Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls

american girl doll bed
Difficulty
Starter Projects
| Print this plan

Build your own American Girl doll bed to match our Farmhouse Beds, suitable for 18" dolls. This bed is slightly wider than traditional doll beds, to look more like our Farmhouse Beds.  Free step by step plans from Ana-White.com

Collections

Photo by CPEEPLES

American Girl doll beds can be so expensive!  Have you thought about building your own?  For about $10 you can DIY your own doll bed, and paint or stain it any color you like!

Here's a few DIY photos from our amazing readers:

american girl doll bed

Photo by LBROWN

american girl doll bed

Photo by KROCHELLE

This project has been a reader favorite for over a decade! It's such a fun and easy project with big results!

Our free plans make it simple!  

American Girl Doll Bed Tutorial

Dimensions
Farmhouse Doll Bed dimensions ana white plans
Dimensions are shown in diagram

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 2×2 (3 feet total)
  • 2 – 1x3s (10 feet total)
  • 1 – 1×2 (8 feet total)
  • scrap 1/4″ plywood (you could even use sturdy cardboard here)
  • 1 1/4″ self tapping wood screws (SPAX brand or similar) OR brad nails (if you have a brad nailer)
  • 2″ self tapping wood screws (SPAX brand or similar) OR brad nails (if you have a brad nailer)
  • Wood Glue
Cut List
  • 5 – 1×3 @ 6″ (Headboard Panel)
  • 5 – 1×3 @ 3″ (Footboard Panel)
  • 2 – 2×2 @ 4 1/4″ (Footboard Legs)
  • 2 – 2×2 @ 11″ (Headboard Legs)
  • 2 – 1×2 @ 12 1/2″ (Bottom of Panels)
  • 2 – 1×2 @ 15 1/2″ (Top of Panels)
  • 2 – 1×3 @ 16 1/2″ (Top of Headboard and Footboard)
  • 2 – 1×3 @ 19″ (Siderails) 2 – 1×2 @ 14″ (Bed Frame)
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Drill
Circular Saw
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

Panel Line out your panel boards as shown above. Notice how I rested the panel boards on a piece of 3/8″ plywood?

Step 2

That’s so you can easily line up the panel bottom board on center. Mark and predrill holes with a countersink bit into the bottom panel boards.

Step 3

And screw the bottom panel boards to the panel, as shown above. Use glue and 1 1/4″ screws.

Step 4

Legs Now attach the legs to the panel with 2″ screws and glue. Be careful to screw into the panel boards and the bottom.

Step 5

Attach top with the shorter screws or nails and glue.

Step 6

Top of Headboard Finally, screw the top of the headboard to the headboard, centering on the headboard. You only need 2 screws and glue here.

Step 7

See the size compared to the glue? It’s so cute!

Step 8

Footboard Now build the footboard just like the headboard.

Step 9

Here is both my footboard and headboard. I used scraps, and that’s why you see some pink paint on the legs. I’m not a big fan of waste.

Step 10

Frame Now screw the siderails to the frame as shown above. If you have a daughter anything like mine, a third support should be placed in the center. Place more supports if you are using flimsy material (ie cardboard) for the top.

Step 11

Assembly Now simply predrill holes and screw the frame to the headboard and footboard.

Step 12

Platform And just lay plywood on top.

Finishing Instructions
Finish Used
I filled all my holes with wood filler and let dry. Then I sanded with 120 grit sandpaper. Then I brushed on primer and two coats of Antique White by Valspar in Satin.

Comments

Ronda (not verified)

Thu, 11/18/2010 - 18:13

This is very cute! I make porcelain French dolls. I am looking for
Victorian era reproduction doll beds, cradles, etc to make and or buy. You did a wonderful job with this tutorial. I will ask Home Depot about cutting
my required pieces as I do not have a saw that does accurate cutting. I think the store would cut the pieces for me as I buy them. I do have a drill, however.

