How to Make Dressers Into a Captain's Bed

Arrange two sturdy triple dressers with their backs facing each other and the drawers facing out to form the base of the bed. Leave a three-inch space between the dressers. Line the tops of the dressers with ½-inch-thick foam padding.

Cut two ¾-inch-thick plywood sheets with a table saw to so you have two pieces measuring 40 inches by 60 inches each. Cut one furring strip to a length of 76 inches. Repeat to cut the two remaining furring strips to the same length.

Arrange the two plywood sheets so they are resting together with the long ends butted together. Together, the two sheets should measure 80 inches by 60 inches.

Place the furring strips atop the plywood sheets lengthwise, with one at each side of the plywood and one running down the center. Leave a two-inch space between the furring strips and the edges of the plywood. Attach the furring strips to the plywood sheets using 1- and ½-inch wood screws.

Cut two furring strips into lengths measuring 56 inches. Turn one furring strip so its one-inch side is resting against the plywood, and lay it perpendicular to the previously placed furring strips to form a box. Repeat with the other furring strip at the opposite end. Secure with wood screws.

Stain the wood box to create your desired finish. Use iron-on veneer trim tape over the edges of the plywood to create a finished look.

Lay the plywood box atop the dressers so the middle furring strip runs between the two dressers, turning the construction so the furring runs along the underside of the plywood. Place a full-size mattress on top of the plywood.