How to Build a Kids Floor Bed--From Dowels and 2x4s!

In this video, I'm sharing how to build this adorable DIY kids floor bed using basic 2x4s and some wood dowels!
I’ve got the building plans, dimensions and step by step details for a DIY floor bed here: www.woodshopdiaries.com/diy-t...
See note at bottom *
This was a SUPER simple project and only required a few basic tools and materials and I'll show you how here :)
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SHOP MERCH AND BUILDING PLANS HERE: woodshop-diaries.myshopify.com/
Some helpful tips to use for this project:
How to use a pocket hole jig: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
How to finish raw wood furniture: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
Tools and Materials Used In this Video:
*affiliate links below
Materials:
(4) 2x4x8 boards: homedepot.sjv.io/Eaz094
(3) 2x2x8 boards: homedepot.sjv.io/n1R4N7
(3) 2x3x8 boards: homedepot.sjv.io/6bPkAr
(14) 3/4" diameter x 48" long dowel rods: homedepot.sjv.io/NKQGQK
2 1/2" pocket hole screws: amzn.to/3rMY5Bl
2 1/2" wood screws
2 7/8" timber screws (optional): homedepot.sjv.io/QONYNA
Wood Glue
Sandpaper
Tools:
Miter Saw: homedepot.sjv.io/b3DkDx
Drill/Driver: homedepot.sjv.io/n1R4R7
Pocket Hole Jig: amzn.to/3j2OVNk
3/4" forstener bit: homedepot.sjv.io/BXz5zL
Kreg Multi-Mark (helpful, not required): amzn.to/3fb9A0g
Various clamps (helpful, not required)
Rubber Mallet (helpful, not required)
*A Note About Bed Rail Spacing:
There are "industry standards" for rail spacing for cribs. However, since this isn't a "crib" for a baby, but is a bed for an older child, I'm not sure if the standards apply in this case. So, please be aware, the standards are not followed in this plan.
The great thing about building it yourself is that you can customize it however you wish. And since this particular project was built for an older toddler, the spacing for the rails used here seemed adequate for his size.
However, if you prefer to stick to the standards, please take note to do your own research before building your own as these "industry standards" are always subject to change. I encourage you to do what you are comfortable doing.

[@timcampbell4267]

I think what impresses me most about your projects is how well-designed they are. A lot of people think furniture made with 2x4's and other "common" lumber looks clunky or amateurish, but your designs are always graceful and well-proportioned. Keep it up, please!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I really appreciate that! That’s literally my goal with every project is to break down that stereotype and share nice looking, easy to achieve, and budget friendly projects. I’m really glad to hear you like that!

[@EclaWood]

I always wait for a tutorial from this beautiful sister

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you!

[@EclaWood]

@@WoodshopDiaries sister one of the women who inspires

[@nobuckle40]

As I've said before, simple and practical. It's really cool to watch these master craftsmen make fancy furniture and all, but, I feel much much more empowered by woodworkers like you. You design and make simple, practical furniture without using outrageously priced equipment. Thank you for keeping it simple.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

That’s my main goal on the content and videos I create…to keep things simple in order to encourage others to give it a try! So I appreciate this comment! Thank you so much!

[@DrunkInPublic]

I couldn’t agree more!!! Classy, simple to build and empowering!!

[@JulianMirica]

How much cost?

[@craiggoodwin9704]

I'd say your friends little boy just hit the lottery! Great build! I built a crib and youth bed for a friend. I bet I ran my hands and fingers over it about a million times looking for sharp edges and splinters. You said it many times and I want to repeat when building kids projects sand, sand, sand! Overall, a very functional and practical project. Thanks for sharing!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I really hope the little guy loves it. You’re definitely right, sand sand sand when building for kids 😅😅

[@madigreenaway1182]

i love love love that you included how much lumber you got and the pricing. Cannot wait to make mine!!!

[@christophermckinney984]

I love your addendum at the beginning! I actually thought it looked really comfy, not lumpy.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha I mean, I guess pillow and mattresses could be interchangeable 😂

[@mitziseyfferdt3866]

I'd sleep like a baby on it

[@JoseHernandez-im4wz]

I like your line " happy building " 😁

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha thank you! I used to have T-shirt’s available with that on them 😄

[@priscilaapuente5482]

I highly appreciate this video ! We can’t afford the Montessori floor beds , so this is awesome in my city all the materials were $60

[@andrewpratt6020]

You are such a beast! Going to build this for my two year old daughter. Absolutely love this and you are very precise and informative.

