A month or two ago, when I spotted this darling toddler bed on a blog, I decided I would recreate something very similar for Milo.
While in Myrtle Beach, he found out how easy it is for him to climb out of the crib, so when we returned home, it was time to get going on the toddler bed and make the transition.
Luckily, my dear father, contractor, and carpenter extraordinaire was coming in town for Dave’s graduation. I called him to ask some advice, and for his help building the bed while he was in town. He agreed and gave me good tips for buying the correct wood in the correct dimensions, etc. When he arrived in town, we were ready to begin. The project took about all of one Saturday, with only one extra run to Home Depot!
Here’s a look at the process:
Dear, sweet, moody, Home Depot employee Carl, helping us have the Birch Plywood I chose cut to size.
With dimensions of 54″ x 29″ x 24″, we were able to cut all four sides of the bed from one 1/2″ thick board. Other materials used include: Drill with bit and screw driver, circle saw and jig saw, size 6, 1.5″ and 3/4″ screws, two 8′ lengths of 1″x2″, four brass casters with nuts and bolts, and pearl white screw covers.
With dimensions of 54″ x 29″ x 24″, we were able to cut all four sides of the bed from one 1/2″ thick board. Other materials used include: Drill with bit and screw driver, circle saw and jig saw, size 6, 1.5″ and 3/4″ screws, two 8′ lengths of 1″x2″, four brass casters with nuts and bolts, and pearl white screw covers.
Dave utilizing his new (birthday) sander to smooth the edges of the foot of the bed. The cut itself with a borrowed jigsaw was also quite a feat, and he did great!
A few of the tools in my dad’s “shop” aka my living/dining room.
Perfect screws lined up on the support rail along the inside edge of the sides of the bed. I was so incredibly impressed with my dad’s ability to put everything together so nicely! I guess after over 30 years owning a commercial construction company, he’s had some practice!
Milo’s two grandpas putting the sideboards onto the headboard…on the dining room table:)
After about an hour of sanding, the footboard cutout (where Milo will get in and out of the bed) was as smooth as a two-year-old’s bottom.
A pre-drilled hole ready to be fastened with a screw. Really, the whole process was pretty amazing.
The bottom of the bed affixed with corner supports and bolted in brass casters.
As soon as we turned the bed frame over and told Milo it was his, he jumped inside and went “nigh nigh”! I think he likes it!
Mom and Milo pretty excited about this new bed…and new stage of life.
The completed frame in the living room, with screw-covers over the screws and the mattress boards down.
Mister Milo, his dad and both grandpa’s sitting down in the nursery to enjoy the fruit of their labors. Look at Milo’s face. He was in heaven!
And, ever since we put him in it, he’s been in and out and in and out (all day, nap-time, and night:) I think soon we’ll figure out a system of helping him learn to stay in bed. But for now, it’s a good thing Dave sanded that edge so well:)
The foot of the bed, highlighting the cool cut-out and little pearly screw caps. I love how simple and modern the design of this bed is, and the little caps almost look like the pearl buttons of a cowboy shirt. So cool.
The look is just right in his little, soon-to-be-shared room. Simple, modern, handmade.
Finally, Milo’s little abode, shared with Mister Monkey, Ron Ron the cat, and his new birthday bedtime doggie from Great Grandma Miriam. Occasionally, a couple tractors and “Go, Dog. Go!” are also invited to the party.
One day I’ll make him a duvet for his blanket. One day:)
Happy weekend to you all. Hope you get some sleep!*Update 10/11: Thanks to a feature on ohdeedoh, I know where the original bed can be found (I searched for forever, to no avail!) I’m glad we decided to go ahead with the DIY, and create the look for less than $100, rather than the original $1400:) I do wonder, had I seen the dimensions, if I would have made our sides slightly shorter? I still love it, though, and lots of love went into it.
12 Comments
wow. that is really beautiful!
i love it! can i i hire you, dave, and your dad someday?!
That's a perfect toddler bed! Actually, I kind of want one too. It looks so cozy.
amazing!!
what are the bed dimensions (side height?)
how old is milo?
congrats!!
@evaHi there Eva! Milo will be 2.5 years next month. We made the bed sides 28" with the mattress about 5" from the bottom, so he's got around two feet of wall next to him! Good luck building your own!
xo Miranda
I saw your post via oh dee oh…and would love to build this! I am wondering what thickness your plywood is? Looks like 1/2 inch, but thought I would ask to be sure.
Thanks!
@evaScratch that, Eva, I re-measured and the sides are 24" total. Full dimensions are L:54" W: 29" H:24"+ and inch or so of the casters at the bottom. Good luck!
@Jen NelsonWe used 3/4" Birch Ply to be sure the screws had plenty of space:) Good luck!
I love this! And I think the depth on your bed is better than the original. It makes it more “nest-like.”
Thanks Dawn.It has been exactly what we needed!
Hello Miranda.
Thank you to your family for sharing such a good idea. I think I’m going to try to make something similar, but I do have one question. I wanted to know more details on how your husband made the entrance to the bed- how did he draw the shape so it could be perfect? what steps did he take? anything would help.
Thank you.
Hi there! Thank you for your question. Dave first drew the shape with measurements and a ruler. He started with a square, then used a bowl as a guide to round oud out the corners. Once the shape was drawn and we liked it, he cut it carefully with a jig saw. Then sanded forever and ever:)
Good luck!