Build a DIY Ikea Malm Twin Bed

A Brand New Knock-Off Plan for a Super-Easy Twin Bed

It has been a couple of months since I’ve created a new plan. This plan is a super easy knock-off that can be completed in a weekend. The free furniture plans to build a DIY Ikea Malm twin bed uses straight off-the-shelf boards and 1/4″ plywood to create a frame and panel headboard and footboard. The headboard and footboard can be left plain or stenciled to create a fabulous bed style, similar to the popular Ikea twin bed, that will fit in any decor style!

As a side note, storage drawers can be built to go underneath this fabulous bed!

Materials:

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

Tools Needed:

• Circular saw or table saw
• Miter saw, optional
• Drill
• Pocket hole jig
• Pneumatic brad nailer with compressor (or battery operated type)

Lumber:

• 2 – 1×2 at 6′
• 8 – 1×3 at 8′
• 2 – 1×4 at 6′
• 4 – 2×4 at 8′
• 2 – 2×6 at 6′
• 1 – 4′ x 4′ sheet of 1/4″ plywood
• 1 – 4′ x 8′ sheet of 1/4″ plywood

Cut List:

• 2 – 2×4 at 33″ – Headboard Frame
• 2 – 2×4 at 44-1/2″ – Headboard Frame
• 2 – 1/4″ plywood at 40″ x 44-1/2″ – Headboard Panels
• 2 – 2×4 at 8″ – Footboard Frame
• 2 – 2×4 at 44-1/2″ – Footboard Frame
• 2 – 1/4″ plywood at 15″ x 44-1/2″ – Footboard Panels
• 2 – 2×6 at 74-1/2″ – Side Rail
• 2 – 1×4 (ripped to 3″ wide) at 74-1/2″ – Side Rail Top
• 2 – 1×2 at 74-1/2″ – Slat Support
• 15 – 1×3 at 38-1/2″ – Slats

Step One

Cut the pieces for the headboard frame. With the pocket hole jig set for 1-1/2″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of the shorter pieces. Assemble the frame using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws

Cut the pieces for the front and back panels from the 1/4″ plywood. Secure the panels to the front and back of the headboard frame using glue and 1″ brad nails. Clamp until dry.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the footboard frame. With the pocket hole jig set for 1-1/2″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of the shorter pieces. Assemble the frame using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws

Cut the pieces for the front and back panels from the 1/4″ plywood. Secure the panels to the front and back of the footboard frame using glue and 1″ brad nails. Clamp until dry.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the 2×6 side rails and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the side rails to the headboard and footboard positioning the rails 1-1/2″ in from the sides and 8-3/4″ up from the bottom (as indicated in the drawing) using 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws. Do not use glue so the bed can be disassembled when needed.

Cut the pieces for the side rail top (the 1x4s will be ripped to 3″ wide). Secure these pieces to the top of the side rails using glue and countersunk 1-1/2″ screws.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the slat supports. Position the supports on the side rails so that the bottom edge is flush with the bottom edge of the side rail. Secure the supports in place using countersunk 1-1/2″ screws. Do not use glue so that the pieces can be removed when the bed is disassembled.

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the slats. Position the first slat on the supports positioning it approximately 1″ from the headboard. Secure in place with countersunk 1-1/2″ screws.

Add the remaining slats, spacing them approximately 2-1/2″ apart and securing them in place with countersunk 1-1/2″ screws.

Finish the bed as desired.

This bed would look fabulous in any finish – paint, stain or a combination of both! Have any questions about the free furniture plans to build a DIY Ikea Inspired Malm twin bed? Leave a comment below!