[@No.ThatPrettyGirl]

Beautiful craftsWOmanship ❤ Thank you!

[@1986irocz305tpi]

Purchased the plans for full size bed. WOW!!!! EASY TO BUILD! I used a SpeedBor bit which was a lot messier but I had it, and my local hardware stores didn't carry 2x3's so I ripped 2x4s like you and they look great! Thank you!

[@MrMckenzie2403]

Very nice! Just discovered you, and we are expecting number two, this is what we want! 100% thank you!

[@JaceTLittle]

Looks awesome. Keep up the great work. PS pillow trick made me giggle.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha gotta do what you gotta do 😂 glad you enjoyed the project!

[@MrCyle11]

Well spoken. Looking forward to giving it a try.

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

This is a great design and is easily converted into many other uses! I have a stack of used wooden balusters and now, thanks to you, I may have found a use for them! Thanks Shara for another great project! Have a nice weekend!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Oh that would be a great idea! I didn’t even think of balusters, but that would work really well for something like this! Thanks so much for watching! Have a great weekend as well!

[@pmdinaz]

I like those fasteners! They look real nice

[@kentgreer3891]

Very nice work! I appreciate you showing mistakes, things you learned, and potential alternatives to the build. Genius!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

So glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching!

[@adambituin94]

Doing this build now for my son, I haven’t touched power tools on a long time due to my career. So I went out and bought everything I needed to make this happen. I bought the instructions off your site and I’ve been watching this video a lot. Thanks for the idea and help building this awesome bed.

[@peak9985]

How’s it go?

[@MrJonathanWills]

I have built nearly the nearly the exact design for my toddler. Its awesome to see someone else doing it like I did. This video doesn't show the pain of finding perfectly straight dowels and boards. I know the struggle of getting all those dowels to line up on the top and bottom. I did a double so i had room to get in bed and lay with my little. I used slightly smaller dowels but watching you build yours was like re-living the building experience because ours are almost identical. Only other difference is that I did use a 2x6 as the bottom board. I built a second bed for a friend and on the side with the opening, i actually took that vertical board to the floor to add a little strength. I think you did a wonderful job. That kiddo I'm sure is going to be enjoying that for years. Well done!

[@rubengalvan3836]

Wow pretty very nice mucho mucho

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much!

[@johnkelley9877]

This is a really neat idea! A simple but effective design and it looks very nice too. Thanks for sharing this.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I love how simple this was…both in style and in building process. Thanks so much for watching!

[@yvettewallus119]

I really like this design. As the child grows you could add legs or even a loft. Great work, Shara!

[@pteddie6965]

I'm with you, Yvette. Shara is quite a creative person. This design is an example of her creativity. I think that you are correct. This bed can be modified down the road to make it a useful bed for a child for many years.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Yes definitely! That’s a great idea! A platform box with drawers below would make a nice storage addition, too! So many options!

[@yvettewallus119]

@@WoodshopDiaries yes! Of course you would think of that. We know how much you love building drawers. :)

[@ScorpioWomanMoon]

Thank you for posting this, I'm planning to build this for my grandbaby. I'm subbing

[@MatjazRazdevsek]

Perfect! Just finished making one similar bed for my one year old son based on your plans and it looks amazing. Thank you!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Awesome! I’m sure he will love it!

[@billm4560]

Another awesome build! 👌 You always come up with some great stuff! Thank you for sharing Shara!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate that!

[@FIERCENATION]

This is awesome, thank you so much for sharing!

[@rg3291]

Great design! 83K! With videos like this, you'll hit the 100 mark before you know it! 🙂

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much!! I hope so! 🤞🤞

[@glorisnoris9897]

love your shorts ...cute

[@crich83baby]

What a great design! It can definitely be adapted to grow with the child.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Yes definitely! 😄

[@lovejones7545]

Awesome!! Thanks for sharing...Well done!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@arnieherring953]

Nice build! I used this same method to make a 'stuffed animal holder' for the corner of the kids room, 28"x28" and 32" tall.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Such a great idea!

[@timdyer7692]

Nice build! You did a very nice job on the design and the finished bed looks awesome. I'm looking into building a twin loft bed very soon, so it was nice to see your design and build process! Keep up the good work.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Oh I bet that will be an awesome build!

