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Full Storage (Captains) Bed

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Submitted by Ana White on Sun, 05/19/2019 - 20:54
Difficulty
Beginner
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You can build a simple storage bed to elevate a mattress and provide extra storage with these simple plans. Featuring six large, wide cubbies, perfect for fabric bins, toys, or even books and games. This bed has a cubby depth of 12".

This plan is also the base plan for the twin sized modification. You can see all the project plans in this collection here. Special thanks to Amy and Steve for sharing their amazing photos with us.

Collections
Storage Bed Collection
storage bed headboard
Dimensions
storage bed full size woodworking plans
Fits standard full size mattress. Top platform height if 15".

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 6 – 1×12 Boards, 8′ Long (Most economical for stain grade is pine (like the PBTEEN stained bed, and also would work great for painting. You could also use sheets of MDF cut into 1x12s, but you would need to purchase two whole sheets of plywood and only use up 1 1/2 sheets)
  • 1 – Sheet of 1/4″ Plywood cut into 15″ wide strips, 8′ long
  • 6 – 1×2 Boards, 8′ Long (For paint grade, 1×2 Pine Furring Strips would work for about $1.00 each)
  • 5 – 1×3 Boards, 8′ Long (1×3 Pine Furring Strips are about $1.50 Each and would work perfect)
  • 2″ Screws
  • 1 1/4″ Screws
  • 1 1/4″ Nails (optional if you have a nailer handy)
  • 2″ Nails (optional if you have a nailer handy)
  • Wood Glue
  • Wood Filler
Common Materials
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List

CUT LIST FOR THE BOXES

  • 6 – 1×12 @ 15″ (Cubby Sides)
  • 3 – 1×12 @ 12 3/4″ (Cubby Dividers)
  • 2 – 1×12 @ 54″ (End Cubby Top and Bottoms)
  • 4 – 1×12 @ 62″ (Side Cubby Top and Bottoms)

 

CUT LISTS FOR THE TRIM

  • 6 – 1×2 @ 12″ (Vertical Trim)
  • 2 – 1×2 @ 55 1/2″ (End Top and Bottom Trim)
  • 4 – 1×2 @ 63 1/2″ (Side Top and Bottom Trim)

 

CUT LIST FOR THE CENTER SUPPORT

  • 2 – 1×3 @ 63 1/2″ (Cleats)
  • 11 – 1×3 @ 30 1/2″ (Slats)
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Hammer
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
General Instructions

So if you read my blog long enough, you already know that to get a square project, you gotta work on a square surface with square boards. And you also need to check for square after each step. Predrill and countersink your screws. If you are working with MDF, use drywall screws and make sure you drill a pilot hole the entire length of your screw hole to keep your MDF from blowing apart. Be safe, have fun!

Instructions

Step 1

You will need to build one end cubby.

Step 2

And two side cubbies.

Step 3

Put the back on the end cubby with nails and glue. Don't forget to nail into the center partition as well.

For both backs: You can have the lumber store “rip” your 1/4″ plywood into 15″ wide strips so they are easier to manage, can be hauled in a car, and all you have to do is make a single chop. Have the plywood ripped into 3 – 15″ wide x 8′ long strips. Then cut your plywood for the backs of the end and two for the side cubbies. Use 1 1/4″ nails and glue to fasten in place.

Step 4

Do the same for the side cubbies.

Step 5

Step 6

Trim for the side cubbies.

Step 7

CLEATS
Use the 2″ screws and glue to fasten cleats to the backs of the side cubbies only.

Step 8

SLATS
Lay the slats on top of the cleats, as shown above. Screw in place. Don’t use glue so dissemblance will be a cinch. Also screw the end cubby to the side cubbies ( a couple of blots with washers and nuts would be your best option to keep everything together over time (and make dissemblance a cinch)

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill any holes with wood filler (overfill) and let dry. Start sanding with coarse sandpaper and work your way to fine. Vacuum with a soft bristled brush. For paint grade, prime and apply multiple coats of paint. I always paint the insides first, then the outsides and finally the trim. For stain grade, you may wish to apply a wood conditioner first, then stain, and finally finish with a varnish or polyurethane sealant.
Help Improve This Plan

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Project Type
Beds and Bed Frames
Room
storage and organization
Teens
Kids and Toys
Style
Cottage Style Furniture Plans
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Comments

Meghan (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 02:25

I sooo want to build this for our new guest room but wedding planning is ruling my life right now! :P One of these days, I'll actually have the space and time to build one of your awesome projects! ;)

Deanne (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 04:08

I love these beds. The one I really need is for a twin xl - it is for my college age son. He wants us to build it and he wants the drawers, how should I convert the twin plans to twin xl?
Thanks!

CJ (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 04:34

Oh Ana, I would hug you if you weren't like, 5,000 miles away! I've been reading your amazing blog for a couple of months, hoping you would post a full-sized version of this bed. I have a list of your projects to build for when the BF and I move in together - THANKYOUTHANKYOU for all the plans!

Ashleigh (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 05:04

A full size! Just what I needed! You are the best... I just sit here and wish for it, and you come through! Thank-you so much for your hard work and efforts. I am just one of the many who are really benefitting from it.

Ms. X (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 06:57

Would someone PLEASE post a link to the King size storage bed plans? I can't seem to find them :(

Liana Brooks (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 07:15

Ana, you are the best! I was actually on this morning to print the cut lists for the storage bed. I was going to build the twin size stratton and steal the mattress off my daughter's bunk bed, but I think I like this better.

Or this in a twin size.

Thank you!