If you can build a bench, you can build this storage bed. It's simply three benches! Optional drawers can add functionality. Features six oversized cubbies, no box spring is required. Our step by step plans are easy to follow and include a full shopping list and cut list.

Preparation
- 2 - sheets of 3/4" thick cabinet grade plywood, you can also use MDF or AC plywood for painted finishes
- 1 - 4x8 sheet of 1/4" thick plywood
- 5 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
- 3 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
*For a stained finish, cabinet grade plywood is recommended. For a painted finish you can use MDF (not fun to work with but inexpensive) or AC Plywood (will need more sanding but also less expensive)
OPTIONAL DRAWERS SHOPPING LIST
- 3 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
- 6 - 1x6 @ 8 feet long
- 1 - sheet of 1/4" thick plywood
- 6 - 18" drawer slides
- 2 - 1x12 @ 8 feet long - cut two drawer shorter and one longer drawer face from each board to fit everything on the boards
SIDE BENCHES (BUILD 2 - Follow Queen Plans)
- 2 - 3/4" plywood @ 19-3/4" x 60"
- 6 - 3/4" plywood @ 19-3/4" x 14-3/4"
- 4 - 3/4" plywood @ 19-3/4" x 28-7/8"
- 2 - 1/4" plywood @ 15-1/2" x 60"
- 2 - 1x2 @ 60"
- 2 - 1x4 @ 60"
- 9 - 1x2 @ 11-1/4"
- 2 - 1x4 @ 60" - back cleats
END BENCH (BUILD 1)
- 1 - 3/4" plywood @ 19-3/4" x 76"
- 3 - 3/4" plywood @ 19-3/4" x 14-3/4"
- 2 - 3/4" plywood @ 19-3/4" x 36-7/8"
- 1 - 1/4" plywood @ 15-1/2" x 76"
- 1 - 1x2 @ 76"
- 3 - 1x2 @ 11-1/4"
- 1 - 1x4 @ 76"
- 2 - 1x2 @ 20-3/4"
- 2 - 1x4 @ 20-3/4"
- 4 - 1x2 @ 11-1/4"
OPTIONAL DRAWERS FOR KING END BENCH - measure and cut drawers to fit openings and drawer slides
- 4 - 1x4 @ 18"
- 4 - 1x6 @ 18"
- 4 - 1x6 @ 32-7/8"
- 2 - 1/4" plywood @ 34-3/8" x 18"
- 2 - 1x12 @ ~35-1/2"
OPTIONAL DRAWERS FOR QUEEN SIDE BENCHES - measure and cut to fit openings and drawer slides
- 8 - 1x4 @ 18"
- 8 - 1x6 @ 18"
- 8 - 1x6 @ 24-7/8"
- 4 - 1/4" plywood @ 36-3/8" x 18"
For three sheets of 3/4" plywood:
- Rip lengthwise into 6 strips, 8 feet long by 19-3/4" wide
- From these strips, first cut the 60" long pieces
- From scraps, cut remaining pieces
- There will be three scraps, 8 feet long by about 7-1/2" wide. Save this scrap piece and use as the cleat at the back of the side benches
For the 1/4" plywood
- Rip plywood into strips, 8 feet long x 15-1/2" wide
- From these strips, cut the backs for the three benches
For the trim and face frame pieces, a compound miter saw is recommended for nice cuts.
Instructions
Step 1
This bed is made up of three benches.
The two side benches are identical to the queen bed. Follow the instructions in the queen bed to build two side benches. Add the cleats for the mattress slats to the backs of the side benches.
The end bench for the king only differs in overall length from the queen. The steps are listed below for your convenience.
Step 2
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
OPTIONAL DRAWERS:
Drawers are optional.
Draw a line on 1x4s, 1" up from bottom edge of 1x4.
Attach drawer slides to the 1x4, with front edge of drawer slide cabinet member flush with front edge of 1x4.
The holes in the center of the drawer slide should line up with your pencil mark, 1" up from bottom edge of 1x4 - so you know your slides are being installed level.
Remember that the opposing drawer slide needs to be installed in mirror.
Set the 1x4s inside the cubbies and nail to the sides of the cubbies with 1-1/4" brad nails. The front edge should be lined up with the front edge of your plywood carcasses.
