Jess understands that I am not trying to build the best bed in the world, and that I have a lot to learn about woodworking. So she is extremely patient and supportive and thankfully doesn't expect much (we are on a budget!).
So here I am. Deciding to write a blog about my failures and triumphs, probably because I know no one is listening... I have to admit, I have already failed. On a few things. The wood I bought previously was 1" think, when the plans called for 2". Not a big deal structurally, but I didn't take the new dimensions into account when I cut some pieces, so I am starting over.
I also tried to be fancy and used a router on the edges - the same edges that mate to another board. Needless to say there were unsightly gaps, and as I was using 1" thick (well 3/4" actual) some of the wood cracked when I drove in the screws. Lastly, I did not actually think about the dimensions of the planned bed, and when I started assembling, realized the bed was going to be very low - too low for our preference (would have dropped the bed 6" from its current height - where we like it).
Now I have thicker wood (although I have to join them to make a wider board), legs (verified to give us good height), and some more determination. I hope this round goes my way...
You can take a look at the plans I started with at http://www.thedesignconfidential.com/2011/08/free-diy-furniture-plans-build-viva-terra-inspired-vintage-fir-platform-bed-full-size
