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Trundle for Bed or Storage

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Beginner Projects
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A trundle can add so much extra storage or even an additional sleeping space to a room. This trundle features a clever design that creates a solid bottom on the trundle.

Special thanks to Kayleen for her amazing photos.

Dimensions
Fits Standard Twin Mattress - Adjustable Sizes

Preparation

Shopping List

1 sheet of 3/4″ Plywood or MDF
3 – 1x8s or 1x10s (depending on the height of your trundle)
2″ screws
wood glue
wood putty
sand paper
finishing supplies
6 Caster wheels, overall height at least 2 1/2″
Screws to attach caster wheels

Common Materials
2 inch screws
1-1/4" Pocket Hole Screws
Elmer's Wood Glue
Elmer's Wood Filler
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List

Please reference the instructional steps for cut list as this trundle is designed to custom fit to your bed.

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Table Saw
Power Sander
General Instructions

The most important factor in building a trundle is ensuring it will fit under the bed. With this in mind, I am going to encourage you to build your trundle to the specifications of your bed. If you would like to use the trundle with a standard twin mattress, the overall clearnance length of your bed (the length between the legs on the sides) must be at least 77″. If you are building a bed, make note of this and build your bed so the side rails are 77″ long.

Instructions

Step 1

You must also understand the overall height of the trundle. Make sure your trundle will fit under the bed. The trundle I designed uses 1x8s, and you will need at least 8″ of clearnance under the bed. If you have more clearance, you can use a 1×10.
Measurents you will need:
A) Overall height or clearance under the bed
B) Overall distance between the legs of the bed (or the length of the siderails)
C) Width of the bed. Overall width of the bed is approximately 39″ for a twin.
Subtract 2″ from the overall height (A). This is approximately the greatest height you could make your trundle at. Of course you could make the trundle shorter.
Subtract 1/2″ from the overall measurement (B). This is the greatest possible length of the trundle. Of course, you can make the trundle smaller.
Remember, a standard trundle mattress measures 75″ x 39″. I recommend staying close to these dimensions in order to use a standard twin mattress, standard twin sheets, etc. I will note, however, that I did make the top of my playhouse bed loft 72″ x 36″ and a mattress fit fine up there.

Step 2

Cut your plywood equal to the distance figured for C as the width of the plywood. Cut the length of your plywood the distance of A – 1 1/2″. In this example, B = 72, so the plan shows the trundle to be cut at 70 1/2″. C = 38 1/2″, and the plywood is cut at 38 1/2″. (Also note that these are the correct dimensions for a storage trundle for the Simple Daybed.)
Attach the ends, as shown above. This example shows the use of 1x8s. For a deeper trundle, you can use 1x10s (if your bed has at least 10″ of clearance). Leave a 2″ clearance under the plywood when attaching the trundle sides, this is shown above. Use the 2″ screws to predrill through the trundle sides and screw into the bottom. If you are using MDF, make sure you predrill the entire depth of the screw and use drywall screws NOT wood screws. Avoid screwing within 1″ of the end edges of the MDF.

Step 3

Attach the Trundle Sides. Attach the trundle sides in the same manner as step 1. However, make sure you also screw into the end edges of the trundle side ends.

Step 4

Caster Wheels. Worried about the middle of your trundle sagging? Don’t be. This trundle is not going to sag. Add trundle wheels to each of the four corners and two wheels in the center of the trundle, as shown above. The center trundle wheels will act as a support and prevent the center of the trundle from sagging.

Project Type
Beds and Bed Frames
Room
Storage Solutions
Bedroom
Kids and Toys

Comments

Marcella (not verified)

Tue, 01/12/2010 - 09:31

thank you so much for this ana! i think this would be better for my 3 and 2 year olds instead of bunk beds. something tells me one of them would break their leg trying to fly or something!

Anonymous (not verified)

Tue, 01/12/2010 - 12:39

Yippee!!

Thanks for listening, Ana! It's one of the next things on the list.... I am now thinking of maybe converting this plan to TODDLER size so that I can use a crib mattress! SO EXCITED!!

