2×4 Toddler Bed Plans

This step by step diy article is about 2×4 toddler bed plans. I continue my series of 2×4 bed frame projects with this super simple design about building a toddler bed. If you like the rustic design, this will be a super easy bed frame to make and very durable. Make sure you smooth the edges and the corners so it will be toddler friendly and safe. This farmhouse style bed frame is built mainly from 2x4s  and it will be really sturdy.

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 HERE.

Made from this plan

2×4 Toddler Bed Plans

Building a toddler bed from 2x4s

Materials

• A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 30″ long, 2 pieces – 28″ long, 5 pieces – 15″ long HEADBOARD
• B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 30″ long, 2 pieces – 28″ long, 5 pieces – 5″ long FOOTBOARD
• C – 2 piece of 2×4 lumber – 53” long SUPPORT SLATS
• D – 1 piece of 1×1 lumber – 53″ long CLEATS
• E – 12 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 28” long SLATS
• F – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 5 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 30″ long, 1 piece – 23″ long 2xGUARD RAILS

• 7 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 1 piece of 1×1 lumber – 6′
• 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 6′
• bed rail brackets
• 2 1/2″ screws, 2 1/2″ pocket screws
• putty, glue, stain
• toddler mattress

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

Related

• How to build a toddler bed
• How to build a storage bed frame
• How to build a crib

Building a 2×4 toddler bed

Headboard frame – toddler bed

First of all, you need to assemble the headboard for the toddler bed. Therefore, start by assembling the frame from 2x4s. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the horizontal supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything together tightly. Align the edges flush and make sure the corners are square. Work on a level surface and leave no gaps between the components so you get a professional result.

Headboard panel slats

Next, fit the 2×4 slats to the panel. Cut a wood block at 1 3/4″ and fit it between the slats to create even gaps. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the slats and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything together tightly.

Fitting the top slat – Toddler bed headboard

Fit a decorative 2×4 to the top of the headboard, as shown in the diagram. Center the slat into place, so it has 1″ overhangs on all sides and lock it into place with 2 1/2″ screws, after drilling pilot holes.

Assembling the footboard – toddler bed

Next, you need to assemble the frame for the footboard.

Fitting the slats – footboard panel

Fit the slats to the footboard panel.

Top slat – Footboard

Attach the top fdecorative slat to the footboard, as show in the plans.

Assembling the bed frame

Once you have the footboard and the headboard assembled, you need to join them together. Use 2x4s for the side supports. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the slats and use 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly. Make sure the corners are square.

Fitting the cleats

Next, attach the 1×1 or 1×2 cleats to the bed frame. Drill pocket holes as shown in the plans and then secure them to the bed frame with 1 5/8″ screws.

Fitting the support slats

Fit the 1×4 slats to the bed frame, leaving 1″ between them. Use 1 5/8″ screws to secure the slats to the cleats.

Assembling the guard rails

Next, you need to assemble the guard rails. Use 2×4 lumber for the components. Drill pocket holes to the components, as shown in the plans and assemble everything with 2 1/2″ screws. Leave no gaps between the components and align the edges flush.

Fitting the guard rails

Drill pocket holes through the guard rails (drill them along the inside faces, so you hide them) and lock them to the bed frame with 2 1/2″ screws. Drill a pilot holes through the headboard and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the guardrails.

2×4 Toddler Bed Plans

How to build a toddler bed from 2x4s

Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood putty and then smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Apply a few coats of paint or stain If you want a smaller version of these plans take a look over them HERE. In addition, make sure you check out all my indoor plans HERE.

Thank you for reading our article about 2×4 toddler size bed plans and we recommend you to check out the rest of our home improvement projects. Don’t forget to share this projects to your friends, using the social media widgets, if you’ve found it useful. Like us on Facebook to be the first that gets the latest updates and to help us create more free plans for you.

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