Unleash your artistic talents and help your toddler transition out of the crib with a fun bed. A standard crib or toddler mattress will fit in this project.
Assemble the bed framing
General: Cut and label the parts as needed, using the Cut List and Cutting Diagram as guides and adjusting for fit.
a. Following the (01) side layout in Figure 1, measure and mark the dimensions on one (01) side, and cut out the part using a jigsaw.
Use this part to lay out and cut the second (01) side.
b. On each (01) side, measure and mark for the painted butterfly pattern as shown in the (01) side grid layout.
TIP: Learn how to easily transfer a pattern to wood using a grid.
c. Using glue and nails, attach a (02) long rail to each (01) side as shown in Figure 2 at the positions marked in Step 1a.
d. Using glue and nails, attach the (03) nose to one of the (04) short rails with the lower edges and centerlines flush. Drill pocket holes on the face of the nose/rail assembly for attaching to the (01) sides later.
e. Using glue and nails, attach the second (04) short rail to the (05) headboard with the lower edges and centerlines flush.
f. Drill pocket holes on the back of the (05) headboard for attaching to the (01) sides later.
g. Using glue and nails, attach the (06) shelf to the top edge of the (05) headboard as shown in Figure 2.
h. Drill pocket holes on the back of the (07) shelf back.
i. Using glue and pocket hole screws, attach the (08) legs to the (01) sides as shown in Figure 2.
j. Temporarily assemble all of the parts using pocket hole screws only. Do not use glue at this time.
k. Trace the outlines of the nose assembly and the headboard/shelf assembly onto the (01) sides. Do not paint within the marked outlines because these parts will be glued in the final assembly.
l. Remove the pocket hole screws, and paint all of the assemblies.
m. Reassemble the painted parts using glue and pocket hole screws.
Add the mattress support
a. Check the inside dimensions of the assembly at points just above the rails.
b. Cut the (09) mattress support 1/8 inch less than the dimensions of the opening.
c. Attach the (09) mattress support to the rails using pocket hole screws, as shown in Figure 3, but without drilling pocket holes.
Add the top shelf and finishing touches
a. Round over the edges of the (10) top shelf with a power sander.
b. Using glue and nails, attach the (10) top shelf to the top of the bed assembly as shown in Figure 4.
c. Attach nail-on furniture glides to the (08) legs. Paint the (10) top shelf, and touch up paint as needed. Allow to dry.
Cut List
| Part | Material | Size | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sides | 3/4-inch plywood | 3/4 x 23 7/8 x 65 | 2 | |
| Long rails | 2 x 4 | 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 x 53-7/8 | 2 | |
| Nose | 1 x 8 | 3/4 x 6 x 30 | 1 | |
| Short rails | 2 x 4 | 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 x 27 | 2 | |
| Headboard | 3/4-inch plywood | 3/4 x 14-3/8 x 30 | 1 | |
| Shelf | 1 x 8 | 3/4 x 4 x 30 | 1 | |
| Shelf Back | 3/4-inch plywood | 3/4 x 5-1/2 x 30 | 1 | |
| Legs | 2 x 4 | 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 x 4-3/8 | 4 | |
| Mattress support | 3/8-inch plywood | 3/8 x 29-3/4 x 53-7/8 | 1 | |
| Top shelf | 1 x 8 | 3/4 x 7-1/4 x 33 | 1 | |
Finished Dimensions
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