THANK YOU!! YOU ARE AWESOME!!!

K in CA

Zimms Zoo (not verified)

Wed, 01/13/2010 - 11:15

We have 6 kids with 4 girls in one room. I was looking for something that would make their room feel more open and girly. This is it!

I can't wait to try this. I found you via Ucreate.

Well Seasoned (not verified)

Fri, 01/15/2010 - 06:30

I've been scouring craigslist for a bed I can afford, but you are a genius and saved the day.I can't wait to get started!!

Julie (not verified)

Sun, 01/17/2010 - 14:03

I love this. We are moving our daughter into a twin bed pretty soon and I was dreading shopping for a decent bed frame. Now we might just have to try one of your plans and this trundle would be perfect storage for now and as a bed in the future.

Bekah (not verified)

Sun, 01/17/2010 - 15:47

This is exactly what I was looking for. We have a twin bed with plenty of room for a trundle. I can't wait to make this and surprise my husband! He will be so proud of me!

Williams Five (not verified)

Tue, 01/19/2010 - 08:32

Ana, Do I have to make the daybed to use the trundle or could I just make the simple bed?

Thanks you are amazing!!! I am so excited I found your blog.

Thanks,
Ana Williams

Ana White (not verified)

Tue, 01/19/2010 - 08:39

Hi Ana, the trundle can be used with any bed. Just make sure you build the trundle to fit under your bed by measuring the length of the bed and the clearance under the bed, as shown the plan.

Melissa (not verified)

Wed, 01/27/2010 - 09:44

We are going to get the wood for the day bed and trundle today!!! I will definitely let you know how it all turns out! Thank you for such a fun website!

Rae (not verified)

Mon, 02/22/2010 - 07:05

Question - is the trundle only supported by the side walls? Is there a weight capacity? It just seems like you would get bending wood in the middle if you have a larger person on it.

Rolenthegreat (not verified)

Sun, 03/21/2010 - 10:27

This is the perfect solution for me. I am headed home to measure the length of my mattress. Just want to post some encouragement because I LOVE your blog.

jadedone2many (not verified)

Mon, 06/28/2010 - 07:30

I just found your website last week and I am SOOO thrilled to try out some of your projects! You are such an inspiration!

The trundle bed in particular is going to be very exciting for me to try out, as I have been wanting to buy one for a LONG time for my daughter's bedroom. Since my mother already bought the bed set (and dresser, armoire, vanity, & night stand!), I will just match this trundle to her existing bed set. And I might even make some shelving for her from your plans! :)

Angie (not verified)

Tue, 08/24/2010 - 06:00

I just found your website yesterday and spent hours searching all the plans. I can honestly say I don't think I'll be buying furniture ever again. I get to buy power tools with the savings right?

I would love it if you could make plans for the West Elm Daybed here http://www.westelm.com/products/overlapping-squares-daybed-p054/?pkey=c… I love the look of it and it would be great in a den for those unexpected guests. I took a look at it and thought it was possible to build but I would have no idea how. Might be a little too intricate but any modern daybed would be a great addition to your plans

Love the site and I cant wait to build something!

cjojo43789 (not verified)

Fri, 09/17/2010 - 17:45

I am really looking forward to this and the bed x2 lol this is what I've had in my head this whole time and mine will definatly be for storage!

April JoAnne (not verified)

Sat, 11/13/2010 - 16:26

This is perfect, I'm definitely going to plan this all out and hopefully I can afford to make it :)
I'm thinking I may even get an extra piece to make an inset of sorts so I can use the trundle for storage but add a board on top when someone comes to visit so all we have to do is set the extra mattress over it without having to take the stuff out from the drawer!

Imadreamer

Tue, 04/26/2011 - 22:29

Is there someway to enlarge the pictures? I'm finding it difficult to see what is written on them, notes, sizes etc...

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 12/11/2011 - 15:20

Hi, I love this design! I think I'm going to have to build my own trundle b/c we bought a twin xl mattress and finding a trundle to fit has been impossible! I'm wondering if you could help me figure out how to/where to add enough height underneath the trundle portion for a set of drawers?

thanks!

