Trundle for Bed or Storage
A trundle can add so much extra storage or even an additional sleeping space to a room. This trundle features a clever design that creates a solid bottom on the trundle. Special thanks to Kayleen for her amazing photos.
Specifications
| Project type | Beds and Bed Frames |
|---|---|
| Room | Bedroom |
| Difficulty | Beginner Projects |
| Estimated cost | $50 - $100 |
Dimensions
Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.
Shopping List
1 sheet of 3/4″ Plywood or MDF
3 – 1x8s or 1x10s (depending on the height of your trundle)
2″ screws
wood glue
wood putty
sand paper
finishing supplies
6 Caster wheels, overall height at least 2 1/2″
Screws to attach caster wheels
Cut List
Please reference the instructional steps for cut list as this trundle is designed to custom fit to your bed.
Tools
- measuring tape
- square
- pencil
- safety glasses
- hearing protection
- kreg-jig
- drill
- circular saw
- table saw
- sander
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1
You must also understand the overall height of the trundle. Make sure your trundle will fit under the bed. The trundle I designed uses 1x8s, and you will need at least 8″ of clearnance under the bed. If you have more clearance, you can use a 1×10. Measurents you will need: A) Overall height or clearance under the bed B) Overall distance between the legs of the bed (or the length of the siderails) C) Width of the bed. Overall width of the bed is approximately 39″ for a twin. Subtract 2″ from the overall height (A). This is approximately the greatest height you could make your trundle at. Of course you could make the trundle shorter. Subtract 1/2″ from the overall measurement (B). This is the greatest possible length of the trundle. Of course, you can make the trundle smaller. Remember, a standard trundle mattress measures 75″ x 39″. I recommend staying close to these dimensions in order to use a standard twin mattress, standard twin sheets, etc. I will note, however, that I did make the top of my playhouse bed loft 72″ x 36″ and a mattress fit fine up there.
Step 2
Cut your plywood equal to the distance figured for C as the width of the plywood. Cut the length of your plywood the distance of A – 1 1/2″. In this example, B = 72, so the plan shows the trundle to be cut at 70 1/2″. C = 38 1/2″, and the plywood is cut at 38 1/2″. (Also note that these are the correct dimensions for a storage trundle for the Simple Daybed.) Attach the ends, as shown above. This example shows the use of 1x8s. For a deeper trundle, you can use 1x10s (if your bed has at least 10″ of clearance). Leave a 2″ clearance under the plywood when attaching the trundle sides, this is shown above. Use the 2″ screws to predrill through the trundle sides and screw into the bottom. If you are using MDF, make sure you predrill the entire depth of the screw and use drywall screws NOT wood screws. Avoid screwing within 1″ of the end edges of the MDF.
Step 3
Attach the Trundle Sides. Attach the trundle sides in the same manner as step 1. However, make sure you also screw into the end edges of the trundle side ends.
Step 4
Caster Wheels. Worried about the middle of your trundle sagging? Don’t be. This trundle is not going to sag. Add trundle wheels to each of the four corners and two wheels in the center of the trundle, as shown above. The center trundle wheels will act as a support and prevent the center of the trundle from sagging.
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/trundle-bed-or-storage