Toddler Farmhouse Bed (Crib Mattress)

Fasten the 1x4 center panel boards to the bottom trim piece, using 1-1/4" nails and glue. Add the 1x3 side pieces to frame the field. This is the planked panel that forms the middle of the headboard.

Fasten the inside leg pieces to the sides of the center panel with 2" screws, into the header and bottom trim and the side panel pieces. Then nail the full outside leg pieces onto the inside legs with 1-1/4" nails, using 2" nails into the header and bottom trim where there's enough backing. Building the legs up in two layers makes them read solid.

Fasten the top piece across the headboard with 2" nails, measuring and cutting to fit, and add the top cap. Arch the 1x6 header with a jigsaw if you want the arched look, or leave it square with a 1x2. Add the inside bottom leg pieces.

Build the footboard panel exactly as you built the headboard panel — 1x4 field, 1x3 sides, trim — then attach the inside legs with screws, the outer legs with nails, and cap the top. It's the same sequence at a shorter height.

Measure your 1x6 to confirm it's exactly 5-1/2" wide, then notch the leg bottoms for the side rails per the diagram. Getting the notch to match the actual rail width is what lets the rails seat flush. Fasten with 1-1/4" nails and glue.

Fasten the side rails to the endplate with 2" screws, then fasten the endplate to the footboard with 1-1/4" screws, and tie the rails to the headboard. This forms the bed frame between the two ends.

Fasten the 1x2 cleats to the inside of the side rails with glue and 1-1/4" nails. Lay the 18 slats across the cleats and screw them down — screwing (not just resting) the slats keeps an active toddler from kicking them loose. Fill nail holes, sand every edge round, and finish with a kid-safe finish.