DIY Plans to Build Hannah’s Twin Bed

A Fabulous Modern Twin Bed That is Easy to Build!

My daughter has been asking for a new bed and since I was actually in the mood to build a bed, I happily obliged! The DIY plans to build Hannah’s Twin Bed feature a planked headboard with a low footboard (her request so that her blankets wouldn’t bunch at the end of the bed!). The headboard planks are framed with 2×2 lumber. This bed is a super-cheap build and can be completed in a weekend!

For this bed, we will not be using a foundation – she likes it that way!

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 2″ pocket hole screws
• 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws
• 1-1/2″ screws
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

• 11 – 1×2 at 8′
• 1 – 1×6 at 4
• 5 – 1×6 at 8′
• 3 – 2×2 at 6′

Cut List:

• 2 – 2×2 at 14″ – Footboard Legs
• 1 – 1×6 at 38-1/2″ – Footboard Panel
• 2 – 2×2 at 44″ – Headboard Legs
• 1 – 2×2 at 38-1/2″ – Headboard Frame
• 1 – 1×6 at 38-1/2″ – Headboard Frame
• 7 – 1×6 at 28-1/2″ – Headboard Planks
• 2 – 1×6 at 74″ – Side Rails
• 2 – 1×2 at 74″ – Slat Supports
• 18 – 1×2 at 40″ – Slats

Click on the drawings for a larger view!

Step One

Cut the pieces for the footboard. With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket hole sin each end of the footboard panel. Secure the footboard to the legs using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The back face of the panel will be flush with the inside faces of the legs.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the headboard. Starting with the 1×6 plans, drill pocket holes in the pieces as shown in the drawing. Assemble the planks using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Drill pocket holes in each end of the 1×6 piece for the headboard frame. Secure to the bottom edge of the planks using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Set the pocket hole jig for 1-1/2″ material and drill pocket holes in each end of the 2×2 headboard frame piece. Secure this piece to the top edge of the planks using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The front face of the planks will be flush with the front edge of this framing piece.

Secure the entire assembly to the legs. Use 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws through the 2×2 piece into the legs and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws through the planks and 1×6 headboard framing piece.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the side rails and the slat supports. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material and drill pocket holes in each end of each piece.

Secure the slat support to the inside of the side rails (the same side as the pocket holes) using glue and 1-1/2″ screws.

Secure the side rails to the headboard and footboard using 2″ pocket hole screws. DO NOT USE GLUE! Use care when installing the screws because if they are sunk too deep in the pocket hole, they may poke out of the side of the legs.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the slats. Secure the slats, evenly spaced, to the slat supports using 1-1/2″ screws. DO NOT USE GLUE!

Finish as desired.

I decided to finish the bed in white paint with grey stained planks. I stained the planks first, taping off the framing areas, then painted the rest of the bed.

The planks in the bed can be finished any way you choose! I considered stenciling the planks but decided I would let my daughter choose! Have any questions about the DIY plans to build Hannah’s Twin Bed? Leave a comment below.