How to build a simple diy daybed with storage underneath that doubles as seating. Fits standard twin mattress. Free plans by ANA-WHITE.com
On our latest tiny house build, the homeowner had a very specific request. She needed a daybed to fit a 14" tall sewing machine underneath, with two big open compartments.
Sounds easy enough, right?
Well, here's the problem. Standard seating height is 18". Subtract 4" for a twin size mattress and you've got 14". And we haven't even started building a daybed yet.
What I ended up doing was building "legs" and attaching a support cleat to the back wall,
And then spanning the top with 2x4s.
Yes, we could have saved an extra 3/4" by using 1x slats, but we would have had to add an extra leg to support the weaker boards.
The client wanted a "raw wood" look finish. There is only one clear top coat that is truly clear that I know of -
Varathane Poly in Crystal Clear. No yellowing, no wet wood look - you can barely tell it is on the wood, except it protects the wood. It's easy to apply, easy to clean up, easy to add additional coats - this is the best clear poly out there!
The homeowner wanted a box built behind the heater, since it would be hard to access from the front. We tied the daybed into this box for even more support.
The overall finished height ended up being 19-1/2", but it's comfotable and works great in the space. It actually turned out really well! And the storage compartments are huge.
The homeowner wanted to keep the openings for now, but I'd love to see trundle drawers. They'd be easy to do -
Just build a couple of boxes and put wheels on the bottom,
And then nail drawer faces to the front.
The entire tutorial for this mudroom is here.
And of course, I've got you covered with the free plans for this daybed project below.
Enjoy, build and share!
XO Ana
Preparation
9 - 2x4 @ 8 feet or stud length
1 - 1x2 @ 4 feet
2-1/2" pocket hole screws
2-1/2" or longer (depending on wall material) screws for attaching daybed to walls
1-1/4" brad nails
3 - 2x4 @ 37-3/4"
3 - 2x4 @ 10-1/2"
3 - 1x2 @ 14"
7 - 2x4 @ 75"
Instructions
Step 1
Build three legs for a 75" wide daybed. If you want to span a longer distance, you'll need a leg about every 3 feet to support the 2x4 slats.
Step 2
Attach back cleat to studs in wall with 2-1/2" wood screws. Then attach legs to the back cleat with pocket hole screws. One leg must be attached to studs in the wall, preferably both outer legs. We had a storage box built in in the corner, so attached the second outer leg to the storage box. This keeps the daybed from racking.
Step 3
Attach slats to legs with 2-1/2" screws.