DIY Daybed Plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about outdoor daybed plans. The project features instructions for building a basic daybed that can be used both indoor and outdoor. If you have basic woodworking skills and common household tools, you can build this daybed in one weekend. Use a 39×80 mattress for this daybed. Make sure you take a look over the rest of plans to see alternatives and more projects for your garden.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

DIY Daybed Plans

Building a daybed

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 42 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 25 3/4″ long, 2 pieces – 30″ long LEGS
• B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 38″ long, 2 pieces – 87″ long BED FRAME
• C – 4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 42″ long CLEATS
• D – 11 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 80″ long SLATS
• E – 6 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 38″ long SLATS
• F – 4 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 80″ long BACKREST
• G – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 41 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 87″ long TRIMS

• 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8′
• 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8′
• 18 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8′
• 1 1/4″ screws
• 1 5/8″ screws
• 2 1/2″ screws
• filler, stain
• glue

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

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How to build a daybed

Building the legs

The first step of the project is to build the legs for the daybed. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to use 4×4 lumber for the components. Mark the cut lines and make parallel cuts inside the area (1 1/2″ deep). Use a chisel to remove the excess material and smooth the recess area with sandpaper.

Fitting the front and back supports

Next, you need to attach the 2×4 supports to the front and to the back legs. Fit the supports to the notches, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the supports and secure them to the legs using 2 1/2″ screws. Add glue to the joints and make sure the corners are square.

Fitting the side supports

Continue the project by locking the front and the back of the daybed together. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and lock them to the 4×4 legs using 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square and the edges are flush, for a professional result.

Fitting the cleats

Build the cleats from 2×2 lumber. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the cleats, fit them to the frame of the daybed and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly. Make sure the corners are square and leave 3/4″ from the top edge of the frame to the cleats.

Fitting the bottom slats

Fit the 1×4 slats to the daybed, as shown in the plans. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 1/4″ screws to secure the slat to the cleats. Place the slats equally-spaced for a professional result.

Fitting the side slats

Next, you have to build the sides of the daybed. Therefore, cut the 1×4 slats at 38″ and drill pocket holes at both ends. Fit the slats to the side legs, as shown in the diagram. Insert 1 1/4″ screws to lock the slats to the posts, as shown in the diagram.

Fitting the backrest slats

Fit the 1×4 slats to the back of the daybed. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the slats and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the posts. Place the posts equally-spaced for a professional result.

Fitting the top trims

In order to enhance the look of the outdoor bed, you have to attach 2×4 trims to the sides and to the backrest. Smooth the cut edges before fitting the trims into place. Make sure the edges are flush, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws.

Bottom slat

If you want to create storage areas on both sides of the daybed, we recommend you to fit 1×4 slats under the structure. Make notches at both ends of the slats with a circular saw and smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Attaching the bottom slat

Fit the slats to the daybed, as shown in the plans. Use 1 1/4″ screws to lock the slats into place tightly.

DIY daybed plans

Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches, as to be able to continue the process with the rest of the steps. Fill the holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with fine-grit sandpaper.

Top Tip: Check out the rest of the woodworking projects for more inspiration for your backyard.

This woodworking project was about diy daybed plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

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