[@ManojDevkota]

Thank you much. I build one looking at yours and it turned out great. One thing I did different was I used the 2 by 4 on both top and bottom without ripping it to smaller size. It is very strong and my kid has been enjoying it.

[@propertystuff7221]

You make it look so easy! I was days just re-building a twin size bed's missing base board. Rough construction lumber takes a lot of TLC to get it splinter-free.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha sanding is definitely necessary with construction lumber 😅👍

[@debbiegr1323]

I love it 🥰 so much potential for growth with a few simpler tweaks… great job again by 👍👍

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so ouch! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@ewismeatproducts]

Great Project. I will make one for my grandson.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I've got all the details on my blog here to make the build process as easy as possible: www.woodshopdiaries.com/diy-toddler-floor-bed/

[@chapmanandchapmanproductio974]

Looks great! Way to go yo

[@hmbowron]

Awesome build, thank you for sharing! Gives me all sorts of ideas 💡😂

[@WoodshopDiaries]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@EclaWood]

at 3:24 I love the way he thinks and moves his hands

[@yuval260990]

I purchased your plan with instructions. Wow. great instructions! Thanks

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! Happy building!

[@victor440_]

That's awesome I'm getting ready to build one myself probably just like that thanks

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Awesome! Happy building :)

[@paulettewilliams6492]

Just found your channel through Pinterest! WONDERFUL WORK! New subscriber 😊

[@saulpenilla778]

this is great idea. I imagine that it disassembles at the corners

[@WoodshopDiaries]

It doesn’t, but there’s no need as it’s so small it shouldn’t have any issues going through doorways and it’s not very heavy

[@tree_carcass_mangler]

Thumbs up and thanks for posting!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@glorisnoris9897]

I AM BUILDING ONE FOR MY LITTLE 2 YEars old nephew --thanks, you make it look so easy. the one I am building is 67 wood pieces with two inches of dowels keeping the whole tamale together --thanks for all your videos you really rock...

[@aviator469]

Cool, I like it

[@user-fq2sd5nh5m]

Congrats! 👍👏👏👏👏❤️

[@MarkOhanesian]

We have a 1yo and 2yo and do the floor bed as well, but right now it’s just a mattress - this would make things a lot more classy . Great design

[@hassanshorts4670]

Thanks for it. As requested

[@sddiymakeitworthit7512]

Awesome design

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate that!

[@saindelinejeanpierre986]

I’m doing this 🎉

[@mitziseyfferdt3866]

Awesome timing my brother asked me to build his little girl something similar recently, thank you for sharing 👍🏻👌🏻

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Aww that’s awesome! I’m sure they both would love anything you build 💕💕

[@mitziseyfferdt3866]

I built it, I sent you photo's on Instagram, with a question, would you have a look for me please? 💐

[@toniholmes7337]

I just wanted to let you know I made your design for my two labradoodle. Its they're outside playpin/bed. They just love it and roll around in it most of the day. Mine is 58x42 and has a foam mattress. Thanks for the great idea.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

That’s awesome! I’m sure they do love it. What a great idea to use it as a dog playpen!

[@alidivsalar6396]

This,s a very good idea, well done 👍👌

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much!

[@alidivsalar6396]

@@WoodshopDiaries you,re welcome

[@jazminhoward4480]

Do you have any build plans for a queen size? My daughter moves so much in her sleep I want to give her tons of space

[@ameurhebbal7958]

Lovely

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you!

[@call.me.christy7537]

I’m obsessed lol! Can you tell me how you would adjust the plans to make a full size bed?

[@mr.papagorgio4683]

I absolutely love this. New sub here. I think i’m going to build a variation for my 3 y/o whos too big for the bus bed i built him around his crib mattress.

[@jenniferhenry958]

I love this! In your opinion, would it be possible to use dowel pins instead of glue so that the sides can be removed in the future (leaving just head and footboard)? I want to make this for my two year old but also want it to grow with her!

[@vs77mail]

Great job! One advise, you might see a mistake but us(viewers) don't know that. So till you didn't said that there was no mattress i didn't new that. It looked that there is a mattress and then you reviled the secret 🤣. It looks fabulous dear and I say your friend will be very happy to see it. Loved the design as usual and thanks for sharing.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha I love sharing my “secrets” 😂 I figured you all might find it comical. Thanks so much for watching! I’m glad you enjoyed!

[@Katyuska88]

Subscribed!

