becomes an accessible and affordable option for DIY enthusiasts of all levels. The simplicity of the materials ensures that the dresser platform bed remains manageable while still offering ample room for creativity and customization.

Beyond the practical advantages, building a dresser platform bed fosters a sense of accomplishment and pride in creating something with your hands. This dresser platform bed encourages problem-solving, attention to detail, and a deeper connection to your living space. Moreover, the dual functionality of the dresser platform bed frame and dresser maximizes space utilization, making it an ideal solution for smaller bedrooms or apartments.

In essence, building a dresser platform bed from scratch is more than just constructing a piece of furniture—it’s about designing a functional and aesthetically pleasing addition to your home that reflects your style and personality. With dedication, creativity, and the right materials, you can transform your bedroom into a cozy and organized retreat that you can enjoy for years to come.

Build this dresser platform bed with just simple materials. Add flair to your bedroom with this dresser platform bed. It’s unique and the process is straightforward.

Gather the materials to get started working on this dresser platform bed.

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