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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

Steps

1Get 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.

2Make 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.

3Measure 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.

4Cut 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.

5Make a 45-degree cut

Take one of the pieces of 1950mm timber and make a 45-degree cut close to the end.

6Measure 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.

7Cut 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.

8Place 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.

9Attach 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.

10Measure 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.

11Drill 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.

12Putty 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.

13Attach 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.

14Sand 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.

15Varnish 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.

16Attach 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.

17Ready to use

And there you have it, a trundle bed on sliders that will make the next sleepover at your house so much easier.
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.