How to Build a Bed
with Matt Berger

Build a Mission-Style Bed

The 'Morris Bed'

Videos in This Series

	Introduction (Now Playing) Get an overview of all the episodes in this Mission-style bed video project series and learn how to design custom furniture using scale models.
	Watch it Now: Variation on the Stickley-Style Leg Learn a cost-effective alternative to this classic leg construction technique that features decorative quarter-sawn white oak on all four sides.
	Watch it Now: Cut Tenons with a Horizontal Router Jig Learn how to use a shop-made horizontal router box designed by Ernie Conover to cut dozens of tenons in no time.
	Watch it Now: Master the Hollow-Chisel Mortiser Learn how to set up and use a hollow-chisel mortiser to cut dozens of mortises quickly and accurately.
	Watch it Now: Cut Tenons on the Tablesaw Learn to cut accurate tenons on the tablesaw with a dado set in the final stages of the headboard and footboard construction.
	Watch it Now: Cut Tenons with a Simple Router Jig To cut the stub tenons on the long bed rails, Matt demonstrates a simple technique that requires a router, jig saw, and basic hand tools.
	Watch it Now: Installing Traditional Bed Bolts Learn how to install traditional bed bolts and a creative way to hide them from view with a faux tenon cap.
	Watch it Now: Conclusion: Glue-Up and Assembly Watch the bed come together in the last episode, which covers glue up, trim details, and final assembly..
MORE VIDEO WORKSHOPS Don't miss our other video workshops that guide you through each step of making a workbench, small cabinet, bookshelf, dining chair, and more. More than an hour of how-to instruction with expert furniture makers Select a Workshop... Getting Started in Woodworking Getting Started in Woodworking: Season 2 Build a Small Cabinet Build a Bookcase Build a Hanging Wall Cabinet Build a Bow-Arm Morris Chair Build a Monster Workbench Build an Elegant Dining Chair Build an Entertainment Center

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Matt Berger, Newtown, Connecticut

Matt Berger is a woodworker and the executive web producer for FineWoodworking.com. After catching the woodworking bug in college while earning a journalism degree, Matt landed a position at Fine Woodworking magazine where he learned the right way to build furniture using traditional tools and construction techniques. Many of the techniques demonstrated in this bed project are inspired by the dozens of authors and professional furniture makers Matt has worked with over the years.

In this video workshop, Matt goes step-by-step through the construction of a Mission-style bed, dubbed the "Morris Bed," because its design is based on the classic Morris Chair, a quinticential Arts and Crafts piece originally designed by William Morris in the early 20th century and produced by the well-known Stickley family of furniture makers.

This project features dozens of mortise and tenon joints, and Matt demonstrates three different machine techniques to accomplish that joinery. He also offers a comprehensive lesson on using a hollow-chisel mortiser to breeze through more than three dozen mortises. You'll learn great technique for designing furniture with scale models. And pick up some great tips on efficient construction that will save you time and money.

Have you built a bed? Post your photos in our online Readers Gallery. Upload pictures and tag them with "bed".