Toddler bed plans

This step by step diy article is about toddler bed plans. There are many designs to choose form when building a toddler bed, but this project features a bed frame with an unique look. Although there are many designs you could choose from, in this article we will show you all you have to know about making a classic bulk bed out of common materials. If you have worked with lumber before, the carpentry techniques should be familiar to you.

Buy quality lumber, made for building lumber, if you want to get a durable bed. Nevertheless, you could save some money if you purchase lumber with knots, which could even enhance the look of project, giving it a rustic appearance. Select the slats with great attention, checking if they are in a good condition (the lumber has to be straight and without chips, dents or cracks).

Always aligned the components before locking them together with screws. In addition, we recommend you to pre-drill the lumber, otherwise the wood might easily split. Add glue to the joints, if you want to enhance their bond. Smooth the cut edges with fine grit sandpaper and remove the residues using a vacuum cleaner. Make sure you take a look over the related plans to get an idea about what you can build for your home. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a toddler bed

Materials

A – 5 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 58” long LEGS
B – 6 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 28″ long, 2 pieces – 52″ long FRAME
C – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 52” long CLEATS
E – 4 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 9 1/2″x11″ long DECORATIVE ELEMENTS
F – 11 piece of 1×4 lumber – 28” long SLATS
G – 2 piece of 2×2 lumber – 28” long, 2 pieces – 52″ long SUPPORTS

5 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 10 ft
4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 8 ft
3 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 10 ft
1 piece of 3/4″ – 2’x2′
mattress
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue
stain

Tools

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

Tips

Pre-drill holes in the wooden components, before driving in the screws
Smooth the exposed edges, by using a router with a 1/4” bit

Time

One day

Building a toddler bed

Building the sides of the toddler bed

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the sides of the toddler bed. In order to get a professional manner, we recommend you to build the legs out of 2×2 lumber and the panels out of 1×6 lumber. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the slats and secure them to the legs using 1 1/4″ screws. Leave no gaps between the components and add waterproof glue to enhance the rigidity of the structure.

Fitting the side components

Continue the project by fitting the side components to the toddler bed frame. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the slats and secure them to the 2×2 legs by inserting 1 1/4″ galvanized screws. Place a spirit level on the side components to check if they are perfectly horizontal. In addition, make sure the corners are square.

Fitting the cleats

Attach the 2×2 cleats to the bed frame, as described in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the cleats and insert 2″ screws into the side components. Add glue to the joints and make sure the corners are right-angled.

Fitting the slats

Continue the woodworking project by attaching the 1×4 slats to the cleats. Place the slats equally-spaced and secure them into place using 1 1/4″ screws.

Building the decorative elements

If you want to enhance the look of the toddler bed frame, we recommend you to build decorative elements. Mark the cut lines on the 3/4″ plywood piece and get the job done with a jigsaw. Smooth the cut edges with fine-grit sandpaper.

Attaching the supports

Attach the 2×2 supports to the top of the legs. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the components and secure them to the legs using 2 1/2″ screws. Add glue to the joints and make sure the corners are square.

Toddler bed plans

Last but not least, you need to take care of the final touches. Therefore, you need fill all the holes with a good filler and let the compound to dry out properly, before sanding the wooden surface with 120-grit sandpaper.

Thank you for reading our article about toddler bed plans and we recommend you to check out the rest of our home improvement projects. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE this projects to your friends, using the social media widgets, if you’ve found it useful.

PRINT PLAN