[@brewster3987]

Another elegantly simple design from Shara! I thought your explanations were very clear, too. P.S. I'm happy to see that someone else stands in the middle of their shop floor and talks into thin air about dimensions. Maybe it's an engineer thing?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I’m glad I’m not alone. I spent most of my time talking to myself (or the dog) in my workshop 🙈😂😂

[@-pero-]

You can also make the same bed for adults. For those who are afraid of falling to the floor. :) Good job!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha that is a good point 😄 thanks so much for watching!

[@bradhale442]

Great work..so great camera work there Danny

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I mean, I guess I could name my tripod “Danny” 😂😂 the real Danny doesn’t touch the camera

[@bradhale442]

@@WoodshopDiaries oh . Lol I thought he still did

[@TheC0wboyWay]

That would make a great Puppy Corral!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha it would! That’s a great idea!

[@MCsCreations]

Really fantastic work, Shara! Looks beautiful! 😃 The only different thing I would do is to put a small door in the opening! 😂 Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@WoodshopDiaries]

A door or gate would be a great addition! Thanks so much for watching! I hope you have a great rest of your weekend!

[@susanbarney2434]

Your builds are amazing and inspiring! I’m trying to scale this to a Cal King size. Do you have any tips/insights? Can you post the dimensions for this project?

[@rickerose541]

Hello from Oklahoma. Just love what your doing on this channel. Just a quick question. Do you ever build bunk beds?

[@abelesparza6059]

Neat video. It is important not to space the side rails not too far apart.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much for watching 👍

[@Miscli21]

Do you have the size to build a queen size one?

[@scottmorris4914]

Very nice. This design could be used so many different ways. As designed, then you could easily raised it with a sheet of plywood and some 2”x12”’s, Doug bed, etc.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Yes, that's a great idea. It can definitely grow with the child and be modified to raise it up later

[@TheBearsEmoji]

How did you get such good looking lumber? I’ll spend hours picking through multiple stores and not find that many good lookers

[@whizzywoodworks5011]

I do the same thing. Talk with my hands when I’m doing math in my head. Lol!!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

The hands just make it make sense haha

[@Talia_Elizabeth]

Do you have instructions for crib sized mattress? The mattress size is 52"L x 27.62"W x 5"Th also adding the slats?

[@angelicamorales8850]

i love this. what size mattress will this fit.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I’ve got plans for twin and full here: woodshop-diaries.myshopify.com/collections/beds/products/kids-floor-bed

[@mgoodell76]

very nice! wanting to make this for my grand daughter(2). one question.. how sturdy is that partial side that doesnt run the entire length? it doesnt seem that it would be very sturdy, especially considering a kid leaning,kicking, and so forth on that weaker side. anyone here that has built this bed that can tell me how strong it is or isnt? tyvm.

[@davemagariner1930]

Nice project, finished product looks good. The bed has a nice scale and looks like a fun place tp sleep. When you do a project for a friend assuming you are commissioned how do you estimate your price if you don't mind me asking! Do figure an hourly rate plus materials, or just throw out a lump sum knowing your costs?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I don’t do commissions for profit. My business is creating content so I only build projects I can share on my channel/blog. So I build them for material cost plus a small fee to cover tool wear and tear and I make my profit from the content, not the physical product.

[@jarettanderson7025]

Awesome video! How complicated would it be to add a swinging gate to this design?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Not hard. You’d just have to build a door to fit the opening and add some hinges and a latch

[@ceracastillo8734]

Love the build and about to attempt one for our 6 month old. But I wanted to know what program you used when you showed the computer design. Is that where you create the plan first?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I actually build my projects first, then go back and draw them out to create plans. I use Sketchup to draw it out after the fact 👍

[@johnnnyboo7105]

Awesome build shara! Do you have a page where us amateurs can post pics of our builds?

[@johnnnyboo7105]

And as you’re gorgeous!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I don’t have a “page” like a website page for anyone to post on, but if you want to share your builds inspired by Woodshop Diaries, you can post on the Woodshop Diaries Facebook page 👍

[@cuchicacos1]

Great design! Where software design your furnitures?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I design my own furniture pieces and draw them up in Sketchup 👍

[@SuperArbi007]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you 👍

[@lenorebajare-dukes8016]

This looks so nice. I’d like to make a full sized floor bed - any way to change the plan on your site to accommodate?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I’ve got full size available here: woodshop-diaries.myshopify.com/collections/beds/products/kids-floor-bed

[@lenorebajare-dukes8016]

@@WoodshopDiaries You're amazing! And...I am still learning - would any of your other plans work for adding slats? Or should that be pretty obvious? (Air flow in humid room.)

