Children’s furniture is expensive and prices are going up. When your toddler outgrows the crib, don’t toss out the mattress. While you’re redecorating their room, use the mattress as a base for a one of a kind daybed. Your toddler will love having “big kid” furniture sized just for them.
You will need:
· 5 each 2-by-2 boards, 8′ long · 1 each 2-by-6 board, 8′ long · 1 each 1-by-6 board, 10′ long · 1 each 1-by-3 board, 43″ long · 2 each 4-by-8 sheets furniture grade plywood or MDF hardboard · Drill, bits and countersink bits · 1 box each 3″ screws · 1 box each 2″ screws · 1 box each 1 ¼” screws · Construction adhesive · 3 yards of ½” thick upholstery batting, 4 feet wide · 3 yards decorator fabric – if using one way fabric, stripes or fabric that has a pattern that needs to be matched, purchase more fabric. · Measuring tape · Saw · Heavy duty staple gun with ½” staples · Sandpaper in various grits · Wood putty · Carpenter’s square · Scissors and measuring tape · Spring clamps · 1 box ¾” screws
Cutting List:
Cut the boards to the following lengths:
· Cut seven 2-by-2 boards each 25″ long · Cut two 2-by-2 boards each 52″ long · Cut seven 2-by-2 boards each 25″ long · Cut two 2-by-2 boards each 9″ long · Cut two 2-by-2 boards each 29″ long · Cut one 2-by-2 boards each 49″ long · Cut two 1-by-6 boards each 53 ½” long · Cut two 1-by-6 boards each 28″ long · Cut two 1-by-3 boards each 23 ½” long · Cut two ¼” plywood boards each measuring 52″ by 23 ½” · Cut one ¼” plywood board measuring 52″ by 28″
Hint: Sanding each piece as you cut it makes the work go faster. The fabric and batting won’t catch on the wood, and if at a future time you want to change the bed, it’s ready for stain, paint, etc.
Hint: Before inserting screws, apply construction adhesive for a stronger joints.
Hint: For even stronger joints at the corners and joists, use corner braces throughout. This is especially important for heavier children, or if an adult may decide to sit on it for a while. It won’t collapse, but children shouldn’t jump on it or use it as a ladder to stand on.
Step One:
Build the bed frame by placing the 25″ (2-by-2) boards vertically, with the two 52″ (2-by-2) at the top and bottom. Using the carpenter’s square, attach the shorter boards inside the longer boards at each end. Pre-drill the holes, and attach the 3″ screws.
Space the rest of the boards evenly inside the space, using the carpenter’s square to ensure the boards are straight. Use one screw per joint.
Step Two:
Now for the front legs. Using the carpenter’s square, attach the front legs to each end of the top board at the corners. They should be on the same long side. Pre-drill and insert a 3″ screw into each board. Make sure the flat side of the leg is flush with the flat side of the boards.
Step Three:
It’s going to sound like we’re jumping ahead, but we’re really not.
Gather the two 28″ 1-by-6 pieces, the spray adhesive, quilt batting, scissors, measuring tape, staples and fabric.
Hint: When working with directional fabric, that is the pattern goes in one direction, use this hint. Before cutting, measure the fabric for the boards before cutting. Using disappearing fabric ink or chalk, draw the pieces unto the fabric and label- right side, left side and front. You’ll use far less fabric than if you have to re-cut.
Lay the fabric, face (good) side down on the table. Lay the quilt batting on top of it.
Lay the 1-by-6 down on top of the quilt batting. Cut the batting 3″ larger than the board and cut the fabric just enough to extend to the back of the board. Sort of like wrapping a present.
Spray the board with adhesive and attach the batting. Working slowly, pull the center of the fabric over the top of the board, taking care not to pull the bottom fabric over the board. Staple in place on the back of the board. Pull the opposite side of the fabric to the back as well, and staple in place. Move to the ends, then begin to staple the fabric all the way around, mitering the corners. Fold the ends under neatly, and staple.
Do the same to the second board.
To attach to the frame, clamp the upholstered boards to the ends of the bed, flush (even with) the front legs. Allow the boards to extend ¾” above the bed frame. This will keep the mattress from slipping off the bed.
Drill through the inside of the frame into the upholstered boards and attach with the 2″ screws. Attach the boards to the legs as well from the inside.
Step Four:
Upholster the 53″ 1-by-6 for the front, and attach to the front with the same method as the sides.
Step Five:
Now we’re ready to make the headboard. Gather the two 29″ boards and the two 49″ boards.
Place the two 29″ 2-by-2 boards vertically at the sides. Place the 49″ 2-by-2 board inside the two vertical pieces at the top. Measure 23 ½” from the top of each vertical board and mark. The bottom of the 2-by-6 49″ board will attach here.
Using the carpenter’s square, attach the top rail inside the vertical boards and the bottom rail at the mark.
Attach the two 52 by 23 ½” plywood boards to the front and back, keeping them flush with the sides.
Attach the two 23 ½” 1-by-3’s to the sides, keeping the tops flush with the top of the headboard.
Step Six:
Upholster the headboard just as you did for the two side and front panels. Work around the legs as best you can.
You can attach the fabric to the back like an envelope, or just over the sides to the back and attach a sheet of fabric to cover the edges, or cover the top and back with the staples at the sides and underneath.
Step Seven:
Attach the headboard to the bed frame from the inside using the 3″ screws.
Using the ¾” screws, attach the plywood sheet to the bed joists.
Place the mattress on the bed and dress up with linens, pillows, stuffed animals, etc.
There. You’ve done it. Built your own toddler’s daybed with a minimum of materials and effort. And you spent nowhere near what the furniture stores are charging, and it’s in your child’s favorite color scheme.
You can save more money by using scrap wood in the same dimensions and fabrics from around the house. Use old curtains, sheets, blankets, quilts, or anything that suits the décor- yes, even the woobie. The child can have their favorite security blanket in another form. For at least a little while.
These plans are easily adjusted for a child’s twin bed, an adults twin, double, and so forth. When building an adult’s bed, use 2-by-4 lumber.
Source: Ana White, “DIY Upholstered Toddler Daybed,” HGTV website, no date given