Mike's Woodworking Projects

Mission Style Bed

Year built: 1990s
Plan: Woodsmith Magazine

Another labor of love.

This was a big and challenging project. As Brittany was getting closer to moving

from the crib to a real bed, I decided to make one.

This plan was part of a multiple set (bed, night stand, dresser) in the Woodsmith magazine.

Woodsmith used Cherry but, this would have been hugely expensive to do in Cherry so, I opted for Oak. Still expensive because it is all solid Oak, no plywood.

The leges were made from 4 pieces of 1" glued together.

The head and foot boards give it the mission style look with the slats. The top and bottom rails are made from two 1x boards. The slats fit into mortises cut in all four pieces and since everything is hardwood, the design has them float. This was the most challenging (and time consuming) part of the project. I used a router and jig set up with all four cuts lined up at the same time so everything aligned properly. Lots of work.

I also like some of the detailing for the top rails of the headboard and footboard.

Finished it clear with poly.

Very challenging project, developed some good skills. Turned out very nice. Although, with solid Oak, it weights a ton.

Brittany slept in it until she went off to College.

Note: The quilt shown in the pictures was made by Sandy Lieske, Thank You!