[@ashleymcallister4306]

What grit sandpaper did you use to get the wood smooth enough for a child’s bed?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I usually sand everything to 220 grit before finish no matter what I’m building.

[@tomasgulas]

Nice build. Where were you able to get straight 2x4s? Home depot or similar? When I buy them from HD, I always cut them to get straight edge. I have also requested planner for my Bday to deal with board like that.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I usually get my 2x4s from Home Depot. It takes some digging through to find good ones, but they usually have a decent selection in my location. I normally trim the edges square, but in this case, the rounded edges were good to keep to avoid sharp edges on a kid's bed.

[@tomasgulas]

@@WoodshopDiaries thank you for reply. In one of you videos (dresser with draws, maybe?) You got a poplar board and mentioned you got it at lumbar yard because one side was rough, you then you run it through planner. I'll be finishing up my dresser today and hot my poplar from HD. Was the poplar from lumbar yard significantly cheaper? I don't have any near by , but once I have the planner, I'll be likely looking for lumber there.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

We have a saw mill that makes flooring in my area. It’s the only place to get any “hardwoods” and it’s decently priced, but only comes rough sawn. It’s not designed to buy lumber by the board foot as they specialize in flooring only, but they’ll make an exception here and there.

[@samyafluker8496]

I was wondering what will be the measurements for a full size

[@destineehughes7556]

What do you recommend using to get the wood shiny and smooth?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I’ve got a few posts on ways to make your diy furniture look nice. Here’s one: www.woodshopdiaries.com/5-diy-furniture-tips-to-look-professional/ And another: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-to-finish-raw-wood-furniture-without-a-sprayer/

[@jasonthomas1760]

Awesome build girl! And was that a drill bit pencil sharpener?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! Also, yes! 😂 they come with the package when you buy the Home Depot pencils 😁

[@jasonthomas1760]

@@WoodshopDiaries that is handy as a shirt pocket if I do say so

[@jorgetojeiro526]

I need this build but in full size lol

[@WoodshopDiaries]

You can get the full size here: woodshop-diaries.myshopify.com/collections/beds/products/kids-floor-bed

[@hannahdickerson5274]

Can you possibly do a video on how to do the pocket holes a little better? That confuses me a bit.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! This post has the step by step how to set up the jig and some additional tips: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-to-use-pocket-hole-jig/

[@nalacutie]

This is exactly what I was looking for for my 15mo son, thank you! What do you think about just purchasing a second hand cot and cutting the legs off, and cutting the sides down to desired height? Is that a crazy idea?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I'm not sure about that. I always prefer to build from scratch and hate repurposing things haha. So I personally wouldn't want to do that, but it might could work. I'm not sure.

[@73satanico]

👍👍👍

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you 👍

[@strawbrryshartcake]

Hi! I am going to build my daughter one of these beds, but a full size. How many dowel rods would you recommend? I am bad at math lolol

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! The plans for a full can be found here: woodshop-diaries.myshopify.com/collections/beds/products/kids-floor-bed

[@ashleysmith2965]

Do you know what dimensions would use for a full size bed? Thank you!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

You can do a quick google search to find the dimensions of a full size mattress and adjust these as needed: www.woodshopdiaries.com/diy-toddler-floor-bed/

[@coreygayheart8824]

What is the software design that you use to creat the blueprint for the bed?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Sketchup

[@jadebethj4807]

I want to build my daughter a bed - The crib I have is transitional but very very old. I'd love to build her something new.

[@tylerhavemeier9200]

Is there a way someone could find me plans and dimensions for a queen size montessori bed???

[@jiniperberries6228]

I hope I can have sizes for wood for a queen size bed frame

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Since it’s a kids bed, I only made sizes in common kids sizes…twin and full.

[@pa1223]

Hi , can I know what type of lumber u used for this project? Is this Pine ? Or Spf?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

It was construction grade 2x4s. In my area, sometimes they’re pine, sometimes spruce, sometimes fir. I can’t remember exactly with this project, but it was either pine or spruce (or a combination of both).

[@daaiiaanaaraa]

How much you invest in machinery and equipment to do all your DIY projects?