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Furniture & Upcycling
How to build a deck and timber furniture with Kreg
How to make a trundle bed on wheels
How to make a trundle bed on wheels
Overview
A trundle bed on wheels will make sleep-overs at your home a dream. It slides under an existing bed to keep the room looking neat and tidy. Read more at Bunnings
Tools and materials
Tools
Steps
Get the wood pre-cut at Bunnings
To make this DIY project even easier we've had the wood pre-cut at Bunnings. The plywood base for our trundle bed is 1880 x 910mm. We had the Tasmanian oak for the frame cut at 1920mm x 2 and 950mm x 2. When choosing the timber for your hardwood frame, remember than it needs to accommodate a mattress, under-bed sliders and also fit under the bed.
Make the first 45-degree cut
Put on your safety gear. Take one of the 950mm pieces of timber. Set the mitre saw to 45-degrees and cut the timber close to the end.
Measure the width of the base
Use the tape measure to work out the width of the base. Transfer this length onto the 950mm piece of timber. Remember that your measurements are for the inside edge of your frame.
Cut the timber
Change the mitre saw so that the 45-degree angle is opposite to the one you cut. Cut the timber to size. Repeat Steps 2, 3 and 4 to cut the frame for the other end of the trundle bed.
Make a 45-degree cut
Take one of the pieces of 1950mm timber and make a 45-degree cut close to the end.
Measure the length of the base of the bed
Measure the length of the base of your bed. Transfer this length onto the 1950mm piece of timber. Remember that your measurements are for the inside edge of your frame.
Cut the timber
Change the mitre saw so that the 45-degree angle is opposite to the one you cut. Cut the timber to size. Repeat the previous steps to cut the frame for the other side of the trundle bed.
Place packers under the base
Place the base on a flat working surface. Put the 10mm window packers under the base. These will elevate the base, making it easier to attach the frame.
Attach the frame
Place a bead of glue along the edge and mitre cut on one of the pieces of timber. Place it against the base, so that the edges are flush. Use the nail gun to secure it to the base. Repeat this process to join the three other pieces of timber. Always check that the edges are flush before nailing the timber into place. Wipe away any excess glue.
Measure and mark for the handles
Measure and mark where you want to drill the holes for the two rope handles. Ours were 550mm, 750mm, 1150mm and 1350mm in from one end of the base.
Drill the hole for the handles
Use the 10mm drill bit to drill the holes for the handles. The holes need to be drilled in the plywood base and the timber frame. On the frame, drill as close as possible to the base.
Putty the timber
Use a suitable wood putty to putty up any holes or imperfections in the timber frame. If any of your nails are sticking out, use the hammer and nail punch to hide them.
Attach the sliders
Apply PVA glue to the top of the sliders. Stick the slider to the base of the bed. Repeat this for the seven other sliders. Four of the sliders should go in the corners of the base and the other four, evenly spaced along the sides of the base.
Sand the frame
Once the putty and the glue for the sliders has dried it's time to sand the bed. Use the 180 grit sandpaper to make the frame and the base smooth. You might need to turn the bed over to properly sand all of it. Wipe away any dust.
Varnish the bed
You can stain or paint your trundle bed to suit your décor. We're using Cabothane clear because it brings out the grain of the timber. Apply the varnish with a good quality paint brush and let it dry. You might need to apply three coats of varnish. Remember to lightly sand in between coats.
Attach the rope handles
Once the varnish is dry, you can attach the rope handles. Wrap tape around the end of the rope, which will make it easier to thread through the holes. Thread the rope through the holes in the side, then through the bottom. Tie off the rope with a simple knot to make sure the handles are secure. Cut off any excess rope with a sharp knife or scissors.
Ready to use
And there you have it, a trundle bed on sliders that will make the next sleepover at your house so much easier.
More D.I.Y. Advice
Health & Safety
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.