Jody (not verified)

Thu, 11/18/2010 - 18:34

I can't decide what I like more, the bed or the bedding!!! I plan on making my daughter the twin farmhouse soon and she will definitely be getting one of these to go with it! Thank you:)

Morgane @ Bear… (not verified)

Fri, 11/19/2010 - 05:29

thank you for sharing your plan and construction. I am going to get some wood today and my daughter (6) and I will work on it together this week end, it will be different of the sewing and crafting we usually do together.
I think you bed will turn out a lot better than the bunk bed I made last year....better planning and directions!
I also enjoy your post with the other doll furniture, more interesting idea!

Laura (not verified)

Fri, 11/19/2010 - 12:34

Just "finished" this, though it's not painted yet. Very happy with the design - Molly brought the pillow over for a makeshift mattress, and has been lounging ever since. http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VikfuS7uU9Jus5HUdDzD4VJD36mpn4zBEF…

I had to kick her out to take the picture.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xevdizw-8Xpn1qeHUxUvkVJD36mpn4zBEF…

Yes, she has whiskers and a pink nose.

Tiffany (not verified)

Fri, 11/19/2010 - 14:41

Love it! This is just what I was looking for. I've looked for doll bed plans and didn't like any that I found. One of my daughters just walked by and gasped, "Mommy, who is that for?!"

I refuse to pay the prices for AG doll accessories, so I sew their clothes, and this year for Christmas we are building some doll furniture. You are awesome as always!

Brooke (not verified)

Sat, 11/20/2010 - 18:23

Ok, I have to make this for my daughter who is getting her first AG doll for Christmas......but I have never made anything like this before. FIrst question I have is, can I just nail and glue it together instead of screws and contersinking (which I cannot do, I bet!). And will Home depot cut all of these things for me? I just really don't even know when or where to start?! I would love some advice, thanks for the plans they are beautiful!

Brooke (not verified)

Mon, 11/22/2010 - 07:38

I swear I posted the other day but I looked today to see if there was a reply and my comment is no where to be found. So, I'll post again! I was just saying I LOVE THIS BED!!! I am getting my daughter her first AG doll for Christmas and have to make this bed. I have never done anything like this before and don't have the saws or countersinking tools and so I was wondering if I could use nails and glue and would it work as well? Also, would Home Depot do all those cuts for me? Thanks in advance!

jennie (not verified)

Mon, 11/22/2010 - 08:43

um wow!
My girls have American Girl Dolls, and our oldest has her dolls bed. But the younger needs a bed for her doll, but I cannot get over the $118 pricetage. OUCH!
I think we are going to give this a go! Thanks so much for posting!!

Shannon (not verified)

Mon, 11/22/2010 - 10:47

quick question. on the "shopping list" for the farmhouse doll bed it says you need 2- 1x3s at 10' tall - which would be 120" each right? because when i add up the total 1x3s that you use I only got 116", so would you be ok only getting 1 @ 10'tall?? sorry for the random question. i want to make a few of these and don't want to go overboard buying wood.

April (not verified)

Mon, 11/22/2010 - 12:40

I'm so excited about these plans! My three year old will be getting two for her new dolls this Christmas! My Dad is going to make the beds and my Mom and I will be making the bedding. She's getting two of the Target version of the AG dolls since they are far above what I can pay for a doll.

Thank you so much!

Ana White (not verified)

Mon, 11/22/2010 - 22:34

Shannon, I believe you are correct. I would go for 2 - 8' 1x3 pine boards - should be about $1.50. That way you can cut any knots or cracks out and use the good parts. Ask away, I try really hard to answer as many questions as possible, but when I can't, there are so many good smart people that chime in too!

Randi (not verified)

Tue, 11/23/2010 - 05:08

I'm so excited to have found this! My daughter is getting a Farmhouse Bed for Christmas and an American Girl Doll. Looks like she's getting a matching doll bed! Thanks so much Ana! I will make sure to post some pics after Christmas!

