Doll Bed and Trundle

Doll Bed with Trundle
Difficulty
Starter Projects
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My daughter decided she wanted a trundle to store things for her doll (and in case her doll wants to have a sleepover).  The regular plan doesn't leave enough space under the bed to allow for a trundle, so I modified it by making two headboards and making the bed a little longer.  The Trundle is a simple box with ball bearing casters on the bottom. 

Collections
Trundle
5/8" Roller Ball Bearings
Roller Ball Bearings in each corner
Dolls ready for a sleepover!

Preparation

Shopping List

2×2 (4 feet total)
2 – 1x3s 8 ft. long
2 – 1×2 8 ft. long
1 -- 1x4 6 ft. long

scrap 1/4″ plywood/beadboard/cardboard

5/8" Roller Ball Bearings ($.98 each at Menards)

Common Materials
1 1/4 inch screws
2 inch screws
1 1/4 inch finish nails
2 inch finish nails
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List

Cut List: 

4 -- 2x2 @ 11" (Legs)
10 – 1×3 @ 6″ (Panels)
2 – 1×3 @ 16 1/2″ (Top of Headboard and Footboard)
2 -- 1x3 @ 21 1/2" (Siderails)
2 – 1×2 @ 12 1/2″ (Bottom of Panels)
2 – 1×2 @ 15 1/2″ (Top of Panels)
2 – 1×2 @ 14″ (Bed Frame)
2 -- 1x4 @ 12 1/2" (Trundle Top and Bottom)

2 -- 1x4 @ 20 1/2" (Trundle Sides)

1/4" plywood
1 -- 21 1/2" x 14"
1 -- 20 1/2" x 14"

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Hammer
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
Drill Bit Set
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Build the bed with the instructions from the original bed plan (http://ana-white.com/2010/11/another-farmhouse-bed.html)except you will build TWO HEADBOARDS and the bed frame will be a little longer. Attach the bed frame ~4 3/4" up from the bottom of each leg (measure to double check as this measurement may vary if you use something different than 5/8" roller ball bearings and 1/4" plywood--you may even want to build the trundle before doing this step to make sure of your fit).

Step 2

Then build the Trundle by making a box similar to the way you made the bed frame only with (4) 1x4 pieces. Nail the 1/4" plywood on the bottom of the box all the way around. Then nail the ball bearings on each corner.
This plan makes a trundle that hides under the bed slightly if centered. You could make the top/bottom trundle pieces 14" and the 1/4" plywood 20 1/2" x 15 1/2" if you want the trundle to be the same size as the bed.

Step 3

You could cut out two sets of panels and legs from the original plan (just make sure and cut a longer bed frame) and make one tall bed that fits a trundle and the short bed can stack on top of the tall bed.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth. 

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Comments

iwant2gowest

Sat, 03/26/2011 - 18:49

TODAY showed the Farmhouse bed plan to neice Ariel, saying i was going to make this for niece Fran's birthday.  first words out of her mouth "Hey, i've got a doll too," then "Let me help make it, i'll help make Fran's gift." i was thinking a couple of days ago how a trundle would be nice as Fran has three dolls.  And my sis has a baby quilt my late Grandmother made for her when she was little.

Next weekend's plans are already set.

 

tracysmith

Sat, 03/26/2011 - 23:36

I am in the process of making the doll high chair for a neighbor girl's birthday coming up, this is such a cute plan and idea, I'm going to add it to my to do list for Christmas or possibly the other grand daughter when it's her birthday.  Love love love this.  :-)

NOT TELLING (not verified)

Fri, 04/22/2011 - 12:52

Great idea! That looks like a wonderful bed design

Nayma81

Tue, 02/28/2012 - 05:17

I love this! I'm going to attempt something based on this design but as a stool with the drawer being for art supplies/cars for my boys, while making it as intended for my girls but able to re-purpose as a seat for their coffee table height creativity station.

ckuttner

Sun, 08/24/2014 - 16:35

Recently had our 7 year old granddaughter visiting from the opposite coast, and she wanted to make this kind of bed for her American Girl dolls. We had a great time doing this, and she really enjoys it! The directions were nicely done and very clear.