How to Build a Platform Bed With Storage Cubbies

Extra storage is one of the most sought-after additions for do-it-yourself homeowners. A practical way to get lots of extra storage without compromising floor space is to create furniture with in-built storage. A cubby platform bed is a piece of furniture that affords lots of extra storage space while using the often-wasted space under the bed. An attractive and sturdy cubby platform bed doesn't require expert knowledge of carpentry or any tricky joinery, so most handy homeowners can complete the project with ease.

4 sheets 3/4-inch plywood, 19 1/2 by 76 inches
10 sheets 3/4-inch plywood, 15 by 19 inches
4 strips 1-inch edging, 76 inches
10 strips 1-inch edging, 14 1/2 inches
2 sheets 1/2-inch plywood, 16 1/2 by 76 inches
Sander or sandpaper
Paint
Paintbrush
Wood glue
Carpenter's square
G-clamps
Drill
1 1/2-inch screws
1-inch screws
Finishing nails
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Sand and paint all the plywood pieces and edging strips for the cubby storage bed. It is much easier to sand and paint flat panels of plywood and touch up nail or screw holes after construction, than paint once assembled.
- 2
  Stand two sheets of 19 1/2-by-76-inch 3/4-inch plywood on a 76-inch edge, 15 inches apart. Slot five sheets of 15-by-19-inch plywood in between the two 76-inch planks, with the two outer sheets flush with the ends of the 76-inch planks and the remaining three spaced evenly between them.
- 3
  Check that all the angles are 90-degrees using a carpenter's square, then glue all the joints and leave to dry set in G-clamps.
- 4
  Drill three evenly-spaced pilot holes sized for 1 1/2-inch screws through the sides of the 76-inch panels into the abutting ends of the 15-by-19-inch dividers. Secure the dividers in place with screws driven through the pilot holes.
- 5
  Place a sheet of 16 1/2-by-76-inch 1/2-inch plywood over the top of the 76-inch panels and the dividers. This will cover over the top of all the planks. Secure in place with 1 1/2-inch screws driven every 6 to 8 inches around the perimeter as well as into the dividers.
- 6
  Turn the unit over so that one of the 76-inch panels is flat on the ground, with the open sides of the unit facing you. This is one half of the storage cubby bed. Repeat with two more 76-inch panels, five more dividers and one more 16 1/2-by-76 inch back panel so you have two matching cubby units.
- 7
  Position the cubby units back-to-back, which will create a single unit for the bed base that is 40 by 76 inches, or twin size. Secure the cubby units together with a 1-inch screw through the corners of each cubby hole, from each side. Stagger the screw placements slightly so that you can screw freely from each side.
- 8
  Attach a 76-inch strip of 1-inch edging along the top and bottom of each 76-inch side of the bed base using finishing nails. Make the tops of the edging flush with the top and the bottom of the bed base, with a 1/4-inch overhang on the cubby entrance.
- 9
  Attach a 14 1/2-inch strip of 1-inch edging over each of the dividers using finishing nails. The top and bottom of these upright edging strips will fit flush against the edging on the top and bottom of the base.
- 10
  Touch up any visible nail or screw holes with paint before positioning the bed in place and sitting a mattress on top.

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