Free plans to build an easy daybed with storage trundle drawers! Gain tons of storage with this clever design!
We are crazy for traveling two and a half days, some 8,000 miles, to go to my sister's baby shower and spend just 2 and a half days with my sister. Last night I came home, exhausted, and my husband asked if the trip was worth it.
And I said, Of course it was!
I will do crazy things for the children in our family. Because to me, the children are the most important part of our lives, and I am so excited to be getting a new niece!
I remember when Grace was born, and it shocked me how much stuff baby's get! Strollers, car seats, playpens (are we still calling them pens???), swings, chairs, walkers, gyms, vibrating chairs .... Baby sure can take up a lot of space!
So when my sister said she needed a new daybed, I said, No, you need a daybed with some STORAGE!
We have some daybed plans with storage, but we wanted something super inexpensive, easy for my sister to build (she's in her last trimester), and the space under the bed fully accessible. I immediately thought of our trundle coffee table.
Why not make a daybed similar to it? So I drew up a new plan.
And this is what she made for about $110 in lumber!
And there is a TON of storage under it that is very easy to access!
Even my big girl Gracie could put the drawers back in neatly.
The daybed was finished with Minwax Gel Stain in Red Elm, a favorite of my sister's. You can check out the finishing tutorial here.
And of course, plans to build the bed follow!
Preparation
3 - 1x8 @ 10 feet long
2 - 1x12 @ 6 feet long
6 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
2 - sheets 1/4" plywood (for drawer bottoms and bed top)
2 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
3 sets of straight caster wheels (non swiveling kind)
2 1/2" and 1 1/4" PH screws
ENDS
2 – 2x4 @ 32”
2 – 1x12 @ 32”
4 – 2x4 @ 16 ¾”
2 – 1x2 @ 9”
2 – 1x3 @ 32”
FRAME
2 – 2x4 @ 72”
2 – 2x4 @ 69”
2 – 2x4 @ 36”
DRAWERS
6 – 1x8 @ 36”
6 – 1x8 @ 22”
2 – ¼” plywood 23 ½” x 36”
DRAWER FACES
3 – 1x12 @ 23 ½”
3 – 1x3 @ 23 ½”
6 – 1x2 @ 8 ¾”
Cut 2x4 boards for base (the longest 2x4 cuts) first, and then cut smaller cuts from the scraps to conserve boards, or you'll need to buy another 2x4.
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
Drill 3/4" PHs around top and sides of end panels. Then attach to top header and legs with 1 1/4" PH screws and wood glue. Keep back edges flush.
Step 2
Add decorative trim with 1 1/4" finish nails and wood glue.
Step 3
Build frame. You can just frame up with wood screws or attach with 1 1/2" PHs and 2 1/2" PH screws and glue. Attach frame flush to top with ends as shown in diagram using 2 1/2" screws.
Step 4
I changed up the drawers so the sides overextend the front in the cut list. If you do this, you can place ¾” PHs on the outsides and attach with 1 ¼” PH screws. Then when you add the drawer faces, it covers the PHs up. I also shortened the drawer to 36” overall length so you can put drawer faces on both sides if desired.
Step 5
Step 6
My sister used 1/4" plywood on top of the 2x4 frame.
Step 7
Here's an alternate slat system that you could use if you prefer that.
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
Ginger (not verified)
Wed, 09/19/2012 - 18:14
I had the same question as
I had the same question as Chowie about the caster size.
LOVE your plans!!!
In reply to I had the same question as by Ginger (not verified)
chowie
Thu, 09/20/2012 - 05:58
Casters
We used 4 casters per drawer and they were 2inch casters. Worked great.
melcurt8179 (not verified)
Sun, 09/23/2012 - 14:08
Mattress
I would like to use this bed frame with the corner hutch storage twin beds. I like the idea of the drawers instead of the cubbies. Do you think that would work? Also, will a twin size mattress work on this? Thanks. They are probably silly questions, but his is all new to me! I'm still trying to convince my husband that we can do this!
smelvin20
Sun, 10/18/2015 - 14:28
Can it be used with corner hutch?
I cannot see the reply to the original comment.... Can it be built with the corner hutch?
smelvin20
Sun, 10/18/2015 - 14:28
Can it be used with corner hutch?
I cannot see the reply to the original comment.... Can it be built with the corner hutch?
Tori (not verified)
Fri, 10/05/2012 - 13:03
Plans for sectional with two daybeds and storage?
Do you or anyone else on your site have any plans that I could use to make two daybeds and put them together for a sectional. I would like storage too if possible. Any ideas? Help would be appreciated. love your site.
Saved By Grace (not verified)
Sun, 11/04/2012 - 10:16
Plywood drawer bottom
Hello! I am building this bed for my son for his 13th birthday. It is my first project, and so far is going very well. I was wondering, what is the best way to attach the plywood to the bottom of the drawers. Glue and finish nails?
Jen Crisp (not verified)
Fri, 11/09/2012 - 18:42
Cushion
Love this design! What did you use for a cushion?
JEY (not verified)
Sat, 01/19/2013 - 15:50
Daybed with drawers
I love this idea only I'd love to use this for a double bed instead of a twin which is 48 inches wide instead of 42. Do you have modification plans for that already? I think this will work great in our old small 1920's bungalow house's guest bedroom!
Matt_Nels
Wed, 03/06/2013 - 12:19
Stain
I am building this bed now, my first project, and i am starting on the drawers and was thinking ahead to finishing it and was wondering how much stain do you think this would take? A couple of quarts? I have never stained anything and have no clue how much a can really can cover.
Any ideas?