How do I build a captain's bed?

Cut the mortise and tenon joints made out of 2-by-4 plywood with a table saw, and glue the lumber together to form a frame. Install 4-by-4s and plywood sheets to the frame, and add the mattress and box spring to make the bed. To accomplish this project, you need a 1-inch, 4-by-8 sheets, two 1-inch, 48-by-36 plywood sheets, 10 36-inch, 4-by-4 posts, eight 1/2-inch, 30-by-22 pieces of plywood, four 2-by-4s that are 8 feet long, four 2-by-4s that are 4 feet long, three 2-by-4s that are 3 feet, 8-inches long and six 2-by-4s that are 2 feet. You also need wood screws that are 1/2-inch in length and a 1/4-inch thickness, wood screws that are 4 inches in length with a 1/4-inch thickness, eight piano hinges, eight drawer pulls, power drill, wood glue, sander and acrylic wood sealant.

1. Create the mortise and tenon joints

   Cut the mortise and tenon joints with the table saw and the mortise and tenon jigs. The tenons should be 8 feet, and the mortises should be 4 feet. Use the carpet square to make sure that the joint is at a 90-degree angle. Dry fit the pieces to ensure a proper fitting.

2. Glue the mortise and tenon

   Use wood glue inside the mortise joints. Allow the glue to dry until it is sticky. Connect the mortise and tenons, and wipe away any excess glue that may come from the joints.

3. Build the posts

   Use four of the 36-inch 4-by-4s to place at each side of the mortise and tenon frame. Drill two 1/4-inch holes through the 2-by-4s that are 4 feet. Use the 4-inch wood screws to install the posts to the frames. This should be done for both sides.

4. Attach the 4-by-4s to the frame

   Cut rabbet joints that should be 1-inch into the leftover 36-inch 4-by-4s with the table saw. Place the 4-by-4s on the frame, and the joint flush should go on the 4-by-4 posts with the 4-inch wood screws.

5. Attach the plywood sheets

   Attach two of the 1-inch, 48-by-36 plywood sheets to the ends of the frame with the 1/2-inch wood screws. Sand eight of the 30-by-22 to make the doors. Attach the doors to the frame with piano hinges. The draw pulls should be at the center of the 30-by-22 plywood sheets.

6. Seal the wood

   Use sealant on the frame, post and draws to hold everything into place. Allow to dry. The frame is ready for a mattress and box spring.