A DIY daybed is a perfect solution if you have some space issues in your home. A daybed is great because they can work both as a sleeping area and a couch. The good news is that you can make a daybed by yourself without spending any money and using what you already have around the house. Read on to learn how to make a daybed.
What is a Daybed?
A daybed is known as a combination of a bed and a sofa. It can be used either in your living room or bedroom. These pieces have an attractive and space-conscious design. They are great for areas where you want to relax and lounge around.
Most daybeds are recognizably different from typical beds. They can be made or ordered to fit other mattress sizes, that gives the daybed a unique appearance of half sofa, half bed.
A lot of homeowners have been asking how to make a daybed. Even if you’ve never built anything, you will find it easy to build one by following some simple steps.
Supplies List in Making a DIY Daybed
For a Daybed with Casters
- (3) 1 x 10 x 8 pine boards
- 2 x 6 x 8 pine board
- 4 x 4 x 8 pine board
- 2 x 4 x 8 pine boards
- (5) 1 x 4 x 8 furring strips
- (2) 5-inch casters (5-inch wheel diameter, 6 inches overall height)
- Kreg Jig
- 1 1/4 inch and two 1/2-inch Kreg Screws
- Drill and impact driver
- Wood glue
- 2-inch wood screws
- Stain
DIY Daybed with Casters Cut List
- 1 x 10 –> two 75 1/2-inch pieces, (2) 38 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 x 4 –> two 7 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 x 6 –> one 71-inch piece
- 2 x 4 –> one 67-inch piece, two 35 inch pieces
- furring strips –> ten 38 7/16-inch pieces
DIY Daybed Without Casters Cut List
- 1 x 10 –> two 75 1/2-inch pieces, (2) 38 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 x 4 –> four 7 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 x 4 –> two 67-inch pieces, (2) 31 1/2-inch pieces
- furring strips –> ten 38 7/16-inch pieces
How to Make a Daybed
This DIY daybed is designed to fit the twin mattress that you have exactly. Other mattresses vary slightly, so it pays to have a measurement first. Follow these steps on how to make a daybed, and you’ll never go wrong:
Step 1: Cut the Wood
Cut the wood to size as specified. After cutting, drill four pocket holes in both ends of the short 1 x 10s. You can use lumber from an old twin bed frame.
Step 2: Assemble the Outer Frame
To hold boards together for pocket screwing, use parallel clamps. Use a speed square to ensure everything is lined up correctly. Use Kreg screws later, and the outer frame is already done.
Step 3: Attach Inner Frame Pieces
Set the Kreg Multi-Mark to 3 3/4 inches and drew a line around the inside of the daybed frame. Next, lay the 67-inch 2 x 4 along the line, leaving 3 1/2 inches at either end for the leg’s width, clamp it, and then screw it in place from the inner side with eight screws. Glue the 2 x 4 as well for added strength.
Apply wood glue to the two sides of the leg, put it in place, and secure it with pocket screws. For a daybed without casters, repeat this step on the opposite side and attach the two 31 1/2-inch pieces in the same way. A daybed with casters is a little different since the caster is six inches tall.
Step 4: Attach the Casters
Use a 1 x 6 and turn it to gain enough space underneath to accommodate the caster. To make casters fit, use a swivel caster, turn it sideways. To prevent the caster from swiveling, brace and shim it with woodblocks. The daybed’s caster side would always be against a wall, screwed that 2 x 4 in place from the back’s outer part.
Step 5: Stain the DIY Daybed
Stain the daybed frame. When it dries, place the slats to make sure they fit. You don’t have to drill or nail those slats in place because once the mattress is on them, they’re not going anywhere. It is the final step on how to make a daybed.
Conclusion
Daybeds are the best place to take a nap. The best way to have a daybed without much cost is to make your own. After reading the steps on how to make a daybed, I bet you are excited to start building it yourself. It might be your first time to build a piece of furniture, but don’t worry. The steps mentioned above are easy, even for beginners like you. Find out more about daybeds.