***Update*** I’m trying to get as many reader photos as I can up on my Facebook page, so check out https://www.facebook.com/edhart.me/ for other reader projects. They look great!!! ***
I confess I’m a little late getting this post up, but I wanted to highlight one of my reader’s rustic farmhouse bed projects since it turned out so nice! Ronnie was also the reader that inspired me to rework the original queen sized plan into a king size rustic bed plan.
In addition to riffing on the bed’s finish to make a really stunning look, he also had some great insight on constructing the bed. Instead of painting the entire bed, he stained the panels on the headboard and footer which created an awesome contrast with the white frame. I actually wished I’d thought of that!
We emailed a couple times about attaching the bedrails with mortise hardware like in my version of the plan as well as non-mortise options, and Ronnie when with the mortises. One of the things that I find particularly rewarding in sharing my experiences is when someone tries something new and learns a skill.
Ronnie pointed out this video which was helpful to understand how to do a mortise – it’s for a door, not a bed, but the concept is the same:
Here are some additional tips & insights from Ronnie. On constructing the headboard & footer…
Prefinishing the panels and trim was a great idea. Pre finishing the entire post was not such a great idea. I only did that on the foot board posts because they were small and easy to manage; for the head board, I only primed and painted the side that would attach to the panel. I still have to fill screw holes, sand, prime and paint the top, but that should be easy. The joints created in this bed (like 4×4 to the 2×4 above it) create some interesting seams when it comes to painting.
Here’s a tidbit. I put my panels together and they sat for several days, the latter of which contained 100% humidity for several days. They stretched slightly and my trim pieces were too short. I would almost suggest to anyone not cutting the trim until it is ready to attach; this probably won’t be an issue for people unless they choose to do the inlay like I did. To solve the issue, I planed the ends down to be as even with the trim as I could get it.
On the finished project…
In hindsight, I wish that the headboard was taller so that #1 I wouldn’t hit my head on it when I try to sit with my back against it and #2 I would like to see the inlay when the pillows are on the bed!
A couple final notes
We shared a common interest in using SketchUp to model out plans and create accurate cut lists for projects. Ronnie asked for some tips on learning to use SketchUp, so I put together this YouTube playlist of some basic SketchUp techniques.
Also, in the middle of the project, Ronnie took some time out to create his “Christmas Tree Defender” out of wood pallets which I thought was just awesome!
Have you built your own rustic farmhouse bed? I’d love to share your project as well!