The bolt construction also makes it much easier than screws to remove the legs for easy storage. Bolts are also much stronger than screws and are less likely to break or become stripped and stuck inside the lumber. Bolts provide a tighter connection between leg and frame and will last much longer. The legs are the part of the platform most likely to become damaged over time. Though slightly more expensive up front, you’ll get a longer life out of both the fasteners and the platform by using bolts instead of screws. Why use bolts to attach the legs instead of screws or nails? If you cut the interior boards to 4’, you’ll end up with a frame that is 3 inches too wide and your plywood will not fit. This accounts for the additional 3 inches from the outside frame boards. This also explains why the boards on the inside of your frame need to be cut to 3’ 9”. Thus, 3.5” hex bolts are the perfect size. So, as the 2x4s that are used for the legs and those that make up the framing will be attached face to face, the bolts will actually be threaded through only 3 inches of lumber. Now, you may be wondering, how is a 3.5 inch bolt going to fit through 4 inches of lumber?įun fact: A 2x4 is not truly 2 inches by 4 inches.Īctual dimensions are roughly 1.5” by 3.5”. Viola! You have a strong, yet versatile platform that will likely last for decades. Secure tightly.įinally, attach the plywood to the frame with smaller wood screws. This is especially necessary if you are using bolts that are longer than 3.5”, as you want any excess length of the bolt to be concealed underneath the platform rather than sticking out. The head of the bolt should be on the outside of the frame, nuts on the inside. Next, using washers on both the frame and leg sides of the bolt, attach the legs with nuts and bolts.
The holes you drill will need to be just big enough for your bolts to fit through and no larger, so make sure you are using a drill bit that matches the size of your bolts. This will reduce or eliminate any chance of wobbly legs once they are secured to the platform. Be sure to drill the holes at a diagonal. Drill two holes through each leg and through the frame. This will give you a large area to drill your holes for the bolts. Be sure to attach them so that the 4” sides of the legs meet the 4” side of the 8’ frame board. Next, clamp the six 2’ boards into place in each interior corner of the frame. Attach the third 3’9” board to support the center of the frame. Now, using the 8’ boards and two 3’9” boards, form the outline of your frame and secure it together with wood screws.
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