Skip to main content
Bunnings Warehouse
Lowest Price Policy^
Free delivery* withOnePass_Icon.svg

How to upcycle a cot into a kids’ couch

By Bunnings magazine /

Completed light pink reading nook carrying grey pillows and an open book. 2 Grey mesh storage containers carry a blanket and books underneath the seats

Overview

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.

Steps

  1. 1

    Prepare the cot and take measurements

    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.  

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: The front rail and slats for this cot are 1197mm; back supports are 389mm.
    Left side of a wooden cot railings on a deck with an outdoor background
  2. 2

    Cut and sand 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.

    Close up perspective of mitre saw cutting a wooden rail
  3. 3

    Start securing the front

    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. 

    Close up of hand holding wooden cot with one nail drilled in and the other about to be drilled
  4. 4

    Add more support 

    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. 

    Close up of wooden cot railings with a piece of wood behind
  5. 5

    Fit a slat at the back of the cot

    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.  

    3 drilled nails into the corner of the wooden cot with a rectangular piece of wood in view
  6. 6

    Add a slat to the cot front

    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.  

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip Adding a timber shelf reinforces the piece’s structure and creates room for storage.
    Hand holding a metal ruler next to the frame of the wooden cot
  7. 7

    Use timber filler

    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. 

    Updated wooden cot positioned on top of sawhorses underneath timber surface and grass
  8. 8

    Spray the cot with primer and paint

    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. 

    Hand holding paint sprayer on top of white wooden railings in an indoor environment
  9. 9

    Complete the upcycling with cushions and a cot sheet

    Cover the cot mattress in a fitted cot sheet and stitch ties to matching pillow covers to attach to the frame.  

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: If you have a sewing machine, make a new mattress cover and cushions from a curtain, as we did here.
    Completed light pink reading nook carrying grey pillows and an open book. 2 Grey mesh storage containers carry a blanket and books underneath the seats
  10. 10

    Keep in mind.....

    • You may require a hex key or hex head bit to remove the front gate of the cot.
    • Although this cot frame has been reinforced, it’s not suitable for adults or children weighing more than 30kg. 
    • When using a nail gun, wear eye protection and ensure the nose is flat against the piece before pulling the trigger
    • Paint colours may vary on application. 
    • *Timbers vary by region; contact your local store for further information. 
  11. 11

    Transform your old furniture...

    Transform more old furniture with this upcycled bookcase D.I.Y. project.  

     

    Photo Credit: Belinda Merrie 

Get inspired by projects from the Bunnings Workshop community

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.