Brooke (not verified)

Tue, 11/23/2010 - 11:55

I swear I posted the other day but I looked today to see if there was a reply and my comment is no where to be found. So, I’ll post again! I was just saying I LOVE THIS BED!!! I am getting my daughter her first AG doll for Christmas and have to make this bed. I have never done anything like this before and don’t have the saws or countersinking tools and so I was wondering if I could use nails and glue and would it work as well? Also, would Home Depot do all those cuts for me? Thanks in advance!

Ana White (not verified)

Tue, 11/23/2010 - 14:54

Brooke, thanks for checking back, and I'm so sorry if your comment got spammed . . . we get thousands (4261 this month to be exact) of spam comments, and it's unfortunate that well meaning people like yourself get grouped in. One of the issues with using nails is the boards might split on you as you nail. If you choose an extra fine trim or finish nail and glue, the bed should hold together, but be very careful when nailing to avoid splitting boards. And depending on your local home improvement store, they may cut boards for you. I would call ahead and ask first. Make sure you read this post, Christine got all the lumber for under $6 and blogged the receipt!

Chiniot Furniture (not verified)

Tue, 11/23/2010 - 22:17

Thanks for sharing such information just have a look at chiniot furniture and you can found much more as we are only doing the local marketing but want to export some for like your company so please read this comment so we can have some more business

Courtney (not verified)

Wed, 11/24/2010 - 06:26

Our little girl is getting the Easy Loft Playhouse bed with Stairs for Christmas. I was just wondering if I could convince my hubby to make a matching mini for her doll after seeing this post. Then I saw your comment - love it!

VickiT (not verified)

Wed, 11/24/2010 - 13:37

OH MY GOSH! This is THE most adorable thing ever. THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH! My granddaughter just got her very first American Girl Doll for her birthday two months ago so this I HOPE can be completed in time for Christmas.

Pam Martin (not verified)

Sat, 11/27/2010 - 11:13

Hi. I am making this bed right now. My changes are that I used 1/2" x 3 and I created a dado versus screwing all of the slats in. Am thrilled with the results.

Liz (not verified)

Thu, 12/02/2010 - 07:10

SOOO adorable! My daughter is getting her long awaited American Girl doll for Christmas. I'm going to precut and prime the pieces and put them in a box with the directions and wrap it up as a present. It's a present AND a fun project we can do together - she loves making things! thanks so much!

Brooke (not verified)

Mon, 12/06/2010 - 06:38

Ana,Thanks, maybe I'll just stick to the screws as intimidating as that is to me! Don't want to split the wood! Thanks again!

Brooke (not verified)

Wed, 12/08/2010 - 10:07

Just wanted to thank you again.....my husband made this last night! I love it and can't wait to see my daughter's face on Christmas morning! I still have to sand and paint but it is beautiful already! Thank you!

Q (not verified)

Wed, 12/08/2010 - 17:37

I am no expert, but have built a few things and since no one else has replied I will try to help since you're running out of time! Home Depot should cut those for you, especially if you find the right person and talk sweetly. Sometimes they charge but it will probably be worth it. As far as using nails and glue, screwing is much easier. You need a drill but you probably have one, if you have a husband or dad or brother or uncle. While you're at Home Depot ask them for a drill bit that will countersink screws. I would print your lists take them with you, when you get to Home Depot walk around a bit and find the person most likely to be the most helpful, hand them your print out and take as much help as they will give. Get an extra board or two to practice drilling a few holes and putting in screws. Then give it your best shot. You will also need sand paper and I've found it super helpful to sand before assembling, if you feel like investing in a hand sander they are also a lifesaver.

Greta (not verified)

Sun, 12/12/2010 - 17:44

My husband, son and my son's friend worked on making three of these today! My girlfriend had a teenage son so he was here helping to make one for his little sister and my husband and son were making them for my two younger daughters. My husband got them all together and is priming them tonight. I will likely paint them once tomorrow and again the next day. They are bigger than I pictured in my head but oh so cute! I plan on making sheets and pillows and a quilt for the beds for the girls too. I can't wait to see their faces Christmas morning! Thanks so much for doing this and sharing with the rest of us!

