How to build a trundle bed with drawers?

Trundle beds are very functional and are often used as an extra beds in a home. To help you with your next trundle bed project, we’ve created this step-by-step guide that will walk you through the process of building one yourself using standard construction materials and simple tools. This guide will tell you how to build a trundle bed with drawers but feel free to follow along if you’re interested in building one without drawers.

Tools needed

Drill, screwdriver, hacksaw, tape measure, pencil, and leveler. Safety goggles are recommended for all woodworking projects.

Gloves should be worn when using power tools and working with wood. A respirator mask should be worn when cutting fiberglass panels or fiberglass insulation to minimize breathing dust.

Step1: Assemble the mainframe

To make our wooden frame for a trundle bed, we’ll use 2x4s and 1x4s—Lay two 2x4s parallel on top of each other and two 1x4s across them to form a rectangle.

Nail or screw these boards together using 2 nails or screws, making sure you drive your nails in at an angle, so they don’t split out when they’re covered by wood filler later on.

Use galvanized nails because they are rust-resistant; it’s okay if your finish nails rust because you will be painting over them anyway. You could also screw into pilot holes drilled with an electric drill, but pounding in nails looks more crafty if that is important to you. Look out here our trundle beds at payless furniture for more information.

Step 2: Add trim boards

Trim boards are used to cover any gaps between wood boards. In our project, we’ll be using trim boards for aesthetic purposes. You need to measure and cut according to your desired length to add these. Then, you can attach them using wood glue and nails or screws.

We also use an orbital sander with 120-grit sandpaper in our project to make all of our surfaces smooth and even after applying our stain, thus preventing any unsightly gaps between planks.

Remember, you’re building a trundle here, so don’t worry about making your joints too tight—they need to be snug enough that no light shows through!

Step 3: Attach two short rails at each end

The middle rails will go on each end of your headboard and footboard. You will be attaching them to have storage space under your bed, just like any other daybed. Just place them in position and secure them with some nails or screws.

The holes should already be drilled out for you, so all you have to do is line it up and put some pieces of wood in there as supports while you’re drilling. Then attach one side at a time by screwing in any screws holding things together.

Make sure everything is lined up perfectly before moving on from each step. If there is any misalignment, then it’s pretty much impossible to fix without having someone else helping out who has experience in construction matters.

Step 4: Attach long rails at each end

Use two 3-foot rails; each cut down to 60 inches in length. Make sure that they’re long enough for your mattress. Place them on top of one another in front of you so that their inside edges line up. Screw them together using 4 carriage bolts and 3 washers on each side.

Attach a nut at each end of each bolt, but don’t tighten them entirely just yet. Once all four nuts are attached, tighten everything down and double-check it (it can be easy to get one end flipped around).

If you have nylon or metal washers that fit better than wood ones, use those instead for best results when tightening, as wood can crack or split under pressure.

Step 5: Trim corners, ends, and tops of short rails

You will need to trim your short rails on both ends, corners, and tops. You don’t have to be too exact here because you will be cutting out a lot of material when you get to the final assembly. However, it is good practice to line up your edges on all 4 sides as best as possible.

It’s also okay if you do not line up your corners and ends perfectly because we will cover these areas in Step 6 – Round Corners of Short Rails. This step takes about 5 minutes per side for both long and short rails.

Just measure out your cuts about 3/4 – 1 from each edge and cut off any excess material using a jigsaw or hand saw, depending on how much room you have between pieces once assembled.

Step 6: Attach side panels to long rails

Use your handy Kreg Jig to attach three 1⁄2-in. Pocket Screws into each pocket hole along both short rails, spaced every 6. Attach two side panels by fastening 3⁄4-in. wood screws at each pocket hole location along each long rail. (Drawer components will be attached later.)

Step 7: Cut drawer parts from your plywood sheet

Assemble your circular saw and use it to cut five-drawer parts from your plywood sheet. You should end up with two 34 by 16 sides, two 12 by 16 sides, and one 18 by 32 bottom. Cut along both of your outside lines (Line #1) without going through any inside lines. Set aside your remaining plywood for now; you won’t need it until later.

Step 8: Cut slats from your leftover trim board pieces

Measure your box spring height and cut your slats to size. Cut two slats at each of these lengths: 17 inches, 26 inches, 32 inches, 38 inches, and 44 inches. Now you can assemble your bed frame! Start by laying two of your long slats side-by-side on top of two 41-inch pieces (make sure they’re placed, so their short ends are facing in).

Then, lay one 42-inch piece across those two. Be sure it’s lined up perfectly parallel. Use 2 1⁄2 inch screws to attach each set of slats using pilot holes drilled through their center points. Flip your frame over and repeat step 5 with the second set of boards. You should now have one frame without an upper support bar.

Step 9: Assemble the drawer box partway before attaching it

To complete your new bed, ensure that everything is sturdy and secure before mounting it on your platform frame. Take any measurements necessary and bolt your new trundle bed with drawers in place. You must get all of these pieces attached properly; otherwise, you might make some adjustments later on.

Congratulations! You now have a beautiful new set of beds to help ease living conditions for yourself or others around you! Please let us know if we can help you with anything else—we’re here for any other questions that come up along the way! Here you can learn about double bunk beds top and bottom.

Step 10: Mount your new trundle bed with drawers on your platform frame

Take your two assembled headboards and screw them in place. If you’re only making one twin trundle, attach one headboard to your platform frame. Ensure you fasten all parts of your project securely.

It will feel sturdy when finished but maybe wobbly before that happens. If possible, leave some space between your bottom bed and drawer mechanism so you can access any storage items below without having to pull out your mattress or otherwise disturb that sleeping area.