After lots of work and a failed attempt at making our king sized platform bed for the master bedroom I’m happy to say “roll over and stay on your side”….. IT’S DONE! Well, almost… I still need a mattress (minor detail).
Poor Richie… check out the sweat drip coming off his nose in the 100 degree weather. Wonderful husband!!
Boy does it feel good to say “it’s done”. I know Richie just about had a heart attack when I told him I wasn’t happy with our first attempt at making this bed. If you read a recent post that we were making our king-sized version of this platform bed out of plywood to save a little time and dough, then you might also remember that it pretty much bombed!
After cutting all the slats out of plywood I knew that I didn’t want to keep the edges raw, so I ordered some birch banding to glue to the edges. Seemed like a good idea and it did go okay for the most part… until I got to the rounded corners and tried to get a slightly rigid material to bend and stick and actually STAY. HA HA HA! I laughed for all of one minute and then cried because I knew I’d have to tell poor Richie that I wasn’t happy. Trust me men… women hate to torture you with our unhappiness. But it’s our job. (kidding!)
As you can see in the picture above the edges were horrible. Once you got the banding on and then sanded the edges, the thin plywood veneer on top began to sand away. So not only did the banding look horrible, but now we were sanding through the veneer. Top that all off with a stain that showed every flaw and you have a pretty crappy looking bed.
So after staining two, I stopped completely and decided we had to make them out of solid hardwood. So off to a hardwood specialty warehouse we went and Richie picked out some maple. Of course these places aren’t like Home Depot where everything is cut and ready. It’s raw wood sold by the board foot, which means it all has to be planed and sanded. = more work! (sorry Richie!)
FYI: Wood Planers are used to flatten, reduce the thickness of, and impart a smooth surface to a rough piece of lumber.
After planing, joining each board with biscuits, sanding, rounding corners and routing all the edges… he turns the project over to me. I asked him to please take pictures of all his work leading up to this… but his response was “I’m too busy for that!!!!” Okay, okay…so here we are. The boards are laid out and ready for me to apply a satin polyurethane finish. Coating the back sides first then turning them over the tops got 3 coats of poly.
See above how much nicer a solid wood board edge looks compared to our fail. YAY!
Another trick that I’ll share with all you DIY refinishers is this…. After your final coat of finish use the back side of the sandpaper to “back sand” ( Richie makes fun of me because I made up this word ) the piece. Once you do this it polishes it silky smooth to the touch. It’s a miracle. The carpenter who built my kitchen taught me that trick and it’s amazing!
The frame is made of steel tubing and his father helped us weld up the frame. We don’t have a welding machine but it’s on Richie’s list. After it was primed and painted they began putting it together.
The ends will get finished with a black plastic cap that snaps into the tube. I still have to order those.
Each wood slat has a hole drilled to match a hole in the steel tubing but the board doesn’t actually set on the metal. We purchased some rubber “feet” that are actually amplifier feet (Richie is a musician and knew this would work). The rubber foot sets on the metal, the board sets on the rubber foot and the bolt holds it all together. You can see that the board actually floats in a way. It’s very sturdy and solid.
The headboard may be a little bit high but we’re going to wait to make any adjustments to see where the mattress hits. If it’s too high, we’ll take the headboard off, cut down the metal tubing and reattach the board. It’ll probably be fine but we have that option.
Over time the wood will darken and take on a lovely dark honey color.
I’m so excited to finally have a king sized bed for our king-sized selves. It will be really nice to finally get the mattress on this sucker complete with some crisp white sheets. WOO HOOO! Thank you Richie… you did a great job and your wife loves and appreciates you.
So since I appreciate all your talents I’ll brag just a little more….
Richie has always had a need to create and he’s done a few more things around the house that I thought I’d share.
Here’s the coffee table he made us after seeing one in a magazine. He made this about
12 years ago. It’s still hip… I think!
He does like to use metal. This is just flat bar bent, painting, and drilled for wheels. It’s topped with a big slab of SOLID maple that has 3 or four pieces joined together. It’s a heavy sucker, which makes the wheels very convenient!
After hurricane Rita back in 2005, Richie went around town and gathered up all the huge oak stumps he could physically get to and ended up cutting 5 of these pedestals/tables in different sizes. He actually used a chainsaw and guide for these. They have been finished and feet were added to the bottom. We have 3 and he gave away 2.
The pedestals are mostly used for art but I do have one beside the bed in our guest bedroom too. He was inspired by the work of Christian Liagre who makes amazing furniture pieces (seen below).
