How to build a trundle bed

This step by step diy project is about how to build a twin size trundle bed. Building a trundle bed frame is a basic project is you take accurate measurements and choose straight forward carpentry techniques. Align all the components and drill pilot holes before inserting the screws, if you are decided to get the job done as a professional and to keep the costs under control.

This bed frame is designed for a standard twin mattress, in other words for a 39″ x 75″ mattress. Nevertheless, we strongly recommend you to take accurate measurements before starting the project. Therefore, you should check if the trundle bed will fit under the existing bed, before starting the actual construction. In our case, we have designed the trundle bed to fit under a simple daybed. You can see here how to build the daybed.

Generally speaking, trundle beds should have a twin size, especially if your room is short of space. From our experience, we recommend you to add caster wheels to the bed frame, as to slide it in and out, whenever you need additional sleeping space. Sand the exposed edges of the bed frame with a sanding block and clean the residues before applying the costs of stain or paint. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

 

Building a trundle bed frame

Building a trundle bed

Materials

• A – 2 pieces of 1×6 or 1×8 lumber – 79” long, 2 pieces of – 40” long FRAME
• B – 3 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 77 1/2” long CLEATS
• C – 11 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 40″ long SLATS
• D – 4 pieces of caster wheels – 2 1/2” long WHEELS

• 3 pieces of 1×6 or 1×8 lumber – 8 ft
• 3  pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
• 3 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 10 ft
• caster wheels
• 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

Related

• How to build a daybed 
• How to build a storage bed
• Platform bed plans

How to build a trundle bed

Building the bed frame

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the frame of the trundle bed. As you can see in the image, we are going to use 1×10 lumber for this project, by you could use 1×6, 1×8 or even 1×12 lumber, as to suit your needs. In addition, you should modify the size of the bed frame as to make sure it fits under the initial bed.

Installing the trims

The next step of the project is to attach 2×2 cleats to both sides of the bed frame. As you can notice in the image, we recommend you to fit three cleats, if you want to provide support to the wooden structure. Pre-drill the cleats and inset galvanized screws into the side components. In addition, add waterproof glue to the joints, if you want to create a rigid structure.

Attaching the slats

Afterwards, you should attach the support slats to the cleats and space them properly. Drill several pilot hole at both ends of the slats and insert screws into the cleats. Make sure the top of the mattress is at the same level with the frame, if you want to get a professional appearance.

Attaching caster wheels

One of the last steps of the project is to attach the 2 1/2″ caster wheels to the bed frame, as in the free plans. Align the wheels and secure them to the cleats with galvanized screws.

How to build a trundle 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. Fit the trundle bed under the existing bed and enjoy the additional sleeping space whenever is necessary.

Thank you for reading our project about how to build a trundle bed frame and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

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