Make a storage bed! Free plans to DIY this bed!

Preparation
Headboard/Footboard
1 – Sheet 3/4" Plywood, MDF
2 – 1x3 @ 8 feet long
2 – 2x3 @ 8 feet long
1 – 1x2 @ 8 feet long
2 – small moulding pieces 8 feet long
3/4” finish nails
1 1/4” pocket hole screws
Storage Bases
2 – Sheets ¾” plywood or MDF cut into strips 15 3/4" wide, referred to as 1x16 boards throughout this plan
2 – sheets ¼” plywood or other backerboard
4 – 2x4 @ 8 feet long
2 – 2x2 @ 8 feet long
2 – 1x3 @ 8 feet long (for the slats – try and burn up small scraps here)
7 – 1x6 @ 8 feet long OR 1 sheet ¾” plywood cut into strips 5 1/2" wide, used as 1x6s for drawers. You could even use 5/8” thick material
4 – 1x8 @ 6 feet long
Optional drawer moulding
12 – Drawer Knobs or handles
12 – 14” long drawer slides, the white euro style bottom corner mount ones will work best
1 1/4” and 2 1/2" pocket hole screws
1 1/4” finish nails
Headboard/Footboard
2 – 3/4" plywood or MDF @ 36” x 26 3/4"
2 – 1x3 @ 36”
2 – 1x2 @ 36”
2 – 2x3 @ 49 1/4”
2 – 2x3 @ 30 1/4"
2 – 1x3 @ 43”
4 – Moulding pieces @ 30” (long point to long point, both ends cut at 45 degrees off square, not parallel to each other)
4 - Moulding pieces @ 16 3/4” (long point to long point, both ends cut at 45 degrees off square, not parallel to each other)
Storage Bases
4 – 1x16 @ 75”
8 – 1x16 @ 14 7/8”
2 – ¼” plywood @ 75” x 16 ¼”
4 – 2x4 @ 70”
4 – 2x4 @ 10”
2 – 2x2 @ 75”
14 – 1x3 or 1x2 scraps @ 7”
DRAWERS
24 – 1x6 @ 14”
12 – 1x6 @ 21 ½” (omitted optional fronts to save materials)
12 – 1x8 @ 23 ¾” (Drawer Faces)
12 - ¼” plywood @ 23” x 14” (Drawer Bottoms)
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
Step 7
Step 9
Step 10
Step 11
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
Joleene24
Wed, 04/25/2012 - 12:05
Love it
I love this bed! Where do you attach the 2x4s for the drawer support? Underneath? Flush to the front of the storage or offset? Sorry about my confusion.
In reply to Love it by Joleene24
exuma_momma
Thu, 04/26/2012 - 10:03
drawer support
Hi Joleene,
I wasn't completely sure on this one either. I attached mine underneath the drawer boxes flush to the back side and flush with the end that attaches to the headboard. Does that make sense? Ana, if this is incorrect... please feel free to correct me. They seem to be supporting the boxes very well :)
Michele Miller (not verified)
Fri, 05/25/2012 - 15:00
2x4 support
Yes, that 2x4 box should be on the bottom to support the weight of everything above it. If you look at the photo of the green bed, you can barely see the box there.
Michele Miller (not verified)
Fri, 05/25/2012 - 15:00
2x4 support
Yes, that 2x4 box should be on the bottom to support the weight of everything above it. If you look at the photo of the green bed, you can barely see the box there.
Michele Miller (not verified)
Fri, 05/25/2012 - 15:00
2x4 support
Yes, that 2x4 box should be on the bottom to support the weight of everything above it. If you look at the photo of the green bed, you can barely see the box there.
birdsandsoap
Wed, 04/25/2012 - 23:49
I love the distressing
I love the distressing technique you did on this bed. Great depth of color with all of the sanding!
Kriminie1 (not verified)
Thu, 04/26/2012 - 07:20
This is perfect!!!
This is exactly what i want for our bed!!! Would it be easy to modify for a queen??? How tall is it with the mattress!!! Its lovely and so inspiring!!!
megan_m
Thu, 04/26/2012 - 08:13
I love it...
It would be perfect for my daughters' room. When the baby moves in, there will be two girls in a less than 10x10 room.
The extra storage would be amazing, but I know they would both no doubt pull out the drawers and use them as steps. And we already have to replace hardware on two different pieces of furniture around our house. :s
Joleene24
Thu, 04/26/2012 - 10:07
Thanks!
Exuma_momma,
That makes it clearer, thank you!
Amy J. (not verified)
Mon, 05/07/2012 - 14:45
Thank you!
Thank you thank you thank you! I have been thinking about modifying one of your bunk bed plans and building something like this under it! Now you have made it easier!!