Hey there, fellow craft enthusiasts! Robert Kline here, ready to guide you through an exciting project that combines practicality with stunning design: a custom-built storage bed. Imagine this—a cozy haven for sleep and a clever storage solution, all rolled into one beautiful piece. Intrigued? Let’s dive into the world of woodworking and create a bed that’s uniquely yours!

Understanding the Basics: Bed Frame Anatomy

Before we grab our tools, let’s break down the basic building blocks of a bed frame. While beds come in all shapes and sizes, they typically consist of these essential components:

Headboard: This is the statement piece at the head of the bed, adding style and often serving as a backrest.
Footboard: Positioned at the foot of the bed, the footboard adds to the bed’s overall look and can sometimes incorporate extra features like storage.
Side Rails: These sturdy supports connect the headboard and footboard, providing a framework for the bed.
Slats: These horizontal supports span across the bed frame, offering a foundation for your mattress. Some designs might use a box spring instead of slats.

DIY Oak storage bed assembled with slats against white wall–no mattress on top yet

Now, let’s talk about storage beds. They retain these core components but cleverly integrate drawers into the footboard or side rails. In this guide, we’ll focus on a design with spacious drawers built into the side rails.

Why Side Rail Storage?

You might be wondering why we’re favoring side rail storage over maximizing space with drawers in both the footboard and headboard. Well, picture this: you’ve built the ultimate storage bed, complete with drawers at the head. Then, you add those perfect nightstands… only to realize the drawers are blocked!

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To avoid this design dilemma, we’re strategically placing our drawers in the side rails, leaving ample space for nightstands and maintaining a clean, minimalist aesthetic.

Essential Considerations Before You Begin

This DIY storage bed project is a rewarding endeavor for those with some woodworking experience. It involves multiple steps and components, making it a fantastic project for intermediate-level crafters.

Material Selection

I opted for the warmth and durability of red oak plywood and lumber for my bed. However, feel free to explore other cost-effective options like birch plywood and pine or spruce lumber.

Key Tools and Techniques

To bring your storage bed to life, you’ll be using some handy tools and techniques, including:

Pocket hole joinery: This strong and efficient method will be our go-to for creating sturdy joints.
Drawer slide installation: We’ll master the art of smoothly integrating drawer slides for effortless gliding.
Edge banding (optional): For a polished look, we’ll explore the technique of concealing plywood edges with edge banding.

Don’t worry if these terms sound unfamiliar! I’ll provide clear explanations and resources as we move through the steps.

Getting Started: Planning Your Bed Size

Bed frames and mattresses come in various sizes, so choosing the right dimensions is crucial. Refer to this chart for standard mattress sizes:

Twin: 38″ x 75″
Full: 54″ x 75″
Queen: 60″ x 80″
King: 76″ x 80″

Pro Tip: When building your bed frame, add an extra ½” to both the width and length of your mattress dimensions. This ensures a comfortable fit and makes it easier to put on those fitted sheets!

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Assembling Your Dream Storage Bed: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get building!

Step 1: Crafting the Storage Bed Side Rails

Cut and Trim: Begin by cutting two pieces of ¾” plywood to the desired length for your side rails. Then, using 1x3s, add a touch of style and dimension by trimming the top, sides, and center of the side rails.
Create Drawer Openings: Carefully cut out sections from the side rails where your drawers will be located. Save these cutouts—they’ll be transformed into drawer fronts later!
Build and Attach the Drawer Framing: Assemble a sturdy 2×4 frame to house the drawer boxes and attach it to the side rails using pocket holes and screws.
Add Support for Slats: Secure a 1×2 (or a 2×2 if you prefer) to each side rail, just above the drawer opening, to provide support for your bed slats.

Robert Kline Art Tip: When cutting out the drawer openings, drill pilot holes just outside your cutting lines to avoid damaging the cutouts that will become drawer fronts.

Step 2: Integrating Drawers into the Side Rails

Install Drawer Slides: Carefully mount ball-bearing drawer slides onto the 2×4 framing. Ensure they are inset 1 ½” from the front edge of the trim for smooth operation.
Build and Attach Drawer Boxes: Construct two identical drawer boxes (refer to my guide on building drawer boxes for detailed instructions) and attach them to the slides.
Add Drawer Fronts: Remember those cutouts we saved earlier? Trim them to size and attach them to the drawer boxes using wood screws.

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Pro Tip: Leave a small ⅛” gap around all sides of the drawer fronts to prevent rubbing and ensure smooth opening and closing.

Step 3: Building the Headboard

Assemble the Frame: Create a robust 2×4 frame for the headboard by joining two legs and a top piece using dowel pins and glue (or pocket holes and screws).
Attach the Plywood Panel: Cut a ¾” plywood panel to fit inside the frame and secure it using pocket holes and screws.
Add Trim for Style: Enhance the headboard’s look with 1×4 and 1×3 trim, attaching it to the plywood panel with glue or brad nails.

Step 4: Constructing the Footboard

Repeat the process used for the headboard to create the footboard, adjusting the height to your liking.

Robert Kline Art Tip: For added dimension and a polished look, consider adding ⅜” x ¾” strips along the sides of the 1x3s and the outer edges of the headboard and footboard panels.

Step 5: Assembling the Bed Frame

Connect the Pieces: With the side rails, headboard, and footboard complete, it’s time to bring them together! Use bed rail brackets to securely attach the side rails to the headboard and footboard legs.
Add Support for Drawers: Reinforce the drawer framing by screwing 2×4 blocks into the back, ensuring the drawers remain level.
Apply Your Desired Finish: Disassemble the bed frame at the brackets and apply your preferred stain, paint, or finish.

Pro Tip: When working with bed rail brackets, the part with the “teeth” attaches to the side rails, while the part with the slots attaches to the head and footboard legs.

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Step 6: Installing the Bed Slats

Cut and Position the Slats: Cut 1×4 boards to size to create your bed slats. For added support, particularly for larger beds, consider adding 2×2 supports in the center of the frame.
Secure the Slats: Space the slats evenly along the 1×2 supports on the side rails and secure them with 1 ¼” wood screws.

Congratulations! Your DIY Storage Bed is Ready

Take a moment to admire your handiwork! You’ve successfully built a beautiful and functional storage bed that combines clever design with your personal touch. Now, add your mattress, pillows, and cozy bedding, and get ready to enjoy the perfect blend of style and storage.

Looking for More DIY Inspiration?

If you’re eager to explore more exciting woodworking projects, I invite you to visit the Robert Kline Art website. Discover a treasure trove of unique, handcrafted items perfect for adding character to your home or gifting to loved ones.