Twin Bed With Optional CNC Engraving

Need a Twin bed for yourself, your kids, perhaps a large dog? How about one with CNC robots on the headboard? If this is you, then follow along with this easy-to-build* bed design.

A video of the process can be found here, and I'll embed it at the end of this writeup.

*You're probably thinking that you'll need a CNC router for the engraving, but if you neglect that optional step, the build can be made with only a jigsaw, drill, and screwdriver.

Step 1: Materials Needed

To build this bed, you'll need:

• Wood screws 2.5" long
• Wood screws 3.5" long
• (16) 3/8-16 x 2" LG BHCS (Amazon)
• (16) Wood inserts for 3/8-16 threads (Amazon)
• Glue
• Stain
• (5) 2x4x8' lg
• (2) 2x6x8' lg
• (2) 2x3x8' lg
• Approx 25 furring strips measuring .75x1.5 or can substitute slat assembly as needed

Note: Amazon links are affiliate.

Step 2: Cut Wood to Size

• Furring strips to 38" lg - save offcuts
• 2x6 to (2) lengths 75 1/4" lg
• 2x3 to (2) lengths 75 1/4" lg
• 2x4 (4) lengths 29" lg, (6) lengths 36 1/4" lg

Step 3: Cut Notches

Cut notches as illustrated in CAD drawing. I used a jigsaw and band saw, along with a drill to cut out the corners to turn. A tablesaw would work as well. As seen in the last picture, a 2x4 needs to fit in the resulting notch.

Step 4: (Optional) Engrave Headboard

While this would certainly be a functional bed without it, as I have access to a CNC router, I decided to engrave a fun pattern on it. Painting technique shown later.

Step 5: Assemble Headboard and Footboard

Assemble the headboard and footboard as shown with 3.5" wood screws. Clamping as shown will help keep things straight.

Step 6: Attach Long 2x6 and 2x3 Segment

Fasten the long supports together as shown with 2.5" wood screws. Clamp to keep them tight while attaching.

Step 7: Drill for Bolts and Brass Inserts

Drill holes in either side of both long support structures in the pattern outlined above with hole diameters sized according to your brass insert instructions. I made a template to allow for easy drilling with one measurement.

Use the same template to drill into the assembled headboard and baseboard at a 3/8 inch diameter (you may need to open this up slightly later to allow bolts to fit correctly) so the bottom of these supports will be 10" from the floor. This will also make it line up with the top of your bottom horizontal head/baseboard supports.

Install machine screw inserts.

Step 8: Sand and Finish

You may want to test fit everything beforehand, but when you're confident things line up correctly sand and finish the bed with urethane and stain if you so desire. I also used a router to round off some of the exposed sharp edges, important to help minimize the damage from possible kids colliding with it.

Step 9: (Optional) Finish Headboard Engraving

After a coat of urethane, I used paint pens to fill in the name and robot engravings. With this done, I then sanded the excess off, leaving a mark that's hidden below the surface, rendering it resistant to wear. A second coat of urethane was then added.

Step 10: Assemble Frame

Assemble the frame using your machine screws inside the room you intend to use it.

Step 11: Slats

Glue the slats onto the top of your 2x3s with spacers in between made from slat offcuts. Glue these spacers in place. As shown here, the type of slat material can vary greatly, and I used several styles of wood - most leftover from different projects.

Step 12: Add a Mattress and Enjoy!

Step 13: Video:

Annnddd if you'd like to see how I made this bed check out the video. If you enjoy it and want to see what comes next, I'd invite you to subscribe via this link!

Also, I should note that while I did build this bed, and it's endured a kid sleeping it it for several months, I make no guarantees as to how it will hold up. Use your own judgement.