- \n
- Difficulty: Intermediate \u2014 basic woodworking + accurate layout<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Total time: 10\u201318 hours (most hands-on)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cost (Queen): ~$300\u2013$600 (materials & hardware)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mattress used: Queen \u2014 60″ \u00d7 80″<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Drawer layout: 2 large at foot, 2 smaller (one per side)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Platform](\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2014\/09\/DIYBedwDrawers01.jpg\")
Do-It-Yourself Bed With Drawers<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n The Ultimate Space-Saving Solution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In any home, maximizing space is key, and the bedroom often presents the biggest challenge. The bed, while essential, can dominate a room, leaving little space for storage. That’s where a bed with drawers becomes an invaluable asset. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This isn’t just another piece of furniture; it’s a smart, functional solution that transforms often-wasted under-bed space into organized, accessible storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2023\/07\/Platform-Bed-with-Storage-Drawers.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhy a Bed With Drawers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Unlocks Hidden Storage<\/strong>\n
- \n
- The area beneath your bed is prime real estate. Built-in drawers convert this dusty void into practical, easy-to-access compartments for clothes, linens, books, or seasonal items.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Declutters Your Room<\/strong>\n
- \n
- By providing dedicated storage, a bed with drawers helps reduce clutter, making your bedroom feel more spacious and serene.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Customization & Cost-Effectiveness<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Unlike store-bought options, building your own allows for complete customization to fit your exact space and aesthetic. Plus, it’s significantly more budget-friendly than purchasing a comparable retail unit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Durability & Craftsmanship<\/strong>\n
- \n
- A DIY build often results in a more robust and durable piece of furniture, crafted with care and attention to detail that mass-produced items often lack.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Before you dive into the detailed build, understanding these core benefits highlights the value and practicality of this project. You’re not just building a bed; you’re building a smarter, more organized bedroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2014\/09\/BedWithDrawers2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nClick on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox. You can also view the images as a slideshow if you prefer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n ![\"An](\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2014\/09\/BedWithDrawers2.jpg\")
<\/a>Rustic bed with drawers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n ![\"An](\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2014\/09\/BedWithDrawers5.jpg\")
<\/a>The bed with drawers are also great for kids’ toy storage also<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n ![\"An](\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2014\/09\/BedWithDrawers4.jpg\")
<\/a>Bed with drawers without mattress <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n ![\"An](\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2014\/09\/BedWithDrawers1.jpg\")
<\/a>Bed with drawers are great storage solution to every bed room<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n ![\"An](\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2014\/09\/BedWithDrawers6.jpg\")
<\/a>Bed with drawers without mattress <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n ![\"An](\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2014\/09\/BedWithDrawers3.jpg\")
<\/a>Bed with drawers without mattress <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n Make Your DIY Bed With Drawers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Before you start<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Mattress used in the photos: Queen \u2014 60″ \u00d7 80″. The builder used a 5″ overhang, so frame finished at 75″ \u00d7 50″. Adjust these numbers if you are building a different size.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Work square, measure twice, cut once. Pre-fit parts dry before glue or final screws.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Safety: eye & ear protection, dust mask for plywood cutting, push sticks for table saw, gloves for finishing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
So, pick up the essential materials and tools, and discover the art of making a DIY bed with drawers \u2013 a practical and stylish addition to your living space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cutting List (Suggested for Queen Build as in Photos)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Lumber \u2014 2\u00d74 (actual 1.5″ \u00d7 3.5″):\n
- \n
- Outer frame rails: 2 @ 75″ (long sides)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Outer frame rails: 2 @ 50″ (short sides)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Top rails (inner rails that support mattress bay): 2 @ 75″ (or rip from 2\u00d74)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cross members: 6 @ ~50″ (spacing to suit drawer dividers & mattress support \u2014 see layout)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Head framing pieces for headboard area: 2 \u2013 4 pieces as required (cut to match height)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Plywood: (use 3\/4″ construction-grade plywood for floors; 3\/8″ \u2013 1\/2″ for dividers\/back)\n
- \n
- 3\/4″ plywood floor pieces: 2 \u00d7 (30″ \u00d7 25″) [author used one 30″ \u00d7 25″ half-width piece; plus a second mirror piece for the other half]<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 3\/4″ plywood edge strips: several @ 12″ wide \u00d7 length as needed (ripped from sheet) to run along outer edges<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 3\/4″ plywood long strips: ripped 12″ wide \u00d7 ~75″ (for outer edge support)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Drawer divider panels (3\/4″): 3 @ 14″ high \u00d7 28\u00bd” long (side drawer dividers)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Center end wall piece: 1 @ 14″ \u00d7 25″<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Drawer boxes: plywood for box sides (3\/8″\u20131\/2″ or 1\/2″ for strength), plywood bottoms (1\/4″ luan or 3\/8″)\n
- \n
- Drawer box parts: size depends on openings; the builder used drawers ~20″ wide (box width = opening – 1″). Plan sizes per your drawer openings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Misc: veneer edging, filler, stain, polyurethane.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What Materials Are Needed to Build a Bed With Drawers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Wood glue (exterior-rated not necessary; PVA is fine)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Screws: 2-1\/2″ for structural 2\u00d74-to-2\u00d74 and 2\u00d74-to-plywood joints; 1-1\/4″ for plywood-to-plywood where appropriate<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Finish nails: 1-1\/4″ for trim and drawer assembly (pneumatic nailer recommended)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wood filler (plastic wood; tint with stain if needed)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Drawer slides: full-extension ball-bearing type; pick rating (e.g., 100 lb) appropriate for load<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Birch iron-on veneer edging for exposed plywood ends<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Table Saw<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hammer<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Chisel<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Drill<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mitre Saw<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Circular Saw<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sander<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pneumatic Nailer<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Foam Brush<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Iron<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Clamps<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Carpenters Square<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How to Build Your DIY Bed With Drawers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"DIYBedwDrawers02\"](\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2014\/09\/DIYBedwDrawers02.jpg\")
Building the bed frame with drawers!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Step 1: Build the Base Frame<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What you’re building:<\/strong> The outer perimeter base that supports the entire bed structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Cut four pieces of 2\u00d74 lumber: two at 75″ (long sides) and two at 50″ (short sides). These dimensions are for a Queen mattress (60″ \u00d7 80″) with a 5″ overhang on all sides.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lay the 2\u00d74s on edge (so the 3.5″ dimension is vertical) to create a sturdy, 3.5″-tall base frame. This orientation provides maximum strength and creates a deep recess for the mattress.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"DIYBedwDrawers03\"](\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2014\/09\/DIYBedwDrawers03.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAssembly:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Dry-fit the four pieces into a rectangle on a flat work surface.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use a carpenter’s square to check all four corners for 90\u00b0 angles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Measure diagonals corner-to-corner-they; they must match exactly to confirm the frame is square.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Apply wood glue to joints, then pre-drill pilot holes and drive 2-1\/2″ screws through the long rails into the ends of the short rails (two screws per corner minimum).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use wood shims under the frame to level it on your work surface.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Clamp the frame securely to your bench to prevent movement during the next steps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Builder’s tip:<\/strong> Pre-drilling prevents splitting, especially near board ends. Always check the square before final fastening \u2014 a twisted base will cause problems later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"DIYBedwDrawers04\"](\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2014\/09\/DIYBedwDrawers04.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 2: Plan the Two-Halves Split and Drawer Layout<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What you’re planning:<\/strong> A bed built in two mirror-image halves for easier transport through doorways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark the centerline of your 75″ frame (at 37.5″). Each half will be built identically, then joined on-site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plan your drawer layout:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Foot of the bed<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Two large drawers, each approximately 20″ wide.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sides of bed<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Two smaller drawers (one per side), also approximately 20″ wide.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Head of bed<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Leave approximately 13″ of open space for a nightstand area (if adding a headboard later, plan 6″\u20138″ depth, leaving ~20″ usable nightstand space).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Materials for each half:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- 2\u00d74 lumber for top rails and cross members<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 3\/4″ plywood for floor panels and drawer dividers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Drawer slides, screws, glue<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Builder’s tip:<\/strong> Sketch your drawer layout on paper with exact measurements before cutting. This prevents costly mistakes and ensures drawers fit your storage needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Cut and Fit Top Rails with Half-Lap Joints<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What you’re building:<\/strong> Inner top rails that support the mattress and accept plywood floor panels via half-lap joints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"DIYBedwDrawers05\"](\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2014\/09\/DIYBedwDrawers05.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAction:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cut inner top rails from 2\u00d74 lumber to run the length of the bed (approximately 75″, or split into sections if building in halves).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"DIYBedwDrawers06\"](\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2014\/09\/DIYBedwDrawers06.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHalf-lap joint:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The inner rail that meets the plywood floor panel needs a half-lap joint cut into its end.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Measure the thickness of your 3\/4″ plywood (actual thickness is often ~0.7″).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"DIYBedwDrawers07\"](\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2014\/09\/DIYBedwDrawers07.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Cut a notch into the end of the 2\u00d74 that is half the depth of the board (approximately 1.75″ deep) and the width of the plywood thickness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The plywood panel will slide into this notch and sit flush with the top surface of the rail.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"DIYBedwDrawers09\"](\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2014\/09\/DIYBedwDrawers09.jpg\")
The half-lap is to accept a plywood panel that will continue the remaining length of your bed with drawers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Test-fit:<\/strong>
Dry-fit the half-lap joint with a scrap piece of plywood. The plywood should sit perfectly flush with no gaps or high spots. Adjust the notch depth with a chisel if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBuilder’s tip:<\/strong> Use a handsaw or circular saw to make the shoulder cuts, then chisel out the waste for a clean half-lap. A router with a straight bit also works well for this joint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"DIYBedwDrawers10\"](\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2014\/09\/DIYBedwDrawers10.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 4: Cut Plywood Floor Panels and Drawer Dividers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What you’re cutting:<\/strong> Floor panels that form the base of the drawer cavities and vertical dividers that separate drawers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cutting list (for one half of the bed):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Floor piece<\/strong>\n
- \n
- 1 piece at 30″ wide \u00d7 25″ long (this is half the bed width by the depth of the foot drawers)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Vertical drawer dividers<\/strong>\n
- \n
- 3 pieces at 14″ high \u00d7 28.5″ long (for side drawer dividers)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Center end wall<\/strong>\n
- \n
- 1 piece at 14″ high \u00d7 25″ long (separates the two foot drawers)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Action:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Set up your table saw with a rip fence for accurate, repeatable cuts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rip the 3\/4″ plywood to the widths listed above.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use a circular saw with a clamped straightedge guide for crosscuts, or use a miter saw for shorter pieces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use a carpenter’s square to mark cut lines and ensure perfectly square cuts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Builder’s tip:<\/strong> Label each piece with its location (e.g., “Left side divider,” “Floor panel \u2014 half 1”) immediately after cutting. This saves confusion during assembly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"DIYBedwDrawers11\"](\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2014\/09\/DIYBedwDrawers11.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 5: Assemble Floor, Dividers, and Top Rails<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What you’re assembling:<\/strong> The core structure of one bed half \u2014 floor panel, vertical dividers, top rails, and cross members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action (follow this sequence):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Attach end wall to floor:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Apply glue to the bottom edge of the center end wall piece (14″ \u00d7 25″).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Position it perpendicular to the floor piece (30″ \u00d7 25″) at the foot end.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pre-drill and drive 1-1\/4″ screws through the floor into the bottom edge of the wall (space screws every 6″\u20138″).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Notch the vertical dividers:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- The top edges of the side dividers must be notched to accept the outer top rails (2\u00d74).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Measure the width and depth of the 2\u00d74 (actual: 1.5″ \u00d7 3.5″) and mark notches on the top corners of each divider.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cut notches with a jigsaw or handsaw, then test-fit against a 2\u00d74 scrap.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Attach first side divider to floor:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Glue and screw one side divider to the floor piece, perpendicular to the floor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use clamps to hold it square while fastening.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Position floor assembly on base frame:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Place the floor assembly (with attached walls) onto the base frame.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Align it carefully, then temporarily fasten with two screws through the floor into the base frame.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Install inner top rail with half-lap:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Slide the plywood floor panel into the half-lap joint on the inner top rail.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Apply glue to the joint, then screw through the rail into the plywood panel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Support the opposite end of the top rail with a scrap block of 2\u00d74 clamped to the work surface.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Install first cross member:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Cut a 2\u00d74 cross member to span between the inner and outer top rails (approximately 50″ minus rail thicknesses).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Position it adjacent to the side divider panel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pre-drill pilot holes, then screw through the cross member into the side divider and into both top rails.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Install outer top rail:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Position the outer top rail along the outside edge of the frame.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fasten it to the cross member with screws.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Install head-end cross member:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Cut and install a 2\u00d74 cross member at the head end of the bed, spanning between the two top rails.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pre-drill pilot holes to prevent splitting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Build head frame (instead of plywood panel):<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Instead of a solid plywood panel at the head, build a lightweight 2\u00d74 frame.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cut 2\u00d74 pieces to form a rectangular frame matching the head opening.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reinforce corners with triangular plywood gussets (cut from scrap).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Glue and screw gussets to both sides of each corner joint.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Attach edge strip to floor:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Rip a 2.5″-wide strip of plywood.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Glue and screw it to the outer side edge of the floor piece.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- This strip provides a fastening surface for the finished exterior panel later.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"DIYBedwDrawers12\"](\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2014\/09\/DIYBedwDrawers12.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBuilder’s tip:<\/strong> Work methodically and check square after each major assembly step. Use clamps liberally to hold parts in position before final fastening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 6: Install Remaining Floor Strips and Cross Members<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What you’re installing:<\/strong> Additional plywood floor strips along the outer edges to support drawer dividers, plus remaining cross members for structural support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Cut and install outer edge floor strips:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Rip 3\/4″ plywood into 12″-wide strips.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cut strips to run the remaining length of the bed frame along the outer edges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- These strips only need to run along the perimeter where drawer dividers will land \u2014 you don’t need a full floor in the center (saves weight and material).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fasten floor strips:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Position the strips on the base frame.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- To help secure the strips to the floor section already in place, cut small plywood scraps and screw them to the underside of the new strip, bridging the joint between old and new floor pieces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Screw through the strips into the base frame.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Install remaining cross members:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Cut 2\u00d74 cross members to span between the top rails.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Position them adjacent to where each drawer divider will be installed (this provides solid screw points for dividers and drawer slide mounting).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pre-drill and screw cross members to both top rails.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Builder’s tip:<\/strong> Cross members should align precisely with divider locations. Measure and mark all cross-member positions before cutting to ensure consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"DIYBedwDrawers13\"](\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2014\/09\/DIYBedwDrawers13.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 7: Install Remaining Drawer Dividers and Complete First Half<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What you’re installing:<\/strong> The remaining vertical drawer divider panels that create individual drawer cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Notch remaining dividers:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Cut notches in the top edges of all remaining divider panels to accept the outer top rails (same as Step 5).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Space dividers for drawer openings:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- For two 20″-wide drawers at the foot, space the dividers to create openings slightly wider than 20″ (account for drawer slide hardware \u2014 typically add 1″ to drawer width for opening width).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Measure carefully and mark divider positions on the floor and cross members.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"DIYBedwDrawers14\"](\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2014\/09\/DIYBedwDrawers14.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Install dividers:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Apply glue to the bottom edge of each divider.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Position the divider, check it’s plumb (vertical) with a level or square.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Screw through the floor panel into the bottom edge of the divider.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Screw through the divider into the adjacent cross member.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Also screw through the cross member into the top edge of the divider from above.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Verify drawer openings:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Measure each drawer opening width and height.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Confirm all openings are square by measuring diagonals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Builder’s tip:<\/strong> Consistent drawer openings make drawer construction much easier. Double-check all measurements before final fastening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First half complete:<\/strong> This side of the bed frame is now structurally complete and ready for drawers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This side of the bed with drawers is done for now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"DIYBedwDrawers15\"](\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2014\/09\/DIYBedwDrawers15.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 8: Build Second Half, Construct Drawer Boxes, and Install Drawer Slides<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What you’re building:<\/strong> The mirror-image second half of the bed frame, plus all drawer boxes and hardware installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part A: Build Second Half <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Repeat Steps 3 through 7 to build the second half of the bed frame. Build it as a mirror image of the first half so the two halves join at the centerline.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Builder’s tip:<\/strong> Use the first half as a template for measurements. Number and label parts for the second half to avoid confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"DIYBedwDrawers16\"](\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2014\/09\/DIYBedwDrawers16.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPart B: Build Drawer Boxes (2\u20133 hours)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What you’re building:<\/strong> Simple, sturdy drawer boxes using butt joints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drawer box dimensions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Width:<\/strong> Opening width minus 1″ (example: 21″ opening = 20″ box width). This provides 1\/2″ clearance on each side for drawer slides.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Depth:<\/strong> Depends on your drawer cavity depth (typically 20″\u201324″ for this build).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Height:<\/strong> Drawer cavity height minus 1″\u20132″ for clearance (if dividers are 14″ high, make drawer boxes ~12″\u201313″ high including bottom thickness).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Depth:<\/strong> Depends on your drawer cavity depth (typically 20″\u201324″ for this build).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Width:<\/strong> Opening width minus 1″ (example: 21″ opening = 20″ box width). This provides 1\/2″ clearance on each side for drawer slides.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Repeat Steps 3 through 7 to build the second half of the bed frame. Build it as a mirror image of the first half so the two halves join at the centerline.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Install dividers:<\/strong>\n
- Notch remaining dividers:<\/strong>\n
- Cut and install outer edge floor strips:<\/strong>\n
- Attach end wall to floor:<\/strong>\n
- 1 piece at 14″ high \u00d7 25″ long (separates the two foot drawers)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Floor piece<\/strong>\n
- Leave approximately 13″ of open space for a nightstand area (if adding a headboard later, plan 6″\u20138″ depth, leaving ~20″ usable nightstand space).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Foot of the bed<\/strong>\n
- Lumber \u2014 2\u00d74 (actual 1.5″ \u00d7 3.5″):\n
- A DIY build often results in a more robust and durable piece of furniture, crafted with care and attention to detail that mass-produced items often lack.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Unlocks Hidden Storage<\/strong>\n