THE WORKSHOP CHRONICLES
  • Home
  • Blog
  • SHOP
    • Bed Frame Build Plans
  • About
  • Contact

DIY West Elm Alexa Bed Frame Design, Build, and Plans

9/24/2021

1 Comment

 
DIY West Elm Alexa Bed Frame Modern Rustic Build Plans
It has been an action packed year and there are a lot of projects I need to get everyone caught up on! Last winter my wife and I decided to upgrade our bed/mattress to a king-size. Finding a mattress was the easy part, but holy-sticker-shock-batman, the cost of modern rustic king size bed frames was ridiculous!

Not only did the cost get me going but the build quality on some of these units was marginal at best. My wife and I shopped around but we ultimately agreed that spending $3000 on a "nice" bed frame wasn't something we were comfortable doing. While money was part of the problem, it was the build quality and fear that the bed frames would creek, groan, or come apart over time.

Instead, I opted to fire up Fusion 360 and get to work designing a modern rustic bed frame based on the West Elm Alexa Bed Set for our new king-size mattress. I decided to make the design as accessible to everyone as I could. What I mean by this is I made the following key design decisions:
  • To base the design around readily available materials you can get at big box stores and lumber yards.
  • Incorporate construction and build techniques that don't require a plethora of specialty woodworking tools.
  • Be sensitive to how long projects like this can take - not everyone wants to build for half a year!
  • Honor woodworking design best practices so materials can move seasonally as humidity levels change.
  • Make the construction and assembly of the bed frame strong so that creeks and groans don't occur at the most inopportune times! 
  • Create a timeless design that isn't part of mass America's "throwaway" culture.
DIY Modern Rustic Bed Frame Design
Modern Rustic Headboard + Baseboard Design
DIY Modern Rustic Bed Frame Specs
Sturdy Slat-Style Base
DIY Modern Rustic Bed Frame Specs II
Standard King-Size Frame
My bed frame turned out great and I dialed in the construction process along the way. I experimented with different fasteners, assembly techniques, and tools to arrive at a build process that is efficient and economical. After sleeping on the bed frame and getting lots of positive comments from friends and family I decided to make the build plans available to everyone. If you want a bed frame that is a fraction of the cost of commercial options, features better build quality, and will stand the test of time then these plans are for you! 
I designed the build plans to be as easy and intuitive to use as possible so that you're not wasting time! The bed frame build is divided into subassemblies so that work is focused on specific sections of the bed frame. The subassemblies consist of the frame, footboard, headboard, legs, and final assembly. 

The plans incorporate a number of user friendly features that make construction straightforward:
  • Interactive PDF document with a navigable table of contents so you can easily find what you're looking for.
  • A comprehensive bill of materials that specifies everything you need to build your bed frame.
  • Cut and layout diagrams that show you exactly how and where to take material from so that you're not left wasting material. 
  • Step-by-step instructions that clearly detail how to make the bed frame.
  • Detailed drawings of each part and assembly which provide further construction clarity.
  • Build photos of each step so you can see how an actual bed frame was built. 
West elm alexa modern rustic bed frame build plans sample
Ready to get Started?

Purchase the DIY West Elm Alexa Modern Rustic Bed Frame Build Plans

west elm alexa modern rustic bed frame build plans
The build plans are downloadable, printable, and come with all the information needed to get started:
  • A materials list with links to specific items you'll need.
  • Step-by-step instructions with detailed diagrams, drawings, and pictures.
  • Tips and tricks on how to make your build simple and straightforward.
​Once purchased, the PDF will be immediately emailed to you, where you can read it on your device or print it off.
purchase modern rustic bed frame plans

FAQs:

Q: What tools do I need?

First and foremost, I designed the bed frame so that it could be built with minimal tools. The main ones you’ll need are a miter saw, table saw, jig-saw, drill, and C-clamps. No planers, jointers, or other fancy tools are required.

To make matters simple here’s a complete list of the tools you'll need with clickable links to shop so that you can plan accordingly:
DISCLAIMER: Some links below may be affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you; if you purchase products from these links, we will earn a small commission.  ​
​POWER TOOLS
NOTES/USAGE INFO
​Table Saw
Miter gauge equipped
Miter Saw
60 degree cut angle capability preferred. Table saw with miter gauge is alternative if no 60 degree cut capability.
Circular Saw
Use with straightedge to reduce size of 4x8 sheets. Table saw is an alternative option.
Jig Saw
Only used for cutting out headboard leg notches, hand jigsaw is an alternative option.
Orbital Sander
For Finishing
Drill
Pilot holes, fastener installation
Clothes Iron
Only required if applying iron-on edge banding
Vacuum
​Optional for removing dust from work area
HAND TOOLS
NOTES/USAGE INFO
Tape Measure
10’ Minimum
Straight Edge
4’ - only required if using in combination with circular saw
6" C-Clamps
​10 recommended
12" Combination Square
​Layout, marking
Speed Square
​Layout, marking
Angle Finder, Digital T-Bevel, or Protractor
Verification of angle cuts
1" Chisel
Edge banding trimming, glue removal, misc tasks
Hammer/Mallet
​Aligning, positioning, furniture glide installation
CONSUMABLES
​NOTES/USAGE INFO
Pencils
Layout, Marking
3/32", 1/8", 3/16", and 1/8" - 6" long drill bits
Pilot Holes
#2 Phillips, #2 Square Drive, T20 Torx, and T30 Torx bits
Verify w/fasteners purchased
2" Disposable brushes
Glue Application
Sandpaper: course, medium, and fine grit
Finishing
2 or 3" foam brush
Option #1 For Staining
Staining Rags
Option #2 For Staining
Disposable gloves
Finishing
2 1/2" Paint/Poly Brush
Finishing
The bed frame is constructed primarily from solid lumber giving it a timeless appearance and the strength and durability only solid lumber can provide.

Standard-size hardwood lumber is used so you can go to just about any big-box store or lumber supplier and get what you need. Other materials such as hardwood panels, plywood, and all of the hardware can be purchased at your local big-box store too, so you won’t have to scour the fringes of the internet to complete your project. 


The bed frame is broken down into a handful of main components which are all assembled together using real screws, brackets, and fasteners.

​You won’t find cheap screws, wing nuts, or other gimmicky parts on this bed frame - that crap belongs at Ikea!

The net result is a bed frame that you can jump on, have fun on ;) , and move around without fear of it loosening, falling apart, or becoming forever squeaky. 

Q: What do the build plans include?
west elm alexa DIY Modern rustic bed frame build plans sample
The build plans are instantly downloadable, interactive, and printable right from your computer or device. The plans include pages of step-by-step instructions, extensive example photos, and all the detailed drawings you need to make construction as streamlined as possible. The build plans themselves are laid out in a way that maximizes efficiency, reduces saw setups, and values your time. Detailed cut lists and layout diagrams are provided so that you’re not left wondering what board to cut or if you’re wasting material.
Within the plans you'll also find:
  • Helpful Tips - Pointers to ensure your project goes as smoothly as possible.
  • A Complete List of Materials - An itemized list of all the wood, hardware, fasteners, and supplies you'll need to finish your bed frame.
  • Frequently Asked Questions - Answers to common questions you may have as you dive into your build.

Q: How much building experience do I need to build the bed frame? 

​People with moderate experience operating power tools and following directions. If you love these plans and don't have building experience, ask a skilled friend or family member to help! The most important aspects of the build is your ability to f
ollow directions, make accurate measurements and cuts, as well as pay attention to detail. 

Q: How much does it cost though to build this bed frame?

So let’s talk overall price. Compared to those “nice” expensive bed frames, the total amount you’ll spend building your own bed frame will be a fraction of the cost.
​
The bed frame I built was constructed from solid hickory and I spent right around $750 for everything (and this was in early 2021 when material prices were crazy!). 

​The total you’ll invest will depend largely on the hardwood you select for your build. Need to build uber-cheap? Consider pine. If money is no object, pick an exotic hardwood and you’ll have a showstopper under your mattress.

Here's a Wood Species Cost Comparison to make things easy on you:
WOOD SPECIES
COST ESTIMATE (USD)
Pine
$500 - $550
Poplar
$575 - $625
Aspen
$600 - $650
Oak
$615 - $665
Hickory
$725 - $775
Maple
$765 - $815
Mahogany
$850 - $900
Cherry
$1125 - $1175
Walnut
​$1600 - $1650
​Q: Where should I buy materials?

Most home improvement stores such as Menards, Home Depot, and Lowes will have everything you need. Certain species of hardwood plywood will need to be sourced from a local lumber supplier depending on your area's local availability.

​Q: How long does the bed frame take to build?

Build time varies entirely based on your building experience. However, a good amount of time to budget for is 40hrs.

​Q: What should I do if I don’t understand part of the instructions?

Please reread and review all instructions and drawings. The last thing I want is for you to be completely stuck and not know how to proceed, so if you still need help please send an email to: [email protected] and I'll get back to you within three business days.

Purchase the DIY West Elm Alexa Modern Rustic Bed Frame Build Plans
west elm alexa Build your own modern rustic bed frame
The build plans are downloadable, printable, and come with all the information needed to get started:
  • A materials list with links to specific items you'll need.
  • Step-by-step instructions with detailed diagrams, drawings, and pictures.
  • Tips and tricks on how to make your build simple and straightforward.
​Once purchased, the PDF will be immediately emailed to you, where you can read it on your device or print it off.
buy modern rustic bed frame plans

Have more questions before you purchase the build plans?
​Send me an email at [email protected]

DIY West Elm Alexa Bed Build Plans
DIY West Elm Alexa Bed Build Plans with Chevron Style Headboard
1 Comment
Michele link
8/3/2024 04:26:18 pm

Very nice post

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Paul Olesen

    💡Engineer + Educator + Designer🛠

    Paul Olesen

    Archives

    September 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020

    Categories

    All
    Home Addition
    Snowmobile

    RSS Feed

FOLLOW PAUL ON INSTAGRAM

© Workshop Chronicles 2021
  • Home
  • Blog
  • SHOP
    • Bed Frame Build Plans
  • About
  • Contact