I was so excited to start this project after we saw a Captain’s bed in a local furniture store! We wanted to make over her room and we had a definite vision, more storage and more space. Her room is on the small side and we’ve fought to find storage solutions for a long time.
I got the crazy idea that I could figure out a way to build her a new bed frame. When I first started I was feeling pretty confident in my plan but was starting to have doubts about half way in. Luckily, I got it done and we’re so happy with the outcome.
The Building Process
The photos below show some of the steps I took. I should have created detailed instructions but I was sort of figuring out as I went. There was a Captain’s bed on the PB Teen website that I used as a guide. First I spent quite a bit of time drawing up my plan. I made three frames to go the length of the bed and then attached these frames to end panels.
Next I assembled the bed frames and attached them to the bed ends in my kitchen so that I had a flat floor, unlike the sloped floor in my garage.
Finally, I put in the drawers. This was by far the hardest part. I tinkered with the slides for hours to get them to work perfectly.
The last think I did was paint (I used the same method I use for kitchen cabinets, get the tutorial here) and moved the whole thing upstairs.
I learned so much on this project and would definitely do a few things differently next time. I used framing 2×4’s for the structure and even through I tried to find the straightest boards I could, they weren’t perfect. The biggest thing I would do differently is use those premium boards that are straighter. I’d also consider going down to 1×4’s because this thing is a heavy beast!
I ordered drawer fronts from Fast Cabinet Doors. I’ve ordered from them before and have always had great luck. They look great!
Tools
I really just used a few tools to make this Captain’s bed. These are the tools that I used:
- Drill from Amazon (https://amzn.to/3cOitt0)
- Miter Saw
- Big Clamps
- Little Clamps from Amazon (https://amzn.to/3eMnPa5)
- Kreg Jig from Amazon (https://amzn.to/2xNBwoP)
- Drawer Slides
- Pivot Hinge
- Pulls from Amazon (https://amzn.to/354qRC8)
- Wood and Screws
If you click on my affiliate link and make a purchase I do receive a very small commission but I only link products that I personally use and recommend.
Secret Storage
One of my favorite things about this Captain’s bed is that on the side of the bed on the opposite side of the drawers, there is tons of storage beneath the mattress. I used entertainment center pivot hinges to hang the door. My daughter added battery lights underneath and has fun hanging out in this secret hiding spot!
See More of this Room Makeover!
Get more details on the rest of our bedroom make over project at the links below!
