49+ Woodworking Plans For Storage Bed

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Introduction: Dreamy DIY Storage Bed Tired of clutter? Yearning for a stylish, space-saving solution? Look no further! This post will guide you through building your very own storage bed, transforming your bedroom into an organized oasis. We'll break down the process step-by-step, making it achievable for intermediate woodworkers. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and create a bed that's both functional and beautiful.

Materials and Tools: Gathering Your Arsenal Before diving in, you'll need to assemble the necessary supplies. This project requires some essential woodworking skills and the right equipment.

Lumber: Plywood (for platform and drawers), solid wood (for frame and accents) dimensions will vary based on your desired bed size (Twin, Full, Queen, King). Example: For a Queen, you'll likely need 2 sheets of 3/4" plywood, along with dimensional lumber like 2x4s and 1x4s.
Drawer Slides: Heavy-duty, full-extension drawer slides. Choose the appropriate length based on your drawer depth.
Screws: Wood screws of varying lengths (1 1/4", 2", 2 1/2")
Wood Glue: High-quality wood glue for strong bonds.
Sandpaper: Assorted grits (80, 120, 220) for smoothing surfaces.
Finishing Supplies: Stain, paint, varnish, or sealant of your choice.
Tools: Measuring tape, saw (circular saw, miter saw, or hand saw), drill, screwdriver, square, clamps, safety glasses, dust mask. A nail gun is optional, but helpful.

Step 1: Designing and Planning: Bed Dimensions and Drawer Configuration First, decide on the size of your bed (Twin, Full, Queen, King). Accurately measure your mattress. Plan the number and size of your storage drawers. Consider drawers on one or both sides of the bed, or even at the foot. Sketch out your design, including dimensions for each component:

Overall Bed Frame: Determine the length and width of the frame.
Platform Support: Calculate the number and spacing of the support beams.
Drawer Boxes: Decide on the dimensions of each drawer, allowing for drawer slide clearance.
Drawer Fronts: Determine the size of the drawer fronts, ensuring they overlap the drawer boxes.

Step 2: Building the Bed Frame: The Foundation of Your Creation Construct the outer frame of the bed using solid wood (e.g., 2x4s). Cut the pieces to the correct length using your saw. Join the corners using screws and wood glue. Ensure the frame is square using a square. Reinforce the corners with corner braces for added stability. This frame will be the base upon which the platform and drawers rest. Add a center support beam running lengthwise to prevent sagging, especially for larger beds.

Step 3: Constructing the Platform: Supporting the Mattress Cut plywood to the size of your bed frame's interior dimensions. This will be the platform that supports your mattress. Install support beams (e.g., 2x4s or 1x4s) beneath the plywood platform, running perpendicular to the center support beam you installed in the previous step. Space these support beams evenly to distribute the weight. Secure the plywood to the support beams using screws and wood glue.

Step 4: Building the Drawer Boxes: Creating Storage Space Cut plywood to the dimensions you determined in Step 1 for your drawer boxes. Assemble the drawer boxes using screws and wood glue. Ensure the drawers are square and sturdy. The bottom of the drawer can be made from thinner plywood (e.g., 1/4" or 1/2") to save on weight and cost.

Step 5: Installing Drawer Slides: Smooth Operation Install the drawer slides onto the drawer boxes and the bed frame. Accurately align the drawer slides to ensure smooth drawer operation. Use shims if necessary to achieve perfect alignment. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mounting the drawer slides.

Step 6: Crafting the Drawer Fronts: Adding Style Cut the drawer fronts to the desired size, ensuring they overlap the drawer boxes slightly. Attach the drawer fronts to the drawer boxes using screws. Consider using wood glue for a more permanent bond. You can add decorative trim or molding to the drawer fronts for a more personalized look.

Step 7: Sanding and Finishing: The Polishing Touch Sand all surfaces of the bed frame, platform, drawer boxes, and drawer fronts using progressively finer grits of sandpaper (80, 120, 220). This will create a smooth surface for finishing. Apply your chosen finish (stain, paint, varnish, or sealant) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the finish to dry completely between coats. Apply multiple coats for a more durable and professional finish.

Step 8: Final Assembly: Bringing it All Together Carefully place the platform onto the bed frame. Install the drawers into the drawer slides. Ensure the drawers operate smoothly. Inspect the entire bed for any imperfections or areas that need adjustment.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your DIY Storage Bed! Congratulations! You've successfully built your own storage bed. Now you can enjoy a clutter-free bedroom and a comfortable night's sleep. Admire your craftsmanship and the added storage space you've created. This project is a testament to your woodworking skills and your ability to transform your living space.