Board and Batten House Shaped Bed by Jen Woodhouse
The Board and Batten House Bed brings timeless charm and cozy character to any kid’s room. Designed with classic board and batten paneling and a fun house-shaped frame, this bed combines cottage style with a playful twist—perfect for children, bunk rooms, or cabin getaways. Built from standard boards and plywood, the design is sturdy, easy to customize, and beginner-friendly. Whether you paint it white for a clean, modern look or stain it for a rustic vibe, this bed is sure to become the centerpiece of the room. ✔️ ✔️ Includes shopping list + cut list ✔️ Beginner-friendly construction ✔️ Sturdy and safe with a low-profile design Part of our Board and Batten Collection, this project is designed to coordinate with matching pieces like nightstands and bookshelves for a pulled-together look. Free. Perfect for bedrooms, guest spaces, and rustic-inspired homes. View the Full Collection
Specifications
| Project type | Beds and Bed Frames |
|---|---|
| Room | Bedroom |
| Style | Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Estimated cost | $150 - $200 |
Dimensions
Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.
Shopping List
1 sheet of ¾” plywood, ripped into 2 – 12” wide strips and 1 – 23” wide strips, all 8 feet long
17 – 2x4 @ 8 feet long
6 – 2x2 @ 8 feet long
2 – 1x2 @ 8 feet long
1 – 1x3 @ 4 feet long
2 – 1x6 @ 10 feet long and 4 – 1x6 @ 10 feet long
2 – 3/4” self tapping screws
1-1/4” finish nails or screws (for attaching roof slats and window trim)
2” screws or similar for attaching bed slats to cleats
Cut List
Cut ¾” plywood into two strips 8 feet long x 12” wide. Cut remaining piece 23” wide (for front panels).
SIDE PANELS
2 – 2x4 @ 11-3/4” (truss center)
4 – 2x4 @ 63-7/16” – one end cut at 30 degrees off square bevel, SHORT point measurement
6 – 2x4 @ 35” 2 – 2x4 @ 19-5/16” - both ends cut at 30 degrees off square bevel, long point to short point measurement
4 – 2x4 @ 10” long (see steps for additional cutting instruction)
2 – ¾” plywood @ 12” x 35”
BACK PANEL
2 – 2x4 @ 63-7/16” – one end cut at 30 degrees off square bevel, LONG point measurement
3 – 2x4 @ 71-1/2”
1 – ¾” plywood @ 12” x 71-1/2”
FRONT PANEL
2 – 2x4 @ 63-7/16” – one end cut at 30 degrees off square bevel, LONG point measurement
2 – 2x4 @ 71-1/2”
2 – 2x4 @ 45-9/16”
1 – ¾” plywood @ 23” x 45-9/16”
WINDOW TRIM
2 – 1x3 @ 18”
4 – 1x2 @ 18-3/4”
2 – 1x2 @ 18”
2 – 1x2 @ 17”
ROOF 1 – 2x4 @ 75” (ridge)
4 – 2x2 @ 71-1/2” (make sure can fit inside roof easily)
26- 1x6 @ 23-3/4”
BED SLAT SYSTEM
2 – 2x2 @ 71-1/2”
10 – 2x4 @ 38” (can use different materials or less or more depending on mattress)
Tools
- measuring tape
- square
- pencil
- safety glasses
- hearing protection
- kreg-jig
- drill
- jigsaw
- compound miter saw
- table saw
- nailer
- sander
- countersink drill bit
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1
Notch out the center truss pieces as shown. Use a jigsaw to cut out.
Step 2
Attach plywood panel to two of the 2x4s that are 35” long with ¾” pocket holes and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws on back side, with everything flush to back. Also drill pocket holes in plywood panel and 2x4s for attaching to legs. Attach to legs with pocket hole screws, leaving 10” space under bottom 2x4, 2x4s are flush on the outside. Lay out the top pieces. Attach remaining 2x4 that is 35” long to center notched 2x4, matching centers. Attach rafters and screw to legs. Use either 2-3/4” screws or 2-1/2” pocket hole screws. Build two that exactly match.
Step 3
Add rafters inside side headers. Screw from outside with 2-3/4” screws to attach.
Step 4
Attach plywood panel to 71-1/2” 2x4s first, as you did the side panels. Remember to drill pocket holes (3/4” in the plywood, 1-1/2” in the 2x4s) for attaching to legs. Leave a 10” space below panel and attach to legs with pocket hole screws. Attach top 2x4 to legs. Everything is flush to inside.
Step 5
Step 6
Trim windows out with 1x boards. Nail on with 1-1/4” finish nails.
Step 7
Fill all pocket holes on the panels. Paint or finish as desired. On assembly, screw from INSIDE the four panels together to create the bed with 2-3/4” screws.
Step 8
Set ridge inside end trusses and screw down with 2-3/4” screws.
Step 9
Build the bed slat system by using 2-3/4” screws to attach cleats to side panels, flush to bottom of side panels. Add slats on top and screw down.
Step 10
Build roof system by laying out 1x6 boards with 2x2s on top. Adjust for square. Attach with screws, leaving ¾” gaps in between the roof slats. On installation, set roof panel in roof. You must screw the top 2x2 to the main ridge pole for adequate strength.
Step 11
Additional 1x2s can be added to plywood for the board and batten look with 1-1/4” nails and glue.
Finishing
Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.
Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/board-and-batten-house-shaped-bed-jen-woodhouse