Emme Twin Bed

Free plans to build a wood bed inspired by Pottery Barn Kids Emmett Bed for just $70! Step by step plans from Ana-White.com

Additional Photos

About Project

Author Notes:

Happy Monday DIY Friends!

Do we ever have a special treat for you today! My friend Whitney [2]is moving her baby into her own bed, and wasn't about to spend $700 on a new Pottery Barn Kids Emmett bed [3] ... made of spruce and MDF. So we worked on plans together and this is what she built for $70!

Best part? No MDF!!! Yep, still made of spruce - but swapped the MDF out for PureBond Formaldehyde Free Plywood [4]! And Whitney got to pick her own stain color out as well!

Here's from Whitney [2]:

I finally bit the bullet and moved my baby out of her crib. I wanted something cute and transitional and this bed fits the bill. The lumber cost is under $70 which makes it fit my other bill as well ;-) Can't wait to make the trundle to go under it! Thanks for teaming up with me on this one Ana!

Oooooh .... can't wait to do more plans in this collection for you!

Thank you Whitney! For more photos and building details, please stop over and read Whitney's post over at Shanty2Chic [2] as well!

Happy Building!

Ana

Dimensions

Dimensions:

Dimensions:

Twin Sized - Dimensions shown above.

Materials and Tools

Shopping List:

5 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1/2 sheet of 1/2" plywood
2 - 1x8 @ 8 feet long
1x3 slats or other slat material
1" and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws
1" finish nails
3" screws or bed brackets for attaching side rails to headboard/footboard
wood glue

Tools:

measuring tape

square

pencil

safety glasses

hearing protection

Kreg Jig™ [5]

drill

circular saw

nailer

sander

countersink drill bit

Cut List

Cut List:

2 - 2x4 @ 48"
4 - 2x4 @ 35 3/4"
1 - 1x4 @ 22 1/2"
2 - 1x4 @ 16 1/8"
1 - 1/2" plywood @ 35 3/4" x 22 1/2"
2 - 2x4 @ 21"
1 - 1x4 @ 11"
1 - 1/2" plywood @ 35 3/4" x 11"
2 - 2x4 @ 75"
2 - 1x8 @ 75"
14 - 1x3 slats @ 38 3/4" or other slat materials

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Step 1

For the headboard, build the outside frame using 1 1/2" pocket hole setting and 2 1/2" pocket hole screws. 2 screws are recommended per joint. Glue is also recommended.

Step 2

Next, add the center piece. We choose to inset this one a tiny bit just for interest, but it's really up to you here. You'll need to attach here with 3/4" pocket hole setting and 1 1/4" pocket holes.

Step 3

Add the remaining two pieces to make up the decorative pieces in the headboard.

Step 4

Drill 1/2" pocket holes (set for 1/2" thick stock) around the sides of the 1/2" plywood. Then attach with 1" pocket hole screws from back side. Also use 1" nails to attach to center boards with glue.

Step 5

Build the footboard as you did the headboard, expect we'll omit the horizontal decorative pieces.

Step 6

Now connect the headboards and footboards together with the 2x4 inner side rails. Bolts, 3" screws or bed brackets here. You could also use pocket hole, but remember, these are the main joints that hold the weight of the bed, so you want to make sure this joint is strong.

Also, if you have a box spring, you can adjust the width to accommodate the box spring exactly. Just remember that the box spring sits on top of the bed rails.

Step 7

Attach decorative side rails to the inner side rail. You can also attach these to headboard and footboard for added strength.

Step 8

Check with your mattress on slat recommendations. When in doubt, add more slats than needed. For heavier loads, 2x4s could be used. Attach slats to the inner side rails.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions:

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth. It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Emme Twin Bed

Twin [6], Beds [7], Bedroom [8], Kids and Toys [9], Beginner [10], Children's [11]