Open Storage Bed Frame (Twin)

On the underside of the bottom plywood platform, attach the two 2x2 supports with 2" screws. Only a few screws are needed — the bed rests on top of these cleats, so the screws just hold them in position rather than carrying load.

Build the divider unit from the 1x12s with 2" finish nails and glue. The small dividers are 11-1/4" long. This unit stands between the two plywood sheets and creates the storage cubbies.

Attach the dividers to the bottom plywood with nails and glue. Then attach the top plywood the same way — the measurements are to the sides of the dividers, not their centers, so nail into the centers of the dividers to land your fasteners cleanly.

Attach the 1x6 side rail trim and 1x6 foot rail to the bed frame with 2" finish nails and glue. Fasten into the dividers as well as the plywood edges — every trim piece here is also reinforcing a joint, which is where the bed gets its rigidity.

Keeping edges flush with the top of the bottom plywood, attach the 1x2 bottom shelf trim (sides and foot) with 2" finish nails and glue. This trims the lower edge of the cubbies to a clean line.

Attach the 1x2 leg pieces to the sides, outside edges flush, reinforcing all trim joints — use 1-1/4" nails where needed so you don't overshoot into open space. Then add the 1x3 leg pieces, nailing into both the 1x2 leg and the 1x6/1x2 trim to reinforce every joint. Minimize the gap between the two leg boards so the leg reads as a solid board.

Attach the 1x3 footer trim with 2" finish nails and glue, nailing into both leg pieces. Then attach the 1x2 side top trim flush to the inside of the bed with glue and 2" nails.

Sand, fill holes, and finish or paint. To join the bed to a matching headboard, drill pilot holes and screw directly through the headboard legs into the frame.