Jaxen Jennings
This beautiful DIY daybed is budget-friendly and simple enough that even a woodworking beginner can build it. This daybed is perfect if you need another bed or extra seating for any space, indoors or outdoors.
But I still wanted a big, cozy spot for lounging, reading, and even napping, so I decided a regular daybed would also do quite nicely.
This daybed can be used for an outdoor space like ours, but it’s also perfect for a bedroom, office, or family room.
It’s a fairly easy build even if you are newer to woodworking and looks so beautiful when it’s finished. When you are choosing your wood, be sure to look for pieces that are straight and free or major knotholes and other blemishes.
You can purchase the build plans for the twin size daybed in my shop here. And after many requests, I have also created build plans for a full size version of this daybed. The finished daybed fits a standard 38″ x 75″ twin mattress and is 29.75″ tall, 41″ deep, and 80″ long.
They give a great clean finish, but you can also use wood filler instead if you prefer.
– You can use these to fill in a few pocket holes that will be visible in the finished daybed. They give a great clean finish, but you can also use wood filler instead if you prefer.
If you are using your table outdoors, be sure to choose exterior paint and a sealer that can stand up to outside use. Add two pocket holes with your Kreg Jig to each end of the 34.5″ pieces.
(If you’ve never used a Kreg Jig before, it’s a simple way to make really strong joints for woodworking.
Use a miter saw to cut a 20 degree angle at one end of a 2×3 board that is at least 38″ long. Use your Kreg jig to add pocket holes to the outer ends of each crosspiece. I chose to use a small finishing nail to attach the two smaller crosspieces at the center of the X rather than pocket holes for a cleaner look.
Add a pocket hole to each end of this board and attach it to the center of the back frame using 2.5″ Kreg screws. Add two pocket holes with your Kreg Jig to each end of the 75″ 2×3 you cut earlier.
Tip: Cutