If you have toddlers or twins, they will outgrow their cribs in no time. But instead of buying two new beds that take up a lot of space in your bedroom, why not build your twin Montessori bed?
How do you build a Montessori bed? Building a Montessori bed is not complicated if you have the right tools and follow all the instructions carefully. First, you must ensure that you have all the safety gear required before doing this task. This is because, during this process, you will be working with some sharp object that can pose an injury if you are not guarded well.
Here are the procedures of how to build a Montessori bed.
Materials
Pencil
drill bit
miter saw
grit sandpaper
Wood
Circular saw
Step 1: Cut a 75-Inch Piece From the 2×4 Lumber
Before you start cutting your lumber pieces, it’s essential to make sure that you have the right tools. Use a pencil and straightedge to draw a line in the center of each 1.5-inch.
Next, make perpendicular lines at both ends of each piece. This will allow you to accurately measure where to cut so that all pieces of your beds are identical in size.
Once you’ve got everything set up with measurements marked out, use an electric or hand saw to cut along these lines until each piece is 75 inches long.
Step 2: Drill the Holes Marked With an X From the Previous Step
Now it’s time to drill the holes in your wooden slats. You’ll need to use a drill bit smaller than the dowels you’ll be inserting through them later on, so it won’t split them when you push the dowel through.
To determine where to place each hole, measure from one side of your twin bed (the long side) up 7 inches and over 14 inches.
Mark these measurements on each slat with an X. Then center those two points so that they are equidistant from both ends, if you laid out all 10 slats side-by-side now, they should form two straight lines parallel to each other and perpendicular to the length of your twin bed.
Step 3: Cut (12) 19-Inch 3/4 Dowels
This part requires a miter saw. If you don’t have one, consider purchasing one.
Once your dowels are cut to 19 inches, it’s time to drill holes in them so they can be inserted into the bed frame.
To do that, we’ll use a drill bit (with an appropriate size) and some clamps to hold it steady while we drill out the holes for our dowels.
Step 4: Cut a 75-Inch Piece From 2×2 Lumber
Measure 75 inches. Cut 2×2 lumber to that length, then cut it into two pieces of 3/4 inch thick lumber each.
Use a miter saw or hand saw to cut corners at 45 degrees, then sand down any rough edges with 100-grit sandpaper.
Step 5: Cut Two 22.5-Inch Pieces From 2×2 Lumber
You’ll need to cut two 22.5-inch pieces from 2×2 lumber, two 39-inch pieces, and a 75-inch piece from 2×4 lumber.
The shorter boards will form the sides of your bed, while the longer one forms the headboard and footboard.
While you have all those cuts, it’s time to cut out some notches in each board that will allow them to connect later.
There are three different sections where notches are required, at both ends of each long side piece, at both ends of each short side piece, and at one end of each short side piece (where it connects with another long side).
The length of these notches should be wide enough so that when they interlock with other pieces around them, there is only about 1/4 inch between them (to account for any small sewing mistakes).
Step 6: Cut a 75-Inch Piece From the 2×2 Lumber
To cut the 2×2 lumber, use a circular saw to make three cuts. The first cut should be 1 inch from one end of the 2×2 lumber.
Then, sand off any splinters or rough edges on this end of the board with 120-grit sandpaper.
The second cut should be 11 inches from that first end and at a 45-degree angle. The third cut should be 14 inches from that first end, at a 45-degree angle.
Step 7: Cut Two 39-Inch Pieces
The next step is to cut two 39-inch pieces from the 2×2 lumber. You will use these to make the sides of your bed.
This step is identical to Step 4, so if you need a refresher on doing this, feel free to go back and check it out!
Step 9: Cut a 17-Inch and a 22.5-Inch Piece From the 2×2 Lumber
Cut two pieces of 2×2 lumber. In this step, you’ll be cutting two pieces of 2×2 lumber: one at 17 inches long and one at 22.5 inches long.
Step 10: Cut a 75-Inch Piece From 2×2 Lumber
Cut a 75-inch piece from 2×2 lumber. This is the most extended piece of lumber you’ll need for this project, so it’s essential to get it right. Cut a 17-inch and a 22.5-inch piece from the 2×2 lumber.
Step 11: Take All the Pieces You Have Made and Assemble Them
You should now have three sets of rails and two crossbars, which means you can assemble them to make a twin-sized bed.
Take all the pieces you have made and assemble them. Take one crossbar and place it on top of one pair of rails.
Then take another pair of rails and place it directly under the first. The center dowel should fit snugly into both holes on each rail set, with the holes being aligned perfectly across both sets.
Repeat this process by placing another center dowel into each remaining hole from step 4 (one at each side) until all four holes are filled.
Step 12: Cut Twelve 39-Inch 1×6 Pieces
Cut the 1×6 lumber to length. You’ll want to ensure you have enough for each side of the bed, a top piece, and two end pieces that will meet in the middle.
If you’re using your miter saw to do this step, measure twice before making any cuts.
If you mess up your cuts here, it will throw off the rest of your measurements for this project.
Conclusion
There we have it, a simple guide on building a twin Montessori bed. You can use many plans to create a Montessori twin bed on your own, and they’re straightforward. The main trick in making a twin Montessori bed is having the right tools and following all the instructions.
FAQs
What type of wood should be used for a Montessori bed? The most recommended wood for a Montessori bed is pine, and this is because it is strong and very durable.
What age is appropriate for a twin bed? The best age to switch your kid to a twin Montessori bed is 3 to 4 years.