This was a very emotional DIY for me, seeing my daughter grow up so fast and saying goodbye to her crib... but it was also a very fun project to do because my daughter helped me build her own bed and we had a lot of fun.

Why this DIY

What I definitely didn't want was having to buy a new bed every few years. Not only because of the costs but also because I'm trying to minimalize my consumption. So when I was looking for a toddler bed I wanted something durable but I just couldn't find what I was looking for or I didn't like the price tag. So me being me I thought why not build one myself?!

I know, I'm not the best at drawing sketches :)

I based the dimensions of the bed on the measurement of a standard single mattress (90 cm x 200 cm).

When drilling holes using the pocket-hole jig make sure the holes are faced to the back or inwards so they’re not visible after assembling the bed.

What you need

Tools:

  • mitre saw
  • pocket-hole jig
  • drill
  • 18 mm spade drill bit
  • wood glue
  • clamps
  • optional: nail gun, paint/wood stain

Base frame:

  • 2 pieces of 70 mm wide x 27 mm thick x 207.3 cm long standard pine
  • 2 pieces of 70 mm wide x 27 mm thick x 91 cm long standard pine
  • 2 pieces of supporting slats of 27 mm wide x 27 mm thick x 198 cm long standard pine
  • 4 pieces of 68 mm wide x 45 mm thick x 15 cm long standard pine for the legs
  • base slats; I bought one from Ikea, but of course you can make it yourself

Guard rails (sides and back):

  • 2 pieces of 35 mm wide x 27 mm thick x 91 cm long standard pine for the sides
  • 1 piece of 35 mm wide x 27 mm thick x 198 cm long standard pine for the back
  • 4 pieces of 35 mm wide x 27 mm thick x 38 cm long standard pine for the vertical support on each corner of the base frame
  • 29 rods of 18 mm diameter x 41 cm long

Removable guard rails (front):

  • 4 pieces of 35 mm wide x 27 mm thick x 66,5 cm long standard pine
  • 4 pieces of 35 mm wide x 27 mm thick x 34,5 cm long standard pine
  • 8 rods of 18 mm diameter x 37 cm long

How to

  1. build the base framework using the pocket-hole jig
  2. drill 29 holes 1/2 into the base frame on the sides and the back (not the front!) using the 18 mm spade drill bit
  3. assemble the guard rails (back and sides) and mount them into the base frame using wood glue (rods) and screws (for the vertical supports)
  4. assemble the front guard rails just like the side and back guard rails
  5. attach the 2 supporting slats on either sides using screws or a nail gun
  6. attach the legs
  7. attach the front guard rails on both sides; these will be removable
  8. Sand it using a fine grid
  9. I love the look and feel of the natural wood but you can paint it or stain it

images numbered with corresponding steps:

Visit my instagram page for the tutorial video and more details.

I hope I have inspired you to build one and if you do please do tag me. I would love to see it!

Love,

Mina (@home.by.mi)

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