Steps
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How to Build a Storage Bed
3
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Assemble the Storage Carcasses
Step Three
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How to Build a Storage Bed
Assemble the Storage Carcasses
The back piece and dividers get sandwiched between the top and bottom. Lay a bottom piece flat and run a bead of wood glue atop its back edge. Stand the back piece on edge on the glue line, and use four bar clamps to hold it upright. Once the back is clamped down, get a partner to help tip up the L-shaped assembly, and drill pilot holes through the bottom and into the edge. Screw the pieces together with 1½-inch MDF screws. Evenly space the four dividers along the length of the assembly. Glue, clamp, and screw them in place, then do the same for the top piece. Build the other two carcasses the same way.
4
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Dry-Fit the Carcasses
Step Four
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How to Build a Storage Bed
Dry-Fit the Carcasses
Arrange the three carcasses as they will be assembled, and clamp them together at the foot. Measure the length and width of the void between the carcasses, as shown. Unclamp them and prime all surfaces.
6
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Install the 2x4 Support Frame
Step Six
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How to Build a Storage Bed
Install the 2x4 Support Frame
Use a miter saw to cut 2x4s to length to build a support frame for the void between the carcasses. Use deck screws to go through the long boards into the ends of the five crosspieces. Install 1x2 cleats around the platform opening, 3½ inches down, to hold the frame flush with the platform, and set the frame in place, as shown. Use 2-inch MDF screws to fasten it to the carcasses, tying together the entire assembly.
7
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Cut the MDF Bed-Frame Pieces
Step Seven
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How to Build a Storage Bed
Cut the MDF Bed-Frame Pieces
Use a straightedge and a circular saw to cut the side panels and footboard to size. The side panels overlap the footboard (and will butt into the headboard, in Step 9).
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Install the Face Frames
Step Ten
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How to Build a Storage Bed
Install the Face Frames
For the best fit, measure and cut the 1x2 trim as you go. Starting with the top and bottom rails on the sides, glue them in place, then use a brad nailer to tack them down. Measure, cut, and install the top and bottom rails at the foot of the bed. Next up: all the stiles.
11
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Install the Cap Trim
Step Eleven
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How to Build a Storage Bed
Install the Cap Trim
Set a miter saw to 45 degrees, and cut the footboard ends of the two 1x2 pieces that cap the sides. Measure and cut the other ends at 90 degrees. Glue and nail the side caps in place. Next, measure for the footboard cap, set the saw back to 45 degrees, and miter both ends of the cap to fit. Glue and nail it in place.
12
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Install the Headboard Trim
Step Twelve
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How to Build a Storage Bed
Install the Headboard Trim
Glue and tack the rosettes in place at the corners. Measure the distance between each one and the platform, and cut the door casing to length. Use a jigsaw or a Japanese handsaw to notch the casings around the side panels, and glue and nail them in place with a brad nailer. Then install the horizontal piece of casing between the rosettes. Finally, cut a ½x3 lattice strip to fit between the platform and the horizontal casing, center it side to side, and glue and nail it in place.
13
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Install the Paneling
Step Thirteen
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How to Build a Storage Bed
Install the Paneling
Cut pieces of beadboard panel to fit into the two halves of the headboard. Use construction adhesive to affix them, and tack them down with a brad nailer. Do the same for all the areas of the face frames with exposed MDF.
14
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Add the Finishing Touches
Step Fourteen
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How to Build a Storage Bed
Add the Finishing Touches
Use a miter saw to cut shoe molding for each side, straight at the headboard end and angled at 45 degrees at the footboard end. Use a brad nailer to fasten the shoe in place. Measure, cut, and install the footboard piece, as shown. Fill any nail holes, then sand and paint the bed. Before you know it, it'll be time to hit the hay.