Step 8
Build drawer boxes to fit drawer slide width. Measure the distance between the 1x4s, subtract the drawer slide clearances (usually 1" for 1/2" on each drawer slide) and build drawers to this size.
If your opening is true - 35-3/8" - AND your drawer slides require 1/2" clearance (1" overall) AND your drawer box material is 3/4" thick, you can follow the dimensions shown.
Comments
Darlene - Our … (not verified)
Mon, 01/04/2010 - 12:37
If you know of where to buy
If you know of where to buy the baskets that would fit the spaces in the queen size bed...please let me know.
cottagewish (not verified)
Mon, 01/04/2010 - 17:26
So very excited to have found
So very excited to have found your site. You ROCK! I just spent the last couple years installing all new trim in my home and now am ready to tackle more...can't wait to hone in on a project and mirror your plans.
ScrappinAway (not verified)
Fri, 01/08/2010 - 05:43
I am sooo excited to try
I am sooo excited to try this, I have been wanting new bedroom furniture but didn't think I could afford what I wanted but this looks like a great solution!!!
Wow, that was a really long sentence, lol!
Celina (not verified)
Sat, 01/09/2010 - 14:43
I have wanted this bed for so
I have wanted this bed for so long and couldn't bring myself to splurge. I am dying to get started on this project! Love,Love,Love your site!
Jeanne (not verified)
Sat, 01/16/2010 - 02:38
I just discovered your blog
I just discovered your blog and am doing the happy dance!!
I have wanted a copy of the stratton bed for 2-3 years and hubby refuses to help me build anything without a detailed set of plans. However, After reviewing your plans it looks like you have plans for every size except a full size bed. We have a full size bed in our guest room and don't have any room for anything larger. Can you tell me what the best way to modify one of your sets of plans for a full sized bed would be? Or send a link to point me in the right direction if you have already posted it and I have missed it.
Thank you so much for posting the plans that you work on free for us to use on your blog!
Abone
Thu, 08/20/2020 - 23:06
This ab old bed questions…
This ab old bed questions but hopefully just Google bed frame size then any diy adjust measurement to fit
Ana White (not verified)
Sat, 01/16/2010 - 20:23
Hi Jeanne, I'm so happy you
Hi Jeanne, I'm so happy you stopped by! BUT I'm so sorry to let you know that there most likely will not be plans posted for the full size Stratton anytime soon. This is because the differenc in mattress sizes is only 5" on the height and 6" on the width. Pottery Barn does not sell a full sized Stratton because of the similarity in size. They actually consider the queen a full/queen.
The easiest way to modify the plans for a full size would be to make the daybed version, but wider. If you made the Daybed version you would just need to make each of the benches 15" wider.
Melissa Padgett (not verified)
Tue, 01/19/2010 - 18:03
My husband and I are getting
My husband and I are getting ready to build this bed. I'm contemplating doing drawers or baskets. I was reading through the plans for the building the drawers(flipping between these plans and the plans for the drawers for the queen size bed) - You use 1x10s in the construction of each but in the queen size bed drawer plans you say 1x10s measure 9.5 inches wide - but in the plans to make the drawers for the king size bed your measurement for the 1x10s are 10.5 inches wide...I might be reading the plans wrong...can you tell me which is correct for the king bed drawers?
Hope this makes sense! And we absolutely LOVE your blog. I've shared it with everyone that will listen :) :)
Ana White (not verified)
Tue, 01/19/2010 - 20:13
DRAWER SIDES are made of
DRAWER SIDES are made of 1x10s that measure 9 1/2" high, not 10 1/2" high as shown in the diagrams.
The king drawers are the same as the queen, just a little wider to accomodated the longer bench on the bottom.
Sorry for the typo in the diagrams - too many late nights!
BigKahunaFSU
Sun, 05/01/2016 - 17:49
Question
Hey, for your cut list. D & E for the king size end bench correct?
Retorical i guess. Shouldn't it be
D) 1 - 3/4" Plywood @ 22" x 74 1/2"
E) 1 - 3/4" Plywood @22" x 12 1/2"
I'm making my bed and had to fix those.