Did you happen to use 2" foam for the mattress? I am trying to figure out what I need for that. Thanks!

Natali (not verified)

Mon, 12/13/2010 - 17:55

Thank you so much for sharing! My daughter has had an AG Doll for a few years and we have never bought a bed (too pricey) so this year for Christmas she wants one and we were going to make one up. I LOVE this one and thanks for sharing the plans :) That will make it so much easier and it is DARLING!!

Sara (not verified)

Fri, 12/17/2010 - 18:49

Ana,

I adore this bed and these plans! I built the toddler-sized bed for my little guy for Christmas and now built the doll-size for my daughter. Since she's getting an American Girl doll (18" tall) I made the bed longer (most AG beds are 22-24" long) and more narrow so it's "full" size dimensions by using 6 1x2s instead of 5 1x3s. Details and pics here: http://alwayscreatingsomething.blogspot.com/2010/12/saras-workshop.html

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TQwwmEzRKVI/AAAAAAAAB6U/09aKFILTV…

Best of all, I used 100% scraps - lumber, paint, fabric, everything! For a few hours of my time and ZERO dollars, my daughter will be very happy on Christmas morning thanks to you!

Jen (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 11:41

I used left over 2" foam from a head board I made for my kids. It was a little tight though. I glued it to the plywood and stapled the fabric around it.

Audrey (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 18:16

A friend of mine asked me if I could make bunk beds for her daughter's American Girl dolls. I had just seen these plans and LOVED them so this is what I came up with. Thank you for these plans!

100_9031

atlgeorgiegirl.net (not verified)

Sat, 01/01/2011 - 10:37

I was so thrilled to come across your website when looking for plans to make a doll bed for my 6 year old. She received her first AG doll on her 6th birthday in October and wanted a bed for Lanie. When saw the prices for AG beds I was FLOORED! I have never done ANY wood working, but deided that the cost of those beds made it a necessity. The pans and instructions were so user friendly and made the process very enjoyable. The bed turned out AMAZING! have been asked by friends and famly to make beds for their girls. I am hooked. I am trying to decide which Ana White to do next!!!

Jennifer (not verified)

Tue, 01/04/2011 - 08:24

Thank you so much for these plans!!! My father in law mentioned he was making a doll bed for my niece's American Girl doll for Christmas. I asked if he had any plans and he said no, he was just winging it. A day or two later, I came across this post in my Google Reader and immediately sent it to him. He called to say he LOVED it and had scrapped what he had already started in favor of this one. In fact, he had already gone out and bought the wood for it. He put it together and finished it in no time at all and it was just lovely when it was done. He even personalized it by signing and dating it on the bottom of the bed. My 8 year old niece was absolutely over the moon - thank you so much for posting this!!!

LuLu (not verified)

Tue, 01/04/2011 - 11:06

Hi Ana,
I have followed your blog for a very long time. I just completed my first project though. I'm thrilled with how it turned out! Thank you so much for the doll plans. I would love to outfit my whole doll house with your cute designs. <a href="Photobucket"><img src="Photobucket" width="100%" />Photobucket

Heather (not verified)

Sat, 01/08/2011 - 18:25

I made this for my daughter for Christmas....but she has 2 dolls & I wasn't up for making 2 beds. I just separated the slats & extended some measurements, and was able to make a "kig size" bed for her AG dolls! The bedding was a valance that came with my daugters bedding (that I hated...but perfect for the comforter)...and the pillows are made out of scrap fabric from decor in her room!

ag bed

Ali Smith (not verified)

Sat, 01/22/2011 - 05:58

What would you use as a mattress that would be flat looking like you have? I have never made anything like this and am so excited to try! :)

Amme (not verified)

Sun, 01/23/2011 - 03:56

Ali-I used a blue camping pad from Wal-mart because I was making 4 so needed to be very cost efficient. It is pretty thin, probably only a half inch or so. But, I got enough for 5 mattresses out of one camping pad for 5 bucks. You could also use a kitchen chair pad. Just cut them to fit and cover and you are set.

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!