Introduction: DIY Bed With Storage
In this Instructable I'll show you how to make DIY Bed with storage. This twin daybed was for my daughter and she really loves it. It's an involved but easy build with simple joinery and materials available from the home center.
Be sure to watch the video above, and if you like it please subscribe to my YouTube channel!
If you want detailed plans and cut lists to build your own I have plans available at my blog post: http://fixthisbuildthat.com/diy-daybed-with-storage-plans-twin-size/
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Tools Used
- Kreg K4 Pocket hole jig
- Kreg Accu-Cut
- Kreg Cabinet Hardware jig
- Kreg Deep Face Clamp
- Kreg R3 Small Pocket Jig
- Parallel Clamps
- Trim router
- 18ga brad nailer
- Circular Saw
- Tablesaw
- Miter Saw
Materials/Supplies
- (14) 8' 2x4 pine boards
- (1) 8' 1x3 select pine board
- (2) 4' x 8' 3/4" Plywood
- (1) 4' x 8' 1/2" MDF
- (3) 24" Drawer Slides
- 2.5" Pocket Hole Screws
- 2.5" Wood Screws
- 1-1/4" Pocket Hole Screws
Step 2: Prepare the Material for Joinery
I used 2x4's and 3/4" plywood for most of the build. I ripped everything to size on the table saw. I also used my Mobile Miter Saw Station to got the 2x4's down to size.
I ripped the rounded edges off the 2x4's to get straight edges on them. This took them down to 3" x 1.5" and makes for a much nicer board.
I drilled my pocket holes for joinery and was ready to assemble.
Step 3: Build the Headboard and Footboard
The headboard and footboard are made exactly the same way.
I started by joining the top and one side of the frame. Then I added in the small 2x2 dividers for a nice detail on each end along with the middle rail All are joined with 2-1/2" pocket screws.
Next I added the plywood panel. I propped it off the bench with a 1/2" MDF scrap for a nice reveal.
I joined the plywood to the frame then finished with a lower rail and the other leg.
After joinery the pocket holes needed to be filled. I used on the 6 Ways to Plug or Fill Pocket Holes which I liked, Bondo. I filled the holes then sanded everything flush.
Step 4: Build the Back Panel
The back panel is built similarly to the headboard but it's simpler.
It's just a top, bottom, and two sides along with a plywood panel. I joined everything with pocket screws and glue.
To add some detail I made two faux frame pieces and glued and nailed them to the panel front. This gives the appearance of a 3 panel frame and panel back.
Step 5: Build the Base Frame
The base is made totally of 2x4s. I cut them down to size first and then prepared the boards for joinery like before (though I left the 2x4s in the back the full size).
I built the base frame like a large box with three compartments.
Each compartment will hold a full sized drawer when complete.
Step 6: Build the Drawers
The drawers are made from 3/4" plywood. I cut everything to size to fit the openings I'd make in the base frame.
The fronts and backs get pocket holes for joinery. I clamped everything together and secured the sides with glue and screws.
The bottoms are a full 3/4" plywood panel. I cut them to exact size and glued and screwed them to the bottoms of the drawers.
With the drawers done I also painted all the parts that needed it before moving on.
Step 7: Mount the Drawers
I used 24" full extension drawer slides for the storage drawers.
Mounting these was a little tricky since there is no bottom, so I made some temporary "T" supports to hold the slides while I secured them. They ended up working really well and also holding the drawers while I attached them.
The slides were set back 3/4" to accommodate the false drawer fronts that will be applied.
Step 8: Add Drawer Fronts and Hardware
The final step was to add the false drawer fronts to the drawers.
I cut the drawer fronts to size for a 1/16" reveal around the drawers.
I used a drawer mounting hardware jig and lined up the holes where I wanted them then attached the pulls.
Step 9: Final Assembly
I took the bed up to my daughter's room in parts for final assembly.
I propped the bed frame on on 2x4's on edge to lift it 3-1/2" off the ground. Then I secured the headboard and footboard to the frame.
I brought in the back panel and secured it to the base frame and the headboard and footboard with 2-1/2" screws.
The bed will rest on a 1/2" piece of MDF I cut to size and put on top of the frame. I held the MDF in place with a 1x3 turned on edge on the front lip.
I reinstalled the drawers and the build was done!
Step 10: Wrap Up
Like I said, my daughter is just thrilled with this bed. It's a great build for a first kid's bed.
You can get detailed plans for this build at my website: http://fixthisbuildthat.com/diy-daybed-with-storage-plans-twin-size/
And if you want to see more great projects you can subscribe to my YouTube channel!