Simple butt joins are used in assembling this pine frame to spruce up an ensemble bed.

A slim top shelf and posts attach to an inside frame and 6mm MDF panels are fitted on the front and back, which can be clad in recycled materials.

Have the pieces cut to size by the supplier or cut them using a circular saw with a straight edge guide.

STEP 1

Assemble the frame
Position the side stiles flush with the ends of the base rail, drilling and countersinking two pilot holes through the rail, securing with PVA adhesive and 40mm x 8g timber screws. Secure the centre stiles 500mm from the end rails and secure the top rail to the stiles.

STEP 2

Smooth the shelf and posts
Clamp the top shelf and posts to the workbench then hand-plane a slight chamfer along the top and base edges of the top shelf and all the edges of each post, including the top and bottom.

STEP 3

Attach the top shelf
Position the bedhead frame along the centre of the top shelf, securing through the frame with nine equally spaced 30mm x 8g timber screws. TIP Securing from inside the frame hides the screw heads.