Building a Trundle Bed Frame

A close-up of a stack of lumber.
  • 4-6 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 200-300
What You'll Need
3/4-inch plywood
Measuring tape
Saw
2x4 lumber
Wood glue
Hammer and nails
2 1/2-inch wood screws
Steel L-brackets
One-inch wood screws
Carpenter's square
1 1/2-inch wood screws
Paint
Primer
Paintbrushes
Casters or wheels
3/4-inch woods screws
What You'll Need
3/4-inch plywood
Measuring tape
Saw
2x4 lumber
Wood glue
Hammer and nails
2 1/2-inch wood screws
Steel L-brackets
One-inch wood screws
Carpenter's square
1 1/2-inch wood screws
Paint
Primer
Paintbrushes
Casters or wheels
3/4-inch woods screws

If you need extra sleeping arrangements for overnight guests, a trundle bed frame is a great way to create a bed that can be conveniently slid underneath a larger bed when not in use. Trundle beds are great for children or smaller adults and are a great DIY project. This simple how-to guide will show you how to construct your trundle bed frame with a few simple hand tools and a few hours of your time. Let's get started.

Step 1 - Measure the Mattress

Before you begin building the trundle bed frame, measure the length and width of the mattress you will use. The size of the mattress will determine the measurements of the frame you will need to construct.

Step 2 - Measure and Cut Base

Measure and cut a piece of 3/4-inch plywood that is slightly longer and wider than the mattress by about two inches for each measurement.

Tip: You should make the frame slightly larger than the mattress so that you can easily remove it if you need to.

Step 3 - Measure and Cut Frame Pieces

Measure and cut two pieces of 2x4 lumber that are the same length as the piece of 3/4-inch plywood that you trimmed down for the base. Then, measure and cut two more pieces of 2x4 lumber that are three inches shorter than the width of the base plywood. Note that the pieces need to be shorter because they will be the inside facing pieces for the frame. The width of the two other 2x4s will make up the three-inch difference.

Step 4 - Assemble Frame

Layout your lumber so that the two long pieces and two short pieces form a rectangle. Ensure that the two shorter components are the inside facing bracing pieces for the frame. Use a brush or flat stick to apply wood glue to the ends of the short 2x4s. Then, use 2 1/2-inch wood screws to secure the frame together. Insert the L-brackets in the corners of the frame and secure with the one-inch wood screws. Make sure the frame is level by using the carpenter's square.

Step 5 - Attach Frame to Base

Place the piece of plywood on top of the frame and ensure the edges are flush and square. Then, insert 1 1/2-inch wood screws along the perimeter of the frame and base. Space the screws about 10 to 12 inches apart.

Step 6 - Paint or Finish Frame

Choose a color for your new trundle bed frame and paint. Be sure to prime the wood first for best results

Step 7 - Attach Casters or Wheels

Align the mounts for the casters or wheels on the corners of the base piece of plywood. Then, use 3/4-inch wood screws to attach the casters to the base.

With your project complete, you will always have accommodations for a guest tucked away under your existing bed.