He has a few more projects in his head like an outdoor table he wants to build to set along side our butterfly chairs. I’m looking forward to it!
More to come as we finish up with the pretty stuff but the bed is done and that’s worth a glass of wine or two. Cheers!
The bed is lovely.Richie seems able to make anything he sets his mind to , AND to do it beautifully.
Thank you, Polly! I’m always impressed that he even wants to attempt any of these things. He works and works at it in his head and then one day.. BAM, he’s on it. It’s fun and he enjoys the process. I’m proud (obviously!).
Did you get my last email? I wasn’t sure because I didn’t hear back… hoping to get some pictures soon. :-) I know, I know, I’m such a pushy broad. I’m excited to see your new place.
Thanks for the sweet words… as always.
So how is the mattress going to stay on the platform without sliding off?
MAGIC!!! I’m not sure how except to say that it just does. HA HA! We built one of these in a queen size about 10 years ago and the mattress never moves (unless I move it purposely) Maybe it’s the gaps between but probably it’s the actual weight of the mattress and the people on it. I giggle at that because the answer is “I don’t know”. But our other one is always in place. :-)
Good question, Viki.
P.S. The L15 Xen bed was originally designed by Cassina and we just did our own version. The bed is no longer being manufactured but you can still see some examples HERE.
I really like this platform style bed! I honestly like both the new wood frame and the old flattened edge frame. Either way, very cool and will last for years and years!
Thanks fella! I’m hoping it’s the last bed I own because I can’t see us making another one. We’re pooped! Ha Ha! It’s made well and it should last a long time so I’m happy about that. We love the platform beds without box springs.
I appreciate you looking and commenting. I’ll tell Richie… he’ll be so pleased!!
Brilliant!
I love the design as well.
Thanks so much. I wish we could take credit but it’s our version of the old L15 Xen bed by Cassina. We loved the design but they no longer make them so we did our own. Thank you for the sweet comment and the visit. We’re really excited!
Richie did good! Ask him how much he charges for queen sized platform? :)
Oh my goodness! You are too kind. I have to give away a little secret ….. we couldn’t afford this bed when Cassina was making it at $3,000. When we decided to make our own version and were done, Richie said to me …. “Now I know why it was $3,000…. it’s what I would charge to make it”. HA HA! I guess he was trying to tell me that he put lots of work and man hours into it and he realized that there was a reason it was so expensive.
I doubt he’ll ever make another one. I had to twist his arm and beg for this so I feel lucky to have it done.
Glad you like it. We can’t wait to get it all made up. :-)
I think it would be worth $3000 if he made it but with the store…they do mass production…so not as impressive. :) Well, if ever he changes his mind, you are ever welcome to place an free ad on my Blog Community Directory at http://blogcommunitydirectory.wordpress.com/contact-us/
Although I don’t get to visit my blogging friends as often as would like to, it is always a pleasure to read what is being posted when I do. I think your blog is such an inspiration and enjoy reading your posts!
Have a great day!
1. i came home from work just now and thought “i sure hope stacey wrote today!” thanks for answering my wish! 2. i don’t know how you guys find the time to do all these big projects! but you do, and you do them so well! 3. jordan back sands too. but i’m gonna make him call it that from now on!! 4. i love richie’s pieces. the oak stump end table is awesome (and look at you giving a link to his inspiration ;) ;) ;) ) can’t wait to see your bed with bedspread and all!
You’re such a sweetie! I know you’re teasing me… but I’m happy you said that.
YAY Jordan… we need some T-shirts that say “proud to be a back sander”. Hmmmmm we might get some crazy looks…. nevermind. (giggles)
I swear since I learned that little trick I’m like “back sanding” everything I own. I wonder if it would work on my face? I could use a little smoothing out around the eyes. HA HA HA!
Those oak stumps were crazy. That man worked on those day and night and to this day says he can still feel that chain saw buzzing in his hands. He’s insane, Tamara! INSANE! But they are cool… and yes after my last run in with the law I figured I should give the inspiration. :-) You called me on that one. So quick on your feet, girl! LOVE IT!
Thanks for taking time to look. We’re both happy to finally have our KING!
haHA! i hope this doesn’t scream “no life!”, but i really did say it. so my reader was the first thing i checked and you did not disappoint. back sanders unite!!! :D
Good husband points for Richie! The bed looks WONDERFUL! and that Oak Stump end table?? My birthday is in a few weeks, so please tell Richie I want one, k?? :) Can’t wait for you to have your master bedroom finished!
