Build your own toddler solid wood bed inspired by Pottery Barn Kids Catalina Toddler Bed! This do it yourself free plan is easy to build and can save you hundreds off the retail!

Preparation
2 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
3 - 1x6 @ 27 1/2"
2 - 2x2 @ 24"
1 - Beadboard Paneling @ 23" high x 30 1/2" wide cut to fit
2 - 2x2 @ 10"
2 - 1x6 @ 50 3/4"
GUARDRAILS
4 - 1x2 @ 11"
4 - 1x2 @ 24 1/2"
SLATS
2 - 2x2 @ 51 1/2"
15 - 1x3 @ 27 1/2"
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
Step 2
With the header cut, go ahead and drill Kreg Jig pocket holes on ends and attach to legs as shown in diagram.
Step 3
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
Now add the slats! I found that closer slat spacing is better for crib mattresses because the mattresses themselves are so flimsy. Plus, a little foot could slip through wider spacing.
Using 1x3 boards - which are about $1.50 each - you will only need 5 total 1x3s. The difference between wider spaced slats and narrower spaced slats is about the cost of a fancy cup of coffee.
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
Guest (not verified)
Wed, 10/12/2011 - 14:38
Ana - would you ever post a
Ana - would you ever post a plan for a crib?
In reply to Ana - would you ever post a by Guest (not verified)
Ana White
Wed, 10/12/2011 - 16:20
You know, if I ever get brave
You know, if I ever get brave enough to bring another baby home that baby would sleep in a crib that we made and I would trust my crib over an assembled one. But my fear is someone might misinterput my plans or build to a different standard, and a baby gets hurt. There are disclaimers to protect our family, but no disclaimer to protect me emotionally. I'm not saying no... Just not found the right time yet. Ana
loniwolfe
Wed, 10/12/2011 - 23:25
This is so cute! Can't wait
This is so cute! Can't wait until I have a toddler in need of a bed!
Guest (not verified)
Thu, 10/13/2011 - 10:35
Excellent timing!
My boy just turned two and the wife and I have been putting off getting him into a toddler bed. He's a tall one too, so he's been ready for quite a while :).
This might just be the plans that gets me to the store to buy that Kreg Jig and start working on another project! I've built a bookshelf and entertainment center from your site and spread the word when I can.
Thanks again Ana, your site is great!
-Chris
Guest (not verified)
Tue, 10/18/2011 - 09:44
GREAT bed! Now is there any
GREAT bed! Now is there any way to make bunk toddler beds?? Seriously, I have a stepdaughter who has 2 little girls in a teeny tiny room that holds 2 toddler beds and a very small dresser- that's it. We were talking about how great it woud be to bunk the toddler beds and give the girls more room (a twin bed simply would NOT fit in this room) Would this be possible? Can you post how to do this? Surely one of your plans could me made into bunk beds couldn't it? Thans so much for everything you do- your site is my all time fav!!
Guest (not verified)
Tue, 10/18/2011 - 18:51
Plans
Plans
Guest (not verified)
Tue, 10/18/2011 - 18:51
Bed
Bed
hammertime
Sun, 10/23/2011 - 12:40
I love this!
I think I know what my nephew is getting for Christmas. He will be very excited to see what Aunt Kate made for him. :-)
Guest (not verified)
Wed, 11/02/2011 - 14:48
Attaching the cleats
I'm thinking of making this bed over the winter for our daughter. I have a question about attaching the cleats to the side rails. I know you should predrill the cleats, did you do any predrilling to the side rail or is there just enough of the screw to go past the cleat and dig into the siderail without coming out the other side to the outside of the siderail??
angelrm23 (not verified)
Wed, 01/02/2013 - 21:14
Mattress Thickness
My husband just built this bed for Christmas. When we put the crib mattress on, it was almost flush with the guardrails. It's a 6 inch thick mattress. What did we do wrong or how can we fix it?
Thanks!