How to build a bed frame with drawers

This step by step project is about how to build a bed frame with drawers. Building a bed with drawers will create a significant storage space for your bedroom, but you need to adjust its dimensions as to fit you needs. This woodworking project features a traditional farmhouse bed frame with three drawers on each side, along with detailed diagrams. Don’t forget to take a look at the king size bed plans, if you want a more simple approach.

There are a few aspects that you should take into account when building the bed frame with drawers. Don’t forget that these plans are designed for a king-size bed frame, so you should adjust the dimensions, if you want to build a bed for your needs. Nevertheless, you should use the techniques and methods described in this article. Align the components at both ends before inserting the screws.

You should also adjust the size of the drawers according to your needs and budget. If you don’t want to create drawers on both sides of the bed frame, you should install a plywood sheet and install 1/4″ thick trims. It is essential to install proper slides otherwise the drawers won’t open and close properly. Work with attention and plan everything with great care, as opposed to other projects, this one requires complex woodworking skills. All the corners should be square and perfectly aligned. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a bed frame with drawers

Building a bed frame with drawers

Materials

• A – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 52”, 1 piece of 2×4 – 83 1/2”, 1 piece of 2×6 – 85 1/2”  HEADBOARD LEGS & TRIMS
• A – 14 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 29”, 4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 76 1/2” HEADBOARD PANEL 
• B – 2 pieces of 4×4 – 20 3/4”, 1 piece of 2×4 – 83 1/2”, 1 piece of 2×6 – 85 1/2” FOOTBOARD
• B – 14 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 14 3/4”, 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 76 1/2” FOOTBOARD PANEL
• C – 4 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 80 1/2 x 14 3/4″, 8 pieces – 13 1/2 x 14 3/4″, 2 pieces – 15 x 80 1/2″ BOXES
• D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 80 1/2”, 13 pieces – 46 1/2″ FRAME
• E – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 48 x 80 1/2″ PLYWOOD
• F – 12 pieces of 1×10 – 14″, 12 pieces – 23 1/2″, 6 pieces of 1/4″ plywood –  24 3/4 x 14″ DRAWERS
• F – 6 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 25 1/2 x 13 1/4″, 12 pieces of 1×3 – 25 1/2″, 12 pieces – 13 1/4″ FACES

• 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 11 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 14 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8 ft
• 4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 8 ft
• 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 4 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 1 piece of 1/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 5 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 10 ft
• slides
• handles
• 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 storage bed
• Storage platform bed

How to build a bed frame with drawers

Building the headboard panel

The first step of the project is to build the headboard panel for the storage bed. Build the cleats out of 1×6 lumber and the panel slats out of 2×6 lumber. Lay the slats on a level surface making sure you leave no gaps between the components. Insert 1 1/4″ brad nails through the cleats into the slats and add glue to create rigid joints.

Attaching the legs

Drill pocket holes at both ends of the cleats and secure the panel to the 4×4 legs by inserting 1 1/4″ screws.

Building the headboard

Afterwards, drill pilot holes trough the top trims and lock them to the posts with wood glue and 2 1/2″ galvanized screws.

Building the foot board

Building the footboard is a straight forward process, if you have pay attention to the instructions described above. Always check if the corners are right angled and plumb the posts, before inserting the wood screws. Center the top trim before locking it into place with screws and waterproof glue. Use the same techniques described above to assemble the footboard.

Footboards

After the glue has dried out, you should continue the woodworking project by making the plywood boxes that will make the whole structure rigid. Work with attention and with great care, if you want to get a professional result.

Building the storage units

Building the storage units is a straight forward process, as you need to build the components out of 3/4″ plywood. Smooth the edges with fine-grit sandpaper and dill pocket holes at both ends of the vertical partitions. Align the edges with attention and join the components together by inserting 1 1/4″ screws.

Attaching the back

Build the back of the storage units out of 3/4″ plywood. Set the component to the frame and secure it into place using 1 1/4″ screws, after drilling pilot holes. Align the edges with great care and leave no gaps between the components.

Building the drawers frame

Fit the storage units to the bed frame, as described in the diagram.

Attaching the drawers frame

Fit the plywood boxes between the headboard and the footboard and lock them into place with 2 1/2″ galvanized screws. Use a spirit level to check if the boxes are horizontal. Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. In addition, use a carpentry square to check if the corners are right-angled.

Attaching the support slats

The next step of the project is to build a small frame, using 2×4 lumber and 3 1/2″ screws. Drill pilot holes through the rim joists and insert 2 1/4″ screws into the perpendicular components (the short ones).

After assembling the frame, you should attach it between the boxes and lock it to the footboard and headboard, using screws. Recess the frame 3/4″ from the top of the boxes, as you need to fit a plywood sheet over the structure. Level the frame with a spirit level, if you want to get a professional result.

Attach the 48″ x 80 1/2″ piece of plywood on top of the frame and lock it into place with several 1 1/4″ nails. Make sure the surface is even and perfectly horizontal.

Building the drawers

The next step of the woodworking project is to build the drawers. In order to get a professional result, we recommend you to build the frame of the drawers from 1×10 lumber. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the side components and secure them to the front and back faces. Make sure the corners are right-angled before inserting the screws.

Attaching the bottom to the drawers

Cut a piece of 1/4″ plywood and attach it to the bottom of the drawer by using brad nails and glue. Make sure the edges are aligned perfectly before inserting the nails.

Building the drawers

Attach 1/4″ thick trims around the edges, as in the image. Work with attention, in order to prevent costly mistakes. Attach the front faces to the drawer after installing them into place, by using slides. Drill pilot holes trough the frame and insert 1 1/4″ screws from the inside into the faces.

Fitting the drawers

Fit the drawers inside the boxes, by using metal slides. Make sure you leave a clearance gap of about 1/8″ around all the edges. Make sure the drawers open and close easily, before continuing the project with the finishing touches.

Bed frame with drawers plans

This bed frame with storage shelves is ideal for any bedroom as it helps you organize everything will less effort. Therefore, the room will be less clogged with items such as clothes. blankets or pillows.

How to build a bed frame with drawers

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.

If you want to download the plans. just click on the GET PDF PLANS button bellow.

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