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 09:41

Would you mind sharing where the bedding is from?

wimsy (not verified)

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 06:46

I have a very small guest room, and I think I'll build this trundle bed in queen size (60 x 80), but instead of storing it under another bed, I want to fit it under a platform floor for a dresser with secretary top (your plans!), a chair, and a reading lamp. Haven't worked out the details yet for making the platform strong enough to walk on, since it must be hollow underneath to allow for the trundle bed. Any suggestions for the platform will be appreciated! Can I just modify the plans for a loft bed and put flooring boards on it? Thanks! wimsy

melissawski (not verified)

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 10:09

I bought my daughter a red race car bed when she outgrew her crib. She has always loved it but shes 3 now and I think its time for a girly bed and this is perfect! Does anyone have an idea how much all the materials cost? I know its a fraction of what someone would charge to make one. Thanks so much for posting this!

handy woman (not verified)

Mon, 11/12/2012 - 11:18

Am excited about the trundle design. We have limited height under our bed and are looking at using Melamine board on bottom so the trundle could slide on the carpet instead of using casters. You mention a Kreg jig in the tools list. Did you kreg Jig the screw joints from the inside plywood into the framing. I did not see any specifics of where you used the Kreg Jig.

future handy woman (not verified)

Mon, 11/12/2012 - 11:27

Thanks. I love the trundle plans. We have limited space under our bunk beds and I am thinking we could decrease the 2” height from the floor by making the bed flush with the floor and using a ¼” melamine board on the bottom of the plywood to help it slide on the carpet, the same idea as the furniture moving gliders. Where did you use the Kreg Jig? Did you drill into the plywood then toward the outer framing box?. I did not see any specifics of where you used the Kreg Jig.

Eldon (not verified)

Mon, 01/21/2013 - 14:20

Above you state that a twin mattress is 75" x 39", yet your inside dims for trundle is 70 1/2" x 38 1/2". How will the fit the mattress?
I measured my mattress and it is 75" x 39".
I agree with one of the statements above, it is very difficult to read some of the dims. Even when zoomed up the 200 % .
Thanks these are good ideas.

annbow22

Sun, 01/27/2013 - 08:48

Ana I was wondering if you knew any way to make the trundle into a pop-up version, all the ones I find online are metal???

kanram

Mon, 02/25/2013 - 00:04

Hi,
i am new to this website and in love with the twin farmhouse bed and this trundle. But i want to know if u have any plan for a twin with the trundle together? Otherwise i guess i need to raise the twin bed a little higher to fit this trundle under it.
Any help will be helpful
Ramya

angibrian123

Fri, 01/24/2014 - 11:00

Hi ana! I built this a few months ago for my girls who share a small room. I used the simple bed plans for the footboard and headboard. I didn't want the height so high with the casters, as the current height was already overwhelming the small room. After much thought I found a solution! We used gorilla glue to attach several furniture sliders to the bottom of the trundle (we have carpet). Several months later and it still works wonderfully (as was very inexpensive)! It pulls in and out with ease! Thanks for all your great plans! I'd attach a picture but a) the room is never that clean and b) it's hard to get a picture due to the size of the room and placement of the bed...

keitho23

Sun, 06/08/2014 - 20:22

I am just getting into DIY, sewing and building . I really want to build a pop up trundle for my little girl's room . I can't find any information on the internet but to buy one . Any ideas ???? That would be magnificent and much appreciated by me and my two little girl's . :-) What I'm looking for is how to make the pop up frame part ... Do you think just building a frame with criss cross legs and a locking mechanism would work ???

bcrooks

Thu, 03/19/2015 - 09:42

Do you have plans for the actual bed? This is exactly what I've been looking for my sons big boy room! :)

SaltGypsy

Thu, 05/13/2021 - 17:58

Could you perhaps place a piece of plywood that would lie under the mattress that you could slide out onto the top of the drawer to lay a mattress on top of the drawers to make a bigger bed without unloading the drawers? The mattress could be stored on top of the other mattress when not used.

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!