A Montessori bed frame is a great way to make your child feel like they have more control over their sleeping environment.
You can buy premade Montessori bed frames, but they can be expensive, or you can build one using simple materials and tools.
So, how do you make a bed frame? A bed frame is quite simple to build and can be built from reclaimed materials. The highest cost is probably the work time in making it, shipping time on the materials, and maybe another cost if you have a power drill.
Here is the procedure for building a Montessori bed frame
Materials
Wood
Wood glue
Wood stain, paint
Screws
Walnut
Drill bit
wood screws
Machine screws
STEP 1: Cut the Wood
Use a miter saw to cut the wood. You’ll need to cut pieces of plywood, dowels, and pocket holes to fit your bed frame design.
The length of every piece will depend on how long it is needed, but usually, the distance will be 2 feet (60 cm). The widths are up to you; they can be any size that works with your design.
The first step is measuring and marking where each board needs to go on your blueprints or drawings so you know where to start cutting from when using tools like a miter saw later in this process.
N/B ensure you get the best quality of wood
STEP 2: Cutting the Half-Lap Joints
The half-lap joints should be cut in one piece at a time. Follow the same step as you did to cut the full-lap joints, but instead of making two cuts on each side of the board, make only one.
For best results with a circular saw, set your blade’s height at about an inch and position it so that it will clear any part of your workbench when cutting.
To ensure accuracy and safety, place each piece on top of another before beginning to cut.
This will help keep them together as they move through the blade. When using a table saw or jigsaw, simply mark where each joint will be located so that they end up being parallel.
Carefully rip apart the whole length while holding onto both pieces to prevent slippage (this is especially important when working with large boards).
STEP 3: The Supports and Pocket Holes
Use a smaller drill bit than your screws for the pocket holes. This way, you won’t have to worry about stripping out your screw holes while driving in the screws.
Screw two supports onto each side of the bed frame at 3/4″ and 1/2″ from their edges
STEP 4: The Dowels and Trimming the Corners
Use a jigsaw to trim the corners of the headboard and footboard, using a straightedge as a guide. Drill pocket holes in each corner of your bed frame using your Kreg Jig.
Fasten each side rail with screws that penetrate through both sides at least 3/4″ deep, or until they hit wood filler (if you’re using it). Repeat each pair of rails on all four sides of your frame assembly.
Securely screw in all four supports to help stabilize and support your bed frame and provide extra storage space underneath for books, toys, etc., if desired.
STEP 5: Preparing for Assembly
Ensure the wood is dry before you begin assembly. Wood expands and contracts with moisture, so if your wood has been outdoors for a while, likely, it won’t fit together correctly when assembled.
Sand down the surfaces of each piece of lumber with 120-grit sandpaper before assembly to remove splinters and other imperfections from manufacturing or handling during transport from the warehouse to your home.
Use a hammer to tap any sharp edges into rounded corners, so you don’t cut yourself later on when using this bed frame for sleeping or playing in your child’s room.
STEP 6: Assembling the Bed Frame
Next, fix the side rails to the headboard and footboard. First, measure from the bottom of each side rail up to where it meets your center rail at its highest point.
Mark this spot on all four rails with a pencil, so you know where to align them together.
With two people on each side, hold a rail in place against one end of the center rail while another person pushes down on it from above until they meet. Repeat this process for all four lots until all eight pieces are connected.
If needed, use clamps or blocks of wood under each end piece, so there is no gap between them when they’re connected.
You should now have a solid bed frame that is level along its length and width. Now comes my favorite part, attaching slats. Don’t use big bulky slats to prevent toddlers from climbing out of bed.
Step 7: Stain or Paint the Bed
You have a few options here. You either stain the wood, paint it, or use a combination of both to give your bed frame a custom look.
To Stain the Wood
If you want to stain your bed frame, use an oil-based or water-based stain. Using a foam brush will help you apply an even coat of the finish over all sides of your pieces, including curves and edges where brushing alone would be difficult.
To Paint the Wood
Use latex exterior paint in whatever color suits your taste. Applying at least two coats of paint on each piece is recommended to ensure that it is fully covered and protected from moisture damage when placed against walls.
STEP 8: Screw on the Hardware
Now that you have your bed frame finished, it’s time to screw on the hardware. To do this, place the slats at intervals across each side of your bed frame.
Make sure they are placed as close to the center as possible. Then, attach one end of a slat to a rail by drilling in a screw and attaching it with an Allen wrench.
Do this for all four sides of each rail so that there are two screws on either side of each fence.
Repeat these steps for all four rails and make sure your measurements remain consistent throughout so that your mattress will fit correctly once completed.
Conclusion
A little planning and a few materials are all you need to get started on building your Montessori-style bed frame. It’s a bit of an investment in time and money, but if you believe this bed style will benefit your child in the long run, it’s worth investing in.
FAQs
Does a Montessori floor bed Need a frame? Yes, The frame helps to keep the mattress from shifting, so that it can provide a consistent surface for your child to sleep on.
What kind of wood is used for Montessori beds? There are a few different types of wood that can be used for Montessori beds. The most common is pine, but cedar and redwood are also used.