1. It’s the Easiest Way to Save a Grand

Beds are expensive. Like, really expensive.

Even a basic wood bed frame from a big-box store can cost $800–$1,500—and that’s just the frame.

Add in a box spring, a bed skirt, and shipping? That’s another few hundred dollars.

A DIY bed?

You can build a beautiful, solid wood platform bed for under $200—and skip the box spring and bed skirt entirely. It supports your mattress, looks amazing, and saves you a ton of money.

 

 

 

2. Everyone Needs One (Maybe Even More Than One)

Let’s do the math:

One bed per person. Plus a guest room. Maybe a bunk room. A cabin. A kid’s room. And they all need beds.

Every time you build one, you’re saving hundreds—or even a thousand dollars.

And the best part? You can scale your skills and reuse your design to build more.

 

3. You Spend 1/3 of Your Life in Bed—Make It a Healthy One

A store-bought upholstered bed might look nice, but it’s often packed with:

• Foam that off-gasses VOCs

• Synthetic fabrics that hold dust and allergens

• Hidden construction you can’t clean or inspect

• Store bought wood beds, you have no control over the finishes used.

When you sleep (1/3 of your life), your body is relaxed and more in a more vulnerable state to air pollutants.  Sleeping right next to an off-gassing headboard can have huge lifetime impacts on your health and longevity.

When you build a bed with solid wood and choose a clean, low-VOC or natural finish, you’re creating a healthier sleep space. One that breathes with you, not against you.

This is the most important reason for me to never buy a store bought bed.  I actually take it one step further and refuse any store bought furnishings in sleeping areas.  No chance.

 

 

 

4. It’s Beginner-Friendly (and Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect)

Beds might look big and fancy, but structurally? They’re one of the easiest projects out there.

Straight cuts, repeatable parts, basic joinery.

You don’t need a full shop. A saw, drill, and sander will do the job.

It’s a great project to build your confidence—and you’ll love the results even if you’re still learning.

 

 

 

 

 

5. Beautiful Real Wood Texture and Grain

A store-bought bed can’t compare to real wood grain.  Why?  Because a store has to make a consistent, profitable, repeatable product – they like to use materials like particle board or veneers to keep prices low and finishes boringly redundant.

With DIY, you choose the look—rustic, modern, natural, stained.

You get to pick the color, tone, texture, and proportions that fit your space.

And it instantly makes your bedroom feel warmer, cozier, and more intentional.

 

 

6. It’s Better for the Planet

Beds are huge to ship.

That means lots of fuel, lots of packaging, and a massive carbon footprint—just to get it to your house.

When you build your own bed:

• No freight shipping from across the globe

• No foam, plastic, or peanuts

• Just local lumber and your hands

It’s a sustainable win all around.

 

 

 

 

7. No Creaking. No Wobbling. Just Solid Sleep.

You know that annoying squeak every time you roll over?

That’s a poorly built store-bought frame.

DIY beds are rock solid. Built with real materials, real screws, and real structure.

You’ll actually sleep better when you feel secure.

 

8. It’s Yours to Customize

Want drawers underneath? A trundle? A massive headboard? Built-in shelves?

You can do all of that with DIY.

It’s one of the few pieces where a small design tweak can give you huge functionality—especially in small spaces.

 

9. It’s Repairable, Refinishable, and Moveable

You built it. You know how to fix it.

Loose screw? Refinish needed? Add a coat of paint or swap the legs? Easy.

Unlike boxed furniture that falls apart when you move it, DIY beds are built to last—and be maintained over time.

 

10. And One Day… It’s Biodegradable

When your kids outgrow their bunk beds, or when you’re ready to upgrade your own, you’re not tossing metal and foam into a landfill.

You can:

• Upcycle the wood into a new project

• Donate it

• Or, let nature take it back—because solid wood actually breaks down over time

That’s something store-bought beds just can’t say.

 

Ready to Build?

If you’re ready to build your first—or next—bed, I’ve got free plans, tool lists, and tons of inspiration ready for you.

Let’s build something you’ll use every single day.

 

View All My Free Bed Plans

 

 

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