It's simple to build a storage bed! Just build three benches. Our free plans show you exactly how.
This plan is also available in a Standard King version.

Preparation
- 3 - 4x8 Sheets of 3/4" Cabinet Grade Plywood, MDF or AC Plywood*
- 1 - 4x8 Sheet of 1/4" thick plywood
- 4 - 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
Carcasses
- 3 - 3/4" plywood @ 19-3/4" x 60"
- 9 - 3/4" plywood @ 19-3/4" x 14-3/4"
- 6 - 3/4" plywood @ 19-3/4" x 28-7/8"
- 3 - 1/4" plywood @ 15-1/2" x 60"
Face Frames
- 3 - 1x2 @ 60"
- 3 - 1x4 @ 60"
- 9 - 1x2 @ 11-1/4"
End Bench
- 2 - 1x4 @ 20-3/4"
- 2 - 1x2 @ 20-3/4"
- 4 - 1x2 @ 11-1/4"
Center Support
- 2 - Scrap plywood strip @ 60" x ~7-1/2"
- Scrap plywood pieces 20" long
OPTIONAL DRAWERS - Should be built to fit openings and drawer slides
- 12 - 1x4 @ 18" - drawer slide cleats
- 12 - 1x6 @ 18" - drawer box sides
- 12 - 1x6 @ ~24-7/8" - drawer box front and back - ADJUST TO FIT YOUR OPENINGS AND DRAWER SLIDES
- 6 - 1/4" plywood @ 18" x ~26-3/8" - drawer bottoms - cut to fit the drawer bottom
- 6 - 1x12 @ 27-1/2" - Drawer Faces
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
- Cut 60" x 48" piece
- From this piece, rip into three pieces, 60" x 15-1/2"
For the trim and face frame pieces, a compound miter saw is recommended for nice cuts.
When fastening, you can use 2" nails or 2" screws, unless otherwise directed. Always use glue. Remember, you need to make 3 benches.
Instructions
Step 1
Attach the bench ends and divider to the bench top with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws. Pocket holes should be placed about an inch from each edge and centered, three per joint is plenty.
TIP: Use the shelf boards (attached in next step) as a spacer to guide placing the divider perfectly centered.
BUILD THREE BENCHES.
Step 2
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Arrange the three benches in room.
You can screw together if desired.
Lay scrap wood plywood (can be random sized) in the opening in the center of the bed. We recommend screwing down (so it's easy to disassemble the bed at a later time). You can use 1-1/4" pocket hole screws, 1-1/2" self tapping screws would be less expensive.
Step 8
OPTIONAL DRAWERS
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.
Build the drawer boxes from 1x6s as shown. The sides should always be 18" to match your drawer slides. The fronts and backs may need to be altered in length to fit your openings and your drawer slides.
Build the boxes with 3/4" pocket holes on the outsides and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.
Nail 1/4" plywood to bottom of drawer box with glue and 3/4" brad nails.
Install the drawer member slides on the drawer boxes.
Fit drawers inside the drawer slides.
Step 9
Measure and cut the drawer faces to fit.
You may need to cut the drawer down in size with a table saw.
Nail drawer face in a few places to front of drawer box with even gap around all four sides. Avoid nailing where hardware will be placed.
Remove drawer and further secure with 1-1/4" screws (you can use pocket hole screws) from inside of drawer. Avoid screws where hardware will be placed.
Comments
Ana White (not verified)
Sat, 11/14/2009 - 12:44
Doesn't a box spring cost
Doesn't a box spring cost $200? Or a bed skirt?
Guest (not verified)
Fri, 05/13/2011 - 07:08
i think the point is that
i think the point is that they want storage under the bed....
ferestre interioare (not verified)
Wed, 10/10/2012 - 11:02
Reply to comment | Ana White
Aw, this was a very good post. Taking a few minutes
and actual effort to produce a superb article but what can
I say I put things off a lot and don't seem to get nearly anything done.
Ana White (not verified)
Sat, 11/14/2009 - 15:36
I'm really in trouble now!
I'm really in trouble now! My sister has been looking at my site and asked if we could build a Stratton Bed together for her. I might be building this too . . . !
In reply to I'm really in trouble now! by Ana White (not verified)
diy_lover
Sun, 08/07/2016 - 18:36
Height/Double
If you don't mind me asking I wanted to make two to make it taller. Do I make two separate frames and stack them or is there another easier way?
In reply to I'm really in trouble now! by Ana White (not verified)
diy_lover
Sun, 08/07/2016 - 18:43
Height/Double
Wanting it taller and doubling the storage, do I make two separate frames and stack them or is there another way? If I stack them how do I keep them stuck together to they don't move apart?
Anonymous (not verified)
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 23:54
Has anyone built this plan?
Has anyone built this plan? Just curious how it worked out. Thanks so much, Eileen K.
Ana White (not verified)
Fri, 12/11/2009 - 09:21
For those of you building
For those of you building this bed - I've done some research on the Pottery Barn Stratton bed, and many people have complained that it can create mildew under the mattress because the mattress sits on the benches. I am sure this is true for most captain beds. Might be wise to pick up a rug pad (very cheap) to add a small air gap. That is what Pottery Barn recommends.
mrspeldo
Tue, 03/29/2011 - 15:50
Mildew issues
When I built this bed over a year ago, I went to a local furniture store and the sales lady told me that she has never heard of a mildew problem on mattresses used on platform beds. They sell platform beds at their store and haven't had any complaints. So I didn't buy a rug pad and I haven't had any problems with mildew or mold yet...
Kevin L. Nault (not verified)
Tue, 06/14/2011 - 21:52
Mildew Issues
It depends where you live – I used to live in Juneau, AK, where everything mildewed, and now live in Albuquerque, NM, where it's almost unheard of.