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
In reply to New Updates to Plans! Yes!! by rasnas
Ana White
Sat, 08/10/2019 - 15:52
Thank you for letting us…
Thank you for letting us know that we are making a difference! Much appreciated! Ana
mconuel
Sun, 09/15/2019 - 07:01
Correcting Length of the sides of the foot bench?
I realize these plans have been posted for a while and I have read through the entire comment section. Can you please clarify the modification that several people have identified?
"correcting the length from 22 3/4" to 23 1/2" long for the sides of the foot bench"
I do not see a 22 3/4" measurement to correct; I see the the length of the sides in the plans above is: 19 3/4" or 20 3/4." Where do I make the correction?
Thank you.
-Mike
In reply to Correcting Length of the sides of the foot bench? by mconuel
Ana White
Wed, 09/25/2019 - 15:28
Hi Mike, we have completely…
Hi Mike, we have completely redrawn the plans, so this should have been updated.
kemoewing1
Mon, 06/15/2020 - 21:12
Shopping list
2 quick questions.
1 - shopping list says to buy 2 - 3/4” plywood but cutting instructions are given for 3 sheets. Please clarify.
2 - this shopping list is for all 3 benches right? I know to look to other plans for queen instructions just making sure I only need the one shopping list.
Thanks
Pebblita
Mon, 07/27/2020 - 09:19
Has anyone built this bed…
Has anyone built this bed and made it lower profile? My mattress and box spring are on the floor right now after we ditched the metal frame, and it's driving my husband crazy. But I like the bed that low. I said I would love if he built this to be the height of a box spring, maybe a few inches taller. Also, has anyone put a headboard on it? I can't really tell from Ana's pic if the cloth headboard is attached or was added to the wall after.
Pebblita
Mon, 07/27/2020 - 09:21
Oh, and we will not be doing…
Oh, and we will not be doing drawers. Just having cubbies that I can hopefully find low profile boxes to go inside.
Maverick3553
Tue, 09/15/2020 - 21:34
addition of framless platform
Hello Anna
I have being contemplation doing this Bed and I finally have decided to give a go I have a question that can i use a frame lest adjustable platform with this bed. Like the one showing on the link
https://www.amazon.com/Blissful-Nights-Adjustable-Anti-Snore-Charging/d…
mfranks5739
Sun, 02/21/2021 - 12:20
Needs updating
It's be great if you could update these and reflect accurate measurements and correct shopping list. TYIA.