If you are looking for a classic farmhouse style bed for your child's room, this is the project for you. Featuring simple styling, large headboard and footboard tops, substantial legs, sturdy siderails, and the option to go with or without a boxspring, this beautiful bed is definitely worth your sweat!
Step by step plans with diagrams and lots of readers submitted photos. Check out all our Farmhouse Bed plans here.
Preparation
3 - 1x6 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x6 @ 4 feet long
2 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
2 - 4x4 @ 8 feet long
1 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
4 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
2 - 1x10 @ 8 feet long
6 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
2 - 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" L brackets
2 - 3" long straight mending plate brackets
HEADBOARD
- 7 - 1x6 @ 30"
- 2 - 1x4 @ ~38-1/2" - measure and cut to fit
- 2 - 4x4 @ 54"
- 2 - 2x2 @ 30"
- 2 - 2x4 @ ~45-1/2" - measure and cut to fit
- 2 - 2x6 @ 47-1/2"
FOOTBOARD
- 7 - 1x6 @ 15"
- 2 - 1x4 @ ~38-1/2" - measure and cut to fit
- 2 - 4x4 @ 21"
- 4 - 2x2 @ 5-1/2"
- 2 - 2x4 @ ~45-1/2" - measure and cut to fit
- 2 - 2x6 @ 47-1/2"
BED FRAME & SIDERAILS
- 2 - 2x4 @ 80"
- 2 - 2x4 @ 8-1/2"
- 2 - 1x10 @ 75"
- 12 - 1x3 @ 38-1/2" - measure and cut to fit
Instructions
Step 1
Cut the 1x6 headboard boards with a miter saw (preferred) or circular saw with straight edge.
Lay out as shown in diagram.
Measure the overall width.
POCKET HOLE USERS: You can join the 1x6 boards together edge to edge with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.
Step 2
Attach 1x4 on top and bottom, with all outside edges flush, with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue.
Make sure the panel is square (not a parallelogram) by taking outside corner diagonal measurements and adjusting until the two opposite diagonals measurements match.
POCKET HOLE USERS: Drill two 3/4" pocket holes on each end of the 1x4 boards. Attach to the 4x4 legs with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws. Then nail the 1x6 boards to the 1x4s.
Step 3
Use 2-1/2" screws to attach the 2x2 cleats to the inside back edge of the 4x4 legs.
POCKET HOLE USERS: Skip this step.
Step 4
Attach panels to the 2x2 cleats with 2-1/2" screws and 1-1/4" brad nails and glue.
POCKET HOLE USERS: Skip this step.
Step 5
Measure and cut the top 2x4. Attach with 2-1/2" screws and glue.
Step 6
Place 2x6 on top of 2x4. Make sure all outside edge overhangs are even.
Screw on with 2-1/2" screws and glue.
Step 7
Repeat the same steps for building the footboard panel.
Step 8
If using the cleats for attaching, leave a space in the cleats as shown for accepting the bed frame in later steps.
Step 9
Attach footboard panel as you did the headboard panel to the legs.
Step 10
Repeat steps to finish top of footboard.
Step 11
Attach 2x4 cleats to the 4x4 legs with 2-1/2" screws.
The spacer blocks are not attached and are just used as guides for setting up the bed.
Step 12
Place sidreails on cleats and attach with glue and 1-1/4" brad nails.
Also recommended is attaching with an L bracket and a straight bracket at tops. Pocket hole users can use a 3/4" pocket hole and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.
Step 13
Lay slats in bed frame, space evenly. Screw down with 2" screws or 1-1/4" brad nails.
Comments
Shanty 2 Chic (not verified)
Thu, 01/07/2010 - 04:34
Woohoo!! I'm building
Woohoo!! I'm building 2!!
~Whitney
Karen (not verified)
Thu, 01/07/2010 - 05:57
Dang.... I want this bed for
Dang.... I want this bed for my granddaughter.......
Samantha2818 (not verified)
Thu, 01/07/2010 - 08:21
Oh my god. I've just found
Oh my god. I've just found your site and you are amazing! I can never find what I want in the UK so have everything made for me based loosely on things I find on Pottery Barn or Land of Nod (which are not available in the UK). I'm pretty handy with tools and anything I can't do my husband can and will! Part of my downfall though is working out how things should be made so you've solved all my problems and save me some money! I'll be following you so much now you'll think I'm a stalker!!
Thanks a bunch.
The P*dunc's (not verified)
Thu, 01/07/2010 - 09:17
I can not wait to get settled
I can not wait to get settled and start building! Thanks for all the amazing plans and inspiration! Girl power!
Rebecca (not verified)
Thu, 01/07/2010 - 11:01
Now I'm not sure which to try
Now I'm not sure which to try first - the 'cameron' bookshelf or this bed! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
eve (not verified)
Thu, 01/07/2010 - 12:27
I just found your site from
I just found your site from Be Different, Act Normal and I have to say I LOVE your work! I am hope hope hoping that I will make something from here one day. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing your knowledge with us! I might just have to become a follower...
Tori (not verified)
Thu, 01/07/2010 - 15:19
I am also here from Be
I am also here from Be Different, Act Normal and I love your blog! I have a lot of time to sit and browse while I nurse my one month old. I already showed this to my husband and told him we're building the Stratton bed for ourselves when we get out of this apartment!
Kati @ Obscure… (not verified)
Thu, 01/07/2010 - 16:06
your projects are incredible!
your projects are incredible! I love that you include plans with it! I'd love to get my hands on some software like that!
Your bed is beautiful!!!
The Faveros (not verified)
Thu, 01/07/2010 - 17:57
Ok I am officially in love
Ok I am officially in love with your site!! I have spent almost all day going through all your ideas- my husband just went last night and bought wood to try and make my daughter a bed and then I found your site with all these amazing ideas!! I can't wait to get started on so many of these plans- thanks so much for all the great stuff:)
Kristin (not verified)
Sat, 01/09/2010 - 06:15
Ooh I thought of something
Ooh I thought of something else! Is there a way to make this so that you can break it down for transport? We are a military family and move every 3-4 years. I would think this bed would survive moving better if it can be taken apart.