Step 3 Mark Spots for Attaching the Elastic Tape Photo by Anthony Tieuli Mark cutlines at the inside dimensions of each rail between the posts. Mark the posts' centers, and adjust them so that the distance between the centers equals the width of your bed frame. Lay the newel posts across the top and bottom rails, as shown. Step 2 Size the Headboard Photo by Anthony Tieuli Finally, to space out the balusters using Tom Silva's shortcut, buy some elastic tape at a sewing store and make marks along its length every 3 inches-you'll use it in Steps 4 and 5. Before you begin, measure the width of your bed frame so that you'll know how far apart the end posts should be. Also, make sure the balusters have round pins for attaching to the bottom rail. For the bottom rail, use a handrail with a fillet, a thin, removable strip of wood that you'll use as a template for making holes in both rails. Staircase parts are available at home centers, though you'll likely find a better selection online. Paint or stain it any color you like and attach it to a standard steel bed frame, and you'll turn the spot where you rest your weary head into an even more welcome sight. This Old House general contractor Tom Silva built it with stock staircase parts that he cut to size and simply glued and screwed together he even showed us a shortcut for spacing out the balusters evenly along its length. So if you're in the market for this piece of furniture, we hope you'll be inspired to put together our DIY version, which took a day to assemble. A bed without a headboard practically shouts 'dorm room'-not exactly a great vibe for your grown-up retreat.

Spindle bed