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Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls

Build your own American Girl doll bed to match our Farmhouse Beds, suitable for 18" dolls. This bed is slightly wider than traditional doll beds, to look more like our Farmhouse Beds. from

Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls

Specifications

Project typeToys
RoomBedroom
StyleChildren's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans
DifficultyStarter Projects
Estimated costUnder $20

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

  • 2×2 (3 feet total)
  • 2 – 1x3s (10 feet total)
  • 1 – 1×2 (8 feet total)
  • scrap 1/4″ plywood (you could even use sturdy cardboard here)
  • 1 1/4″ self tapping wood screws (SPAX brand or similar) OR brad nails (if you have a brad nailer)
  • 2″ self tapping wood screws (SPAX brand or similar) OR brad nails (if you have a brad nailer)
  • Wood Glue

Cut List

  • 5 – 1×3 @ 6″ (Headboard Panel)
  • 5 – 1×3 @ 3″ (Footboard Panel)
  • 2 – 2×2 @ 4 1/4″ (Footboard Legs)
  • 2 – 2×2 @ 11″ (Headboard Legs)
  • 2 – 1×2 @ 12 1/2″ (Bottom of Panels)
  • 2 – 1×2 @ 15 1/2″ (Top of Panels)
  • 2 – 1×3 @ 16 1/2″ (Top of Headboard and Footboard)
  • 2 – 1×3 @ 19″ (Siderails) 2 – 1×2 @ 14″ (Bed Frame)

Tools

  • measuring tape
  • square
  • pencil
  • safety glasses
  • drill
  • circular saw
  • sander

Step-by-step Instructions

1

Step 1

Panel Line out your panel boards as shown above. Notice how I rested the panel boards on a piece of 3/8″ plywood?

Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls — step 1
2

Step 2

That’s so you can easily line up the panel bottom board on center. Mark and predrill holes with a countersink bit into the bottom panel boards.

Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls — step 2
3

Step 3

And screw the bottom panel boards to the panel, as shown above. Use glue and 1 1/4″ screws.

Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls — step 3
4

Step 4

Legs Now attach the legs to the panel with 2″ screws and glue. Be careful to screw into the panel boards and the bottom.

Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls — step 4
5

Step 5

Attach top with the shorter screws or nails and glue.

Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls — step 5
6

Step 6

Top of Headboard Finally, screw the top of the headboard to the headboard, centering on the headboard. You only need 2 screws and glue here.

Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls — step 6
7

Step 7

See the size compared to the glue? It’s so cute!

Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls — step 7
8

Step 8

Footboard Now build the footboard just like the headboard.

Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls — step 8
9

Step 9

Here is both my footboard and headboard. I used scraps, and that’s why you see some pink paint on the legs. I’m not a big fan of waste.

Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls — step 9
10

Step 10

Frame Now screw the siderails to the frame as shown above. If you have a daughter anything like mine, a third support should be placed in the center. Place more supports if you are using flimsy material (ie cardboard) for the top.

Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls — step 10
11

Step 11

Assembly Now simply predrill holes and screw the frame to the headboard and footboard.

Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls — step 11
12

Step 12

Platform And just lay plywood on top.

Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls — step 12
13

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/farmhouse-bed-american-girl-or-18-dolls