082708-platform bed.jpg Matthew Haynes of Alton, Illinois wasn't keen on spending big bucks on a bedframe. So instead, he took matters into his own hands and built his own. Click through the jump to read more about how he accomplished it for just under $200 instead of the $1500 it could have been.

Matthew loved the look of the Case Study DWR Platform Bed. The only thing he wasn't in love with was the price tag. So he hit the hardware store and Salvage Stores and got to work.
If you would like to recreate this look at home, take your measurements from the DWR Case Study Bed (be it in person or online). They will come in handy for things like headboard sizing as well as the distance between the headboard and the platform.

Here's his notes on how the job came to completion:

"I used two hollow core doors (size 32"x80") and attached them in the middle with wood glue. I then supported them underneath with a 2'x4'. Then I cut to size a piece of plywood for the headboard and sealed it.
I used metal strips, found at Lowes, that were approximately 1/4" thick and 2.5" wide, to attach the headboard to the doors-platform. A drill press is suggested to make the holes for the screws.
I added a 2'x4' across the bottom of the doors in order to add thickness (and stability) to attach the headboard to the platform.
I purchased 7 furniture legs from Lowes, which I used around the 4 corners, plus 3 down the middle for support. The middle legs must be shorter to allow for the 2'x4' supports along the bottom. I have ordered hairpin legs from www.hairpinlegs.com and they should be arriving shortly. I will switch the legs out and save the old ones for a new project! (I did need to sand and stain the legs purchased to match the rest of the bed)"

Building a bed frame isn't as daunting as it may seem. Don't be afraid to pick the brains of your local hardware store employee (at least those who look like they have a head on their shoulders) for information on the durability of the items and the best way to go about things. A bed can be as simple as two doors, some plywood and a few metal strips, or it can be as complicated as your wildest dreams can imagine. Either way, it's something that is totally within reach with a little hard work.

Thanks Matthew!