How to build a toddler bed

This step by step diy project is about how to build a toddler bed frame. Building a toddler bed is a simple project if you know the basic techniques and use proper materials. Please red the instructions and take a look over the rest of the bed frame plans, before starting the construction process, as there are a lot of tricks that you could learn. Plan everything and work with good judgement.

There are many aspects that you should take into account before starting the construction of the wooden bed frame. First of all, we recommend you to adjust the size of the frame to the size of the mattress you are going to use. The bed frame in this project is designed for a 27 1/4″ x 51 5/8″ mattress, but you can easily adjust the size of the bed to your needs, while using the same techniques shown.

If you want to get the job done in a professional manner and to build a durable bed, you need to invest in high quality materials. Therefore, you should choose pine slats and to make sure they are in a very good condition. The slats should be perfectly straight and without any visible flaws. Always pre-drill the components before inserting the galvanized screws, as to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a toddler bed

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 9” long, 2 pieces – 24” long LEGS
B – 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 52”, 1 piece – 27 1/2”, 1 piece of 2×6 – 27 1/2” FRAME
C – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 52″ long, 11 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 27 1/2″ long SLATS
D – 1 piece of 2×8 lumber – 30 1/2” long ARCHED TOP
E – 8 piece of 1×4 lumber – 20 1/2″ long HEADBOARD
F – 4 pieces of 1×2 – 25″ long, 2 pieces – 10″ long RAILS

2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 3 ft
1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 12 ft
1 piece of 2×8 lumber – 3 ft
2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 10 ft
mattress
1 1/4″ screws
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ brad nails
glue, stain

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface

Time

One Day

Building the legs

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the legs of the bed frame. As you can see in the image, we recommend you to build these components from 2×2 lumber and to cut them at the required size using a circular saw. Cut small notches in the legs of the headboard, by making several 3/4″ deep cuts and by cleaning the recess with a chisel.

Building the bed frame

The next step is to build the frame of the toddler bed. Use 1×6 lumber for the side and the footer components and 2×6 lumber for the slat fitted between the footer components. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the slats and lock them to the legs with screws and waterproof glue. Make sure the corners are right angled by using a carpentry square. In addition, check if the slats are horizontal with a spirit level.

Building the arched top

In order to enhance the look of the toddler bed frame, we recommend you to create an unique headboard. Therefore, you should start with building the arched top. As you can notice in the image, we recommend you to cut the components with a jigsaw, out of a piece of 2×8 lumber. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper in order to get a nice appearance.

Installing the headboard frame

Attach the arched component on top of the headboard legs and lock it into place with wood screws or with wood dowels. Irrespective of your choice, we recommend you to add glue to the joints in order to enhance the rigidity of the structure.

Attaching the cleats

Attach the 2×2 cleats to both sides of the frame, making sure you adjust the location where you place them according to the thickness of the mattress.

Attaching the slats

Continue the woodworking project by attaching the 1×4 slats on top of the side cleats. As you can notice in the image, we recommend you to drill pilot holes and to insert screws into the cleats, after spacing the slats properly.

Building the headboard

After installing the arched top into place and letting the glue to dry out, you need to fit the 1×4 slats of the headboard. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the slats and insert the screws into the frame. Add waterproof glue between the slats, in order to close the gaps between them. Make sure you remove the excess glue with a dry cloth.

Fitting the side rails

Taking into account this project is about a toddler bed, you need to attach rails to both sides of the frame. As you can notice in the image, we recommend you to build the rails from 1×2 lumber and to lock them together with 1 1/4″ screws and glue. Don’t forget to countersink the head of the screws, as to get a neat appearance.

How to build a toddler bed

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Afterwards, smooth the wooden surface with fine-grit sandpaper and vacuum the residues.

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