Hey busy lady! Thank you so much… and I’ll get him to work on your B-Day present right away. After all you’ve been through you deserve it!
Your last sentence made me burst out laughing…. because #1, I’m sure you’re tired of my bedroom posts (laughing) and #2 I’m sure you’re tired of my bedroom posts! (still laughing) But mostly I know that you of all people know how it feels to be so close to the finish line. I can’t wait either, Brittney. I will be almost close to feeling like a “normal” person. Thanks for hanging in there with me and always being so encouraging.
You are more than welcome :)
Stacey & Ritchie — the bed looks awesome! Great teamwork. I’m jealous of your king. Our little bungalow’s rooms are too small for a king so I just have to let my toes hang over (really I’m only 5′-7″ but a girl likes to get stretched out at night, amiright?) Now you have your project done in way less than a month — I’ve got to get it in gear over here to keep up with you fiends! Good thing I enlisted the husband too. They sure come in handy, I think I have a keeper and you do too Stacey!
Hey jumping buddy! Okay, I must say that YOU helped make this happen. High-FIve CT!
We are thrilled about the KING! OMG, I can’t imagine how nice it will feel to have room… actual room to breathe and move and Richie says… “I won’t be burning up from you… you’re like an oven”! HEY, SORRY FOR BEING SO HOT! (laughing)
Us tall girls need our room, don’t we?. 5’7″ is a great height!
Oh, I’m not done yet… just getting started… I hope I don’t run out of steam before our deadline. Time goes by so fast that August will be over before I know it. Hope your bathroom is going well…it looked like you were kickin’ it, too!
Our guys are definitely keepers.
Once again I am blown away by how amazing your place is. That bed is gorgeous and I want to steal that coffee table – maybe I can just roll it on out?
HA HA HA! LOVE THAT! Those wheels definitely come in handy … for stealing or cleaning… whichever.
When I vacuum I just roll that sucker out of the way and clean like crazy. It’s a fun hunk of wood. I’ve thought about sitting on top and having Richie push me around the house… but he wouldn’t go for it. BUZZ KILL! :-) Thanks for the visit Christie.
Beautiful pieces! I would love to have the coffee table…
Thanks so much! I just love handmade DIY stuff. Richie really enjoys it and it challenges his ever growing skills. The table is fun… especially with the wheels.
Glad you stopped by. Always nice when you visit!!
Oh it’s the bed that he should be making and selling that I love!! Such amazing work. And yes us tall girls like king sized. My feet don’t do well in frames with barriers at the bottom. Is that the other red couch? Dreamy! Fyi – trying to type this on a tablet. How do people do this? I want my key pad. Sobs!
Sweet!!! He’s proud Alex… but not proud enough to ever make another one, much less sell them. Poor guy, I wear him out with my “oh lets do this” , “you can make that” crap. We’re officially out of the bed making business!! Although I will definitely keep this lovely bed “made”…. but we are done.
That is the other couch. I love it but I’m going to reupholster it sometime in the next year. I don’t like having 2 red couches. That was a fluke! I’m considering doing it myself, but we’ll see.
Do you have an iPad? If so, do you like it and use it often? I’m considering getting one but wasn’t sure if I’d use it all that much. I’m sure it’s fun, though. If it’s like typing on the iPhone… then ugh!
We have a Samsung tablet. It’s great for couch surfing the internet and even better for surfing blogs over morning coffee (again vs sitting on a computer desk). I am not a laptop loving person but this is a pretty good contraption.
That being said, I loathe typing on it and logged onto my actual computer to reply to this. I just have the hardest time typing on screens no matter what stylus pen I use and the auto correct and ugh.
I will cringe if the day ever comes where RIM takes away their physical keyboards. It’s the only reason I haven’t switched to an Android or an Iphone. Because I just can’t type on them to save my life.
Ooh la la! Love the bed frame! And that coffee table is totally timeless — gotta love furniture that doesn’t show its age. You could tell me he made that yesterday and I’d believe it. Details on that rug under the bed, please! In fact, can we just visit your house if we drive through Texas so we can steal ideas? We’re both stalking it through your blog anyway…
Thanks Leena! We went through a phase way back when everything we wanted had wheels on it. HA! I wonder if that’s a guy thing … you know “things with wheels”… cars, bikes, 4-wheelers, motorcycles… coffee tables. (laughing)
The rug is actually from Crate and Barrel. It’s the Olin rug. I’m still debating on whether I’m going to keep it in there but I love the bold graphic style. The best thing is the the price. They sell it in all sizes…. even runners.
Sure, stop by any time!! Actually.. thanks for stopping by today. I have a feeling if we ever did meet in real life our experiences and projects would be eerily familiar. A lot of “we made that, we did that, we like that, too”! :-)
TOTAL guy thing. We went through a wheel stage, too, and I had nothing to do with it. If we’re ever in your neck of the woods (Bradley’s mom lives in Austin, so it’s likely!), we’d love to meet you guys. You guys are much further along than we are, and I think we’d pick up a lot of tricks :)
Holy cow Stacey! What a piece of art. Richie is amazing. And probably dehydrated too. The bed really looks fantastic. You must be so happy. Especially since this is the second go. Ugh! What misery—to be unhappy with the first version!! But better to start again and be thrilled with the finished project.
We STILL have a Queen size bed. Despite us both wishing we didn’t!! We didn’t have room in our old bedroom, and now that we do, finding something I love has turned out to be impossible. I want something old and carved… except finding a king is nearly nonexistent or crazy expensive. I’ve started keeping a folder of inspiration ideas for Paul to make one, but I think for him to consider it, there couldn’t be any other projects on fire… and who knows when that will be..
p.s.- the stump/pedestal is beautiful. The grain and knots and fissure are really appealing. But I cannot imagine how the two of you picked them up. What’s the story with the armillary-looking thing on top?
Richie is not amazing. He’s just an average dude who can’t really do anything. He’s lazy and slacks off all the time. I’m considering divorce as I’m tired of him loafing around. His lack of motivation is really bring me down.
(Are you buying that?)
JUST KIDDING! THE MAN IS CRAZY!!!! The stuff he’ll attempt just makes my jaw drop. He’s a go-getter, Victoria…. just like Paul. I can’t imagine or remember a time when we weren’t deep into some crazy project that he wasn’t “working out” in his head for days and nights.
The King will be great! I can see where you might have a hard time finding something old and really ornate. We loved old 50’s frames but they didn’t make them in king sizes… sometimes not even in queen sizes. Even this modern bed originally made by Cassina never came in a King size. We winged it! Just sweet talk Paul and flash him your pretty blue eyes and he’ll do it… he’ll make you a bed fit for a Queen… in a King.
P.S. The pedestals are REALLY heavy. It took three of us to load the original stumps and then as he cut them they got lighter. It’s a hunk-a-chunk for sure. That thing on top is …… ummmmm…. I guess I would call it an orrery.
We both have a thing for space related stuff… star charts, globes, moons, solar systems and those old school orreries, etc. This was something crazy he found on eBay years and years ago. We love it. Thanks for asking!!! (new post idea)
Poor us, Stacey!! What slackers we’re shackled with!
I really do not understand previous generations’ inability to appreciate the idea of a king-sized bed. I do get that they were smaller people… but STILL! Two people of any size in a queen-sized bed is tight!!
Wow! That looks awesome! Can’t wait to see what it looks like with the bedding on it! I can’t believe he MADE that. Can you even imagine how much you could see that for in a nice fancy store? Great job!!
How nice! THANK YOU. I think the bed will probably be prettier than the bedding…. I like very boring bedding. We’ll see. I just need to get a mattress first. Ha Ha! Thank you for taking a look… we’re both happy with the results. I think he’s a keeper. :-)
I love your bed (and the bedroom). He did put a lot of “sweat” equity into that project. Poor guy. It looks great!
Sweat equity, indeed! Lots of it. Poor guy… he went through 3 shirts a day working outside with all that wood. I had lots of extra laundry because of this project. HA! I’m glad you like it. I hope I can pull it all together by the end of the month. I’m ready to be done with this room. Thanks again for visiting. So nice.
The bed looks great – Bravo on scrapping the Attempt One and moving forward with another one – that took some coconuts for Richie to implement and for you to request! I know that feeling of “um, yeah, I know you just spent the last four weekends working on this, but…um…I don’t like it…”
I can’t wait to see it all “gussied up” in its sheets and fun pillows! :) And I think it’s hilarious/so fitting that it’s going to sit on amplifier feet.
Our King sized bed (NOT homemade, just a spindly metal frame and no headboard, but thank you Sears) was one of the best purchases we made – hubs is 6’4″ and I’m only 5’6′” but I probably hog more of the space than he does – let’s just say that there are times when it’s just nice to have your own space.
And that coffee table is very cool! It makes me think that ALL furniture should be on wheels…
Ohhhhhhh, I know, I know… it hurt to tell him I wasn’t happy. Honestly, he wasn’t happy either, so it was good. He’s use to it by now. He also knows that he doesn’t ever want to build another one so we better do it right now, and right now. ya know? I’m sure I wasn’t his favorite person at that moment. I often catch him quietly counting to ten…. I can appreciate that instead of just choking the hell out of me. (count, dear, count)
My sheets will be BORING… but my pillows… well I hope to take a cue from you and have some sass to display. Which will no doubt just get balled up and squeezed under his head to watch TV. Oh well, I’ll try.
Glad to know you love your KING!! I told Richie I’m going to feel like we’re staying in a hotel. (we always get a king in hotels. YAY!) Now if I could only arrange for some room service I’d have it made. Oh, and maybe a cookie on my pillow…. the fancy pillows, of course.
Thanks J. Love your comments!
The bed is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful platform bed. I can’t wait to see it all made up. I love the tables too. That’s one talented husband you have there.
Dana, you are too kind and I appreciate you saying that!!!! It’s even more beautiful to me now that it’s done. HA! I think he’s very talented too but he gets mad when I make a fuss and says it’s no big deal. So thanks for letting me share this and for being so excited… it makes me even more thrilled. (and proud).
You’re so sweet to always take a minute and look at our madness. It means a lot to me. :-)
That’s one heck of a bed! Way to go, Team Goode House :)
2 bits, 4 bits, 6 bits, a dollar! (yes, it’s time to holler!) WHOO HOO! Glad it’s done. All this team wants to do is hit the showers and kick back with a margarita. We’re beat!
Thanks Kelly! I haven’t cheered for a team in a while… it might as well be my own. HA HA!
Richie is really talented! The bed came out stunning. It would’ve been so discouraging to start over, but the results are so worth it. It made me laugh though that he didn’t take pictures of the process. That’s pretty much what Tyson would’ve told me. :)
Thanks Danielle!! I don’t think we’ve every done a project where we didn’t have to start over or do it again. (sigh) It’s our life.
That little toot! He refused to take pictures and told me “he didn’t have time for that crap”. Such lovely talk! He loves that I enjoy the blog… but prefers not to participate. I usually even try to cut him out of the pictures because he hates that too. So cranky! (probably because I make him do things over).
For some reason I imagine that Tyson is much sweeter. :-)
The pedestals that Richie made are amazballs. I may have to be on the lookout for a large hunk of wood and show the Hound pictures of those pedestals for “inspiration” :)
I love platform beds! Richie did a great job..again. Aren’t we lucky girls?! :) I was laughing at your reply above about him saying that he doesn’t have time for that crap (taking photos). I’m always trying to sneak up on Kelly while he working on stuff, but I’m afraid I’ll get snapped at. Most of the time he’s in deep thought trying to figure something out, or holding something in place and he can’t move an inch. Gotta love ’em. :)
P.S. As usual, you put together an amazing post. That’s a lot of work, too!
Thanks Kim! I swear Richie is not a jerk… he’s just such a “guy”. If you know what I mean. Ha Ha! Don’t mess with him while he’s doing important stuff. :-) I totally respect that, really. Lets face it… I’ll do whatever he asks especially since he’s making that bed for me. (spoiled girl!)
Our guys are the best. I know Kelly his SUPER talented and lucky you – you get to enjoy his creations. I love that because I know how good it feels to have something handmade and created by someone you love.
Thanks for looking, Kim.
Loving both pieces but adding the table to my list of “favorite Ritchie art.” It’s quite awesome!
I’ll tell Richie you love it! Thanks so much. He really enjoys making stuff but doesn’t have lots of spare time to do all the things his brain has planned. (sigh). I guess that’s how life is for most of us.
Thanks for the visit.
such a beautiful job! all 3 pieces in fact – Richie has the talent of a sculptor. The pedestal table is perfectly divine. And happy happy anniversary wishes to you both!! – diane
I really enjoyed reading this. I am inspired!
Was the frame powdercoated or just painted? Do you have any of the dimensions for the frame?
The frame was just painted with a product called “real steel”.
I don’t have the dimensions anymore. We didn’t save them. Sorry!