Pioneer Bed, Twin

Difficulty
Beginner Projects
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A simple classic pioneer style children's bed.

The Pioneer Bed was inspired by a trip to a local roadhouse.  Inside the roadhouse, a simple bed, much like this one, was on display.  It made me think back 100 years, when beds were this simple.

What do you think?  Do you love pioneer furniture as much as I do?  Would you like to see plans for dry sinks, cupboards, and more simple furnishings?  And when something is simple, it's often simple to build.

Dimensions
Dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List

2 – 1×6, 8′ Long
1 – 1×8, 8′ Long
1 – 1×10, 4′ Long
2 – 1×3 (DOES NOT INCLUDE OPTIONAL SLATS)
3 – 1×2
2″ Finish Nails
1 1/4″ Finish Nails
1 1/4″ Screws
Wood Glue

Common Materials
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List

2 – 1×8 @ 40 1/2″ (Headboard Rails)
2 – 1×3 @ 33 1/2″ (Headboard Front Legs)
2 – 1×2 @ 33 1/2″ (Headboard Side Legs)
8 – 1×2 @ 2 1/4″ (Headboard and Footboard top trim)
1 – 1×10 @ 40 1/2″ (Footboard Panel)
2 – 1×3 @ 16 3/4″ (Footboard Front Legs)
2 – 1×2 @ 16 3/4″ (Footboard Side Legs)
2 – 1×6 @ 75″ (Siderails)
2 – 1×2 @ 75″ (Cleats)
15 – 1×3 @ 39″ (Optional Slats)

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Jigsaw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
Level
Drill Bit Set

Instructions

Step 1

Headboard

From one of the 1x8s, mark out a gentle curved top. Carefully cut the top as shown in the diagram with a jigsaw. Sand the edge smooth, starting with coarse sandpaper, and working to fine sandpaper.

After you have cut out and sanded the top of the headboard, lay the two headboard slats (one is cut and one is not) on top of the 1×3 legs, leaving 3/4″ on the outside of the legs as shown in the diagram. TIP: Use the 1×2 leg board to guide you. Nail on with 1 1/4″ nails and glue. You can also use 1 1/4″ screws and glue.

Step 2

Headboard Sides

Attach the 1×2 legs to the sides of the headboard as shown in the diagram with 2″ nails and glue.

Step 3

Headboard Top Trim

Nail on each piece separately, with 2″ finish nails and gl

Step 4

Footboard

Build the footboard exactly as you built the headboard. Note that the footboard is a 1×10 instead of 2 1x8s.

Step 5

Step 6

Siderails and Cleats

Use 1 1/4″ screws and glue to attach the cleats to the siderails. Position the cleats at the base for boxspring installation, or 1 1/2″ from the top for slat installation. Attach the siderails to the headboard and footboard with 2″ screws. You can also purchase metal brackets to make assembly / disassembly easier.

Step 7

Slats

If you are NOT using a boxspring, lay 15 1×3 slats, spaced 2″ apart, on top of the cleats. Screw down with 1 1/4″ screws. Do not glue.

Comments

Silky (not verified)

Fri, 09/17/2010 - 13:00

I was thinking exactly the same thing! I've been planning to build a bed for my son when he outgrows his IKEA toddler bed and I was constantly looking at both the simple bed and the farmhouse bed trying to figure out which one is easier to modify.
This one doesn't need a lot of modification to fit our needs.

Mr Green (not verified)

Sat, 09/18/2010 - 02:04

I really like the bed, simple clean and very good looking. My main concern is connection between headboard and bed frame looks a little weak. Of course could be beefed up quite easily. Might even suggest fixing headboard to wall.

My 2 cents

Ana White (not verified)

Sat, 09/18/2010 - 18:28

Hi Mr Green, definitely! If you have a concern about the bedrail/headboard joint, rockler sells amazing bed rail fasteners systems that would do the trick. Thanks for commenting on this, I'm sure others have the same concern. :) Ana

Pam (not verified)

Thu, 10/21/2010 - 17:30

Ana-- We built this bed last week and LOVE IT! We are finishing it now. I'll be sure to post a photo when it's complete. We only had one discrepancy in the plans. In the cut list, it calls for "8 – 1×2 @ 2 1/4″ (Headboard and Footboard top trim)" but it should be 1x3's. We had cut the 1x2's but they were not correct. The 1x3's did the trick. Just wanted to make sure it's corrected for the next person using the plans! Thanks SO much! We are currently trying to decide what to buy with our $50 Lowe's card. So many projects that I want to do but can't decide which to start on! Prioritize, right???

Dustin (not verified)

Sat, 01/29/2011 - 15:23

READ COMMENTS FIRST :) I noticed the same thing as Pam...the 2 1/4 cuts should be for the 1x3s. I ended up having to rip out several finishing nails after I noticed the error. Happy building!

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!