storage bed

Preparation
4 - 1x12 @ 8 feet long OR 1 sheet of 3/4" plywood or MDF ripped into 11 1/2" wide strips, 8 feet long
4 - 1x12 @ 75" (Bench Top/Bottom)
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

Start by building a simple box out of 1x12 boards as shown above. You can place the cubbies at any spacing, just try to keep the middle cubby in the center. I built one bench with pocket holes, one with 2 inch finish nails and glue - and either way works just fine.
Step 2

Then add the legs as shown here. Again, use either finish nails or pocket holes. Tops and outsides are flush.
Step 3

Now trim out the tops and bottoms. It's a good idea to also secure the top/bottom trim to the cubbies as well.
Step 4

And then tack some 1/4" plywood to the backs. Use 1 1/4" finish nails and glue.
Step 5

Step 6

Now it's time to build the headboard. First we must make a decision. If you have a table saw, rip 1/4" off each side of your 2x4 boards so that the total width of your 2x4s are 3". Also, this will give you a nice square edge to your 2x4s. I ripped mine, and all dimensions given are for ripped 2x4s. If you do not have a tablesaw, it's really okay. You will just need to subtract an inch from the headboard/footboard panels and trim. This is noted in the diagram. Once you have decided on your leg widths, cut your particle board panel to the correct width, and the trim. Attach the trim with 1 1/4" finish nails and glue.
Step 7

Now the legs. On Grace's bed, we tapered the legs slightly. Taper the footboard first, to match the clearance under the benches. The headboard is really not necessary, as you can barely see this.
Step 8

Use 2" finish nails and glue to attach the headers to the bed. On Grace's bed, we glued a flower applique for an added touch of girly to the headboard.
Step 9

Build the footboard in the same manner as the headboard.
Step 10

As we go to assemble the beds, we will need to do something about the gap in between. I wanted the mattress to be able to breathe, as children can have accidents. So I choose a slatted system. To begin, use 1 1/4" finish nails and glue (on the top edge of the cleat so you don't poke through) to attach cleats 3/4" down from the bench tops.
Step 11

Then I took a measurement (important, as your 1x12s could be a different width) of the space in between and cut a pile of slats and screwed them down.
Step 12

If you want to have some hidden storage (the cubbies on the ends are perfect for fabric bins, and also allow for a nightstand) it's easy to build doors. You should measure the opening, with your doors starting in the center of the bed and covering the outer dividers. I used 1x2s to build a frame, placed plywood on the back (make sure that the plywood is 3/4" short on the ends, so that the door can sit fully inset) with 3/4" finish nails and glue, and attached with hinges and clasps. After many trials and as many errors, the easiest method I found was to use hinges as shown above.
Step 13

Assemble the bed by attaching the headboard and footboard to the benches with 2" screws as shown above. Grace's bed is extremely sturdy.
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.
We apologize if there was an error in this plan. Please help us out and report any errors here.
Comments
Valentina (not verified)
Thu, 04/07/2011 - 12:35
Love it, you are fabulous!
Love it, you are fabulous! Keep 'em coming!
seamstress
Thu, 04/07/2011 - 12:37
Absolutely Gorgeous! Thank You for Sharing This!!! =)
It's Perfect! Thanks, again! =)
birdsandsoap
Thu, 04/07/2011 - 13:01
Great Kids bed!
Great plan for a twin bed. I am sure it will be all the more enjoyed considering the time it took to complete! I like the cabinet doors underneath. Kids rooms can get so junky and I love a door that conceals the mess! I am
currently building a modified version of the farmhouse bed for my
husband and I. I just finished building storage benches on either side
to attach the head and footboards. I am so excited! Now if it would quit
raining I could get some work done! and if the baby would take a nap,
and my toddler would give me a break, and the laundry would do itself...
I love your site and the inspiration it brings. If you could make a
plan for some kind of kid corral so I could get a free minute of time I
would be much obliged!
Christy Panzarella (not verified)
Fri, 04/08/2011 - 09:47
Kid Corral. LMFAO. Try the
Kid Corral. LMFAO. Try the playground plans?
susyb1027
Thu, 04/07/2011 - 13:07
Great Bed
I was wondering... can you make plans for one of these high chairs? http://www.stokke.com/highchair.aspx
Chair
Thu, 04/07/2011 - 13:10
Pft. Legs.
A bench at the end and: Legs? What legs? :)
I personally would prefer the footboard to be just a wee bit taller. I don't know what the heck my son does all night but his mattress (on a flat base) always shimmies down through the night -a slightly higher footboard would keep it in place.
Otherwise, it so rocks. One can never have too much storage in a kids' room!
Guest (not verified)
Thu, 04/07/2011 - 13:18
This is really nice if the
This is really nice if the bed can sit away from the wall on both sides, but if your room configuration requires that only one side is facing out this seems to be a lot of unnecessary lumber and labor to build the box that will be hidden against the wall. Can you suggest an alternate plan for if you can only use a cubby system on one side?
mbrottem (not verified)
Thu, 04/07/2011 - 14:31
Fabulous!
We're going to try and build a bed a year as a fund raiser for a local non-profit to help foster and adoptive kids. This would be perfect! Beautiful.
lasmith84
Thu, 04/07/2011 - 18:17
Beautiful Bed
I LOVE this bed. I have been trying to figure out how to make a twin storage bed out of 1*12's instead of ply wood and this is exactly that. I'm already thinking of how to convert this to a day bed for our spare room. Thank you so much Ana!
ACraftyCauldron
Thu, 04/07/2011 - 19:35
Another Beautiful Piece!
2 gorgeous works - the bed and that sweet little one! Thanks for all that you do, Ana!