House Bed (Twin)

diy house bed
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Free plans to build a house bed out of lumber.  Makes the cutest bed!  Simple, easy step by step plans with shopping list, cut list, diagrams, and even a video tutorial!  From Ana-White.com

House beds are the cutest - they can transform a boring room into awesome!  The open frame style doesn't overwhelm a room, and sheets are still easy to change, and it's less lumber to buy, build with, and haul into the room.  

Video Tutorial

This house bed was designed and built by our videographer Jennifer.  She was kind enough to video her build and share - please watch!

We did make a few changes to the bed design from the video as you'll see in the plans.  

Thank you Jennifer for sharing your design and build experience!

Pin For Later! 

House Bed (Twin)

Dimensions
house bed dimensions
House bed is designed for twin mattress.

Preparation

Shopping List

11 - 2x3 @ 8 feet long

6 - 2x3 or 1x3 @ 8 feet long (for the slats in step 6)

2 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long

1 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long

2-1/2" pocket hole screws (about 100)

1-1/4" brad nails (recommended) 

Cut List

House Shaped Bed Ends

  • 4 - 2x3 @ 50" - legs
  • 8 - 2x3 @ 38"
  • 2 - 2x3 @ 29" - longest point measurement, one end cut at 45 degrees 
  • 2 - 2x3 @ 27-1/2" - longest point measurement, one end cut at 45 degrees 

Lengthwise Boards

  • 2 - 2x3 @ 76" - siderails
  • 1 - 2x3 @ 74" - back top 
  • 1 - 2x2 @ 74" - peak

Slat System

  • 12 - 2x3 or 1x3 @ 38" - slats
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 74" - slat trim

 

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Kreg Jig
Drill
Miter Saw
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

Begin building the legs sets using 1-1/2" pocket hole setting, and 2-1/2" pocket hole screws.  

NOTE: A fourth 2x3 is set on top of the lowest 2x3 (see next diagram)

Step 2

Add the angled roof line with screws.

Step 3

Drill pocket holes on ends of the lengthwise boards.

On assembly, attach to the house shaped ends.

Step 4

On assembly, lay the slats out on the siderails.

You can attach, or since all will be attached to the 1x2 trim in next step, you can wait and then attach only a few to conserve screws.

Step 5

Attach the 1x2 trim to the outside edges of the slats, with glue and 1-1/4" brad nails.

You can also use a trim screw to secure.

Once the slat system is one, attach in just a few points to the siderails.

Step 6

Optional Center Legs: If you would like to increase the support under the mattress, scrap 2x4s can be cut and screwed to the center slats.

Step 7

Transporting the Bed: This bed may not be able to fit through doorways.  It can be easily broken down into pieces as shown for transport, and reassembled inside the room.