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Breathe new life into an old cot with this easy and fun D.I.Y. upcycling project. With a few power tools, you can create a cute kids’ couch or cosy reading nook in no time. There’s even a handy built-in shelf to provide extra storage for your home.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. Always store products out of the reach of children and pets and always work in a well-ventilated area when working with spray paint.
Remove the front gate of the cot with attached brackets. Adjust the slatted base to the highest position in the frame. Next, measure between the uprights to find the length of the front rail and shelf slats, and from the ground up to the base for the back supports.
From 90mm x 18mm pine, use a mitre saw to cut a front rail, three slats and two back supports for the kids’ sofa. Smooth with 180-grit abrasive paper to remove breakout from the cuts and round over the edges slightly.
On the outside of the front uprights, mark 20mm and 70mm up from the slatted base, then predrill through the centre with a 3mm bit and countersink with a 10mm bit. Apply adhesive to the front rail edges, position and secure with 40mm screws. Secure through the rail into the base using a nail gun with 35mm brad nails.
Position the back supports under the slatted base, equal distance from the ends. Predrill and countersink through the back of the frame, apply adhesive to the supports and secure with 30mm screws. At the top, secure through the base into the supports with 50mm brad nails.
Position a slat at the back, flush with the bottom of the frame and against the back supports. From the outside and on both sides, mark 20mm and 70mm from the back uprights, 10mm up. Predrill and countersink, apply adhesive, then position and secure with 40mm screws.
To install the front slat, mark 20mm and 70mm from the front upright on both sides of the frame, 10mm up. Predrill and countersink, apply adhesive, then position and secure with 40mm screws. Centre the middle slat and repeat to predrill and secure.
Fill all screw holes with timber filler, leave to dry and sand flush. Wipe all over with a damp cloth to remove dust. Mask over any parts of the cot that aren’t timber, position it on sawhorses and prepare the area with a drop sheet.
Pour primer into a paint sprayer and lightly coat all over, flipping the cot upside down to coat the underside. Leave to dry. Clean the spray gun and fill with paint. Beginning with the cot upside down, lightly apply two coats all over, leaving to dry after each coat.
Cover the cot mattress in a fitted cot sheet and stitch ties to matching pillow covers to attach to the frame.
Transform more old furniture with this upcycled bookcase D.I.Y. project.
Photo Credit: Belinda Merrie
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.
