Essential Drawer Bed or Daybed
Easy to build bed with drawers using basic tools and materials. with diagrams, video tutorial, shopping and cut list from
Specifications
| Project type | Beds and Bed Frames |
|---|---|
| Room | Bedroom |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Dimensions
Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.
Shopping List
- 5 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
- 3 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
- 3 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
- 5 - 1x8 @ 6 feet long
- 1 - 1x12 @ 6 feet long
- 2 - 18" full extension drawer slides
- 1/2 sheet of 1/4" thick plywood or underlayment for drawer bottoms
- 2 handles or knobs
- (24) 2-1/2" long self tapping star bit screws (can also be 2-3/4" length
- (72) 1-1/2" long self tapping star bit screws (can also be 1-5/8" or 1-3/4" length)
- 5/8" brad nails
- 1-1/4" brad nails
- wood glue
For drawers on both sides (4 total), you'll also need
- 2 more 18" full extension drawer slides
- 9 more feet of 1x8 boards
- 1 more 1x12 @ 6 feet long
- 1/2 sheet of 1/4" thick plywood or underlayment
- 2 more handles or knobs
Cut List
Bed Frame
- 4 - 2x4 @ 73-1/2" - 2x4 frame top and bottom
- 6 - 2x4 @ 11-1/2" - 2x4 frame verticals
- 2 - 1x2 @ 73-1/2" - cleats
- 9 - 1x4 @ 31" - slats
- 3 - 2x4 @ 13-3/4" - center leg and drawer slide furring
Footboard/Headboard
- 4 - 1x2 @ 14-1/2"
- 4 - 1x8 @ 35"
Drawers (for two drawers daybed style, double the cut list for four drawers, drawers on both sides of bed)
- 4 - 1x8 @ 17-3/4" - drawer sides
- 4 - 1x8 @ about 32" - drawer front and back, measure and cut to fit
- 2 - 1/4" plywood @ 17-3/4" x 33-1/2" - drawer bottoms
- 2 - 1x12 @ 34-1/2" - drawer faces
Tools
- measuring tape
- square
- safety glasses
- drill
- circular saw
- compound miter saw
- nailer
- sander
Step-by-step Instructions
Build two of the 2x4 frames, identical, using the longer screws and glue.
Adjust the frames for square before glue dries (see next step).
Step 2
Adjust the frames for square, and then secure with glue and screws the inside cleat. This cleat will hold the mattress slats later on and also keeps the 2x4 frames square.
Attach the 1x2s to the outside edges of the frames with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue.
Then add the 1x8 pieces, I recommend screws and glue. You can use other materials for the headboard/footboards if you are wanting to burn up scraps. The headboard can also not be completely filled in if against the wall and you are wanting to buy less 1x8s - you could use a 1x3 or 1x4 at the top and bottom as done in the video.
Adjust the bed for square as shown, until the two diagonals match.
Secure the slats on the ends as shown with screws and glue. Double check the diagonals for square before glue dries.
Step 5
Attach the 2x4 blocking inside the bed for the drawer slides. The center leg does not get attached at this step.
Draw a line horizontal as shown, on the vertical 2x4s.
Draw a line inset 1" from the front of the 2x4s. Separate out the drawer slides into the cabinet member and the drawer member. Attach the drawer slide cabinet member to the 2x4s, with the screws centered on the line. TIP: I like to use the holes with the vertical adjustment so I have the ability to adjust the slide up or down even after starting my screws.
Mark the wood drawer sides 4-1/2" up from the bottom and draw a line parallel to the bottom edge.
Attach the drawer slides with the screws on this line. The front edge of the drawer member should be flush to the front edge of the wood drawer side. Remember to attach the drawer slide on the other side in mirror. Install all drawer sides into the drawer slides.
Measure and cut the fronts and back for the drawers. Attach with shorter screws from the outsides.
Test the drawers.
Measure and cut plywood for the bottom of the drawers.
Attach with glue and 5/8" brad nails. Test the drawers before the glue dries. Refit if necessary - the drawers should slide very smoothly.
Insert drawers into bed and place faces on top.
With an even 1/8" gap on all sides, tack drawer face to drawer box with 1-1/4" brad nails. Open the drawer and further attach with the shorter screws (6 per drawer) from the insides.
Lay the remaining slats inside the bed. Attach the center slat with screws.
Test the drawers to make sure they are still sliding. When satisfied, screw the center slat to the center leg.
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/essential-drawer-bed-or-daybed