How to Build Platform Storage Beds With Cubbyholes

A platform bed that has storage cubbies is a welcome addition to any bedroom, but is especially useful in children’s roomsA platform bed with storage cubbies is a welcome addition to a bedroom, but is especially useful in children’s rooms, where mess is a problem. A storage bed also utilizes the often-wasted space under the bed. Also, if the bed is for a child’s room, then a storage bed leaves no room for “monsters” hide, so everyone gets a good night’s sleep. where mess can be a problem. A storage bed also utilizes the oft-wasted space under the bed, and if the bed is for a child’s room, then a storage bed leaves no room for monsters or bogie men to hide, so everyone gets a good night’s sleep.

1 piece 3/4-inch plywood, 20-by-75 inches
Measuring tape
Jigsaw
3 pieces 3/4-inch plywood, 20-by-40 inches
2 pieces 3/4-inch plywood, 40-by-75 inches
Paint
Paintbrush
Wood glue
Drill and bit
1 1/4-inch wood screws

Instructions

- 1
  Lay a piece of 20-by-75-inch, three-quarter inch plywood on your work surface. Measure up 18 inches from one end of the plywood piece and draw a 10-inch long line one of the long sides, perpendicular to the long side. Measure up three-quarters inch and make another 10-inch long line parallel to the first line.
- 2
  Measure up another 18 inches and make another two 10-inch long lines perpendicular to the same long side Repeat this so you have three sets of 10-inch long lines along one long side of the plywood piece.
- 3
  Cut along the lines with a jigsaw, and then cut out that portion, so that there are three 10-inch long and three-quarter inch wide slots along one side of the plywood piece spaced 18 inches apart.
- 4
  Lay a piece of 20-by-40-inch, three-quarter inch plywood flat on the work surface. Mark in a 10-inch-long and three-quarter inch wide slot centered on one long side of the plywood. Repeat this on two more pieces of 20-by-40-inch plywood, and then cut out the three slots on the jigsaw.
- 5
  Paint all the plywood pieces with slots in them, as well as two pieces of 40-by-75-inch plywood, which are platform bed’s bottom and top. Let dry before continuing.
- 6
  Apply wood glue to the slots in all the slotted plywood pieces. Lay the 75-inch slotted piece on edge with the slots upward. Insert a 40-inch slotted piece into each of the slots on the 75-inch piece of plywood. The slots mate, so that the plywood top and bottom pieces are flush, and cubbies are created where each piece mates. Let the glue thoroughly dry.
- 7
  Place one of the bottom plywood pieces centered on top of the mated pieces of slotted plywood. Secure the bottom in place with 1 1/4-inch screws driven through the bottom piece into the mated plywood pieces every 5 to 6 inches.
- 8
  Flip the bed over, so that the bottom is now on the bottom. Center the top piece of plywood over the top and attach it as you did the bottom piece. You now have a sturdy platform bed with eight cubbyholes for storage.

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