How to Build a Wooden Platform

How to Build a Wooden Platform
Written By
Wade Shaddy
Wade Shaddy
Published: May 30, 2008
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

They must be sturdy and strong to hold up the goods without sagging or swaying. Build one 18 inches high, 4 feet deep and 8 feet wide to keep the cutting and labor to a minimum.

Things You Will Need

  • 2 studs, 1½ by 3½ by 96 inches
  • 3 studs, 1½ by 3½ by 45 inches
  • Clamps
  • 5/16-inch drill bit
  • Drill/driver
  • ½-inch Forstner drill bit
  • ¼-by-3-inch lag bolts
  • 3/8-inch socket
  • Ratchet
  • 7 studs, 1½ by 3½ by 17¼ inches
  • Miter saw (optional)
  • 3/8-inch drill bit
  • 3½-inch hex bolts
  • Washers
  • Nuts
  • Fir plywood, 3/4 by 48 by 96 inches
  • 1½-inch screws
  1. Place two of the 1½-by-3½-by-96-inch studs parallel to each other on a flat surface, standing on edge.

  2. Place two 1½-by-3½-by-45-inch studs between them, flush at both ends, and one centered. Clamp the frame together using bar clamps.

  3. Drill two holes using a 5/16-inch drill bit and drill/driver, evenly spaced, through the 96-inch studs, to penetrate into the ends of the 45-inch studs at each contact point. Countersink another hole into each existing hole to a depth of ½-inch using a ½-inch Forstner bit.

  4. Insert 3-inch lag bolts into the holes. Drive the screws in with a 3/8-inch socket and ratchet to create a frame measuring 48 by 96 inches.

  5. Cut the seven 1½-by-3½-by-17¼-inch studs to the desired height, if needed, with a miter saw. Leave them as-is for an 18-inch tall platform.

  6. Place one 17¼-inch stud in each corner, with the flat side against the 96-inch studs. Place two of the 17¼-inch studs in the center corners, with one on each side of the 45-inch center stud, with the flat sides against the 96-inch studs. Place one stud centered on either side of the center stud.

  7. Clamp the short studs to the frame. Drill through the frame and each leg with a 3/8-inch drill bit. Make three holes for each leg, evenly spaced in a triangle pattern. Countersink to a depth of ½-inch with a ½-inch Forstner bit.

  8. Insert 3½-inch hex bolts in each hole. Place washers and nuts on the inside. Use the 3/8-inch socket and ratchet to tighten the bolts. Remove the clamps. Flip the frame upright on its legs.

  9. Place the 3/4-by-48-by-96-inch piece of fir plywood on top the frame. Screw the plywood to the frame using 1½-inch screws. Space the screws 8 inches apart, 3/4 inch from the edge around the perimeter. Center the screws through the 45-inch center support.

The Drip Cap

  • You can use wooden platforms for just about anything.
  • They must be sturdy and strong to hold up the goods without sagging or swaying.
  • Clamp the frame together using bar clamps.
  • Place one 17¼-inch stud in each corner, with the flat side against the 96-inch studs.
  • Place washers and nuts on the inside.
  • Use the 3/8-inch socket and ratchet to tighten the bolts.

Check out this related video from Homesteady on Youtube.

Photo Credits

artist-unlimited/iStock/Getty Images

artist-unlimited/iStock/Getty Images

Wade Shaddy

Specializing in hardwood furniture, trim carpentry, cabinets, home improvement and architectural millwork, Wade Shaddy has worked in homebuilding since 1972. Shaddy has also worked as a newspaper reporter and writer, and as a contributing…

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