Today I am FINALLY showing you all how we built this simple toddler bed for $25. It’s super easy. I promise. As a basic overview, we used 2×4’s for the legs (like on my desk HERE) and base, and a 1×4 for the sides of the bed, over the 2×4 base… And a 1×6 for the foot and head of the bed…

Now, I hate sketch up for building 3D plans… it gives me a headache, so I just decided to show you how we built it using real photos of the process.

Here are the boards you will need, along with the measurements to cut them at.

Boards A and B:

2×4″ Board | 8 total cut at 12″ long each

*these boards act as the legs, so they are the same cut… which totals out to 4 A and 4 B.

Boards C:

2×4″ Board | 2 total cut at 52″ long

Boards D:

1×6″ Board | 2 total cut at 29.5″ long

Boards E:

1×4″ Board | 2 total cut at 52″ long

Support Boards:

We just used pallets, cut to fit.

1. The Legs:

Using boards A& B, we nailed the two boards together to form a 4×4″ leg.

Repeat this 4 times for a total of 4 legs.

2. The Frame:

Using the legs we just made, we placed board C on top of two of them, and screwed it together.

Repeat with the other two legs and the second board C for two pairs.

3. The Side of the Bed:

Using one of the E boards, attach it along the side of board C with screws, making sure it jut covers the bottom of the 2×4. Repeat with the other pair of legs and frame.

4. The Foot and Head of the Bed:

Using boards D, connect both sides to the the head and foot of the bed with screws.

This is basically what the bed will look like when you are done (those boards on the end are the support boards)

See, super simple!

Here’s another example so that you can see how the boards line up from the side.

After we were done my husband cut some pallet boards up for the supports. I honestly didn’t put this tutorial up because of how simple it is, but I had so many people email me asking how to that I finally am getting around to it!

 

The great thing about this bed is how inexpensive it is. We probably spent less than $25 on the boards for it.

We used a traditional crib mattress to fill it. This bed is perfect for both boys and girls transitioning out of the crib.

I was concerned that June would fall off this bed because of how small it is, but she only did once, and has been using this for almost 2 years now without a problem. If you are concerned about them rolling, you can always add a bummer to the side (think bunk-bed rails)

The Headboard was also a DIY. You can see that tutorial HERE.

I have to say that I never want her to grow out of this bed… not only because I don’t want her to grow up, but also because it takes up SO LITTLE SPACE in her tiny room. I’m not looking forward to a twin in there!

You can leave it plan old natural wood, or you can stain it for some interest. See how I made this bed look rustic and aged HERE.

That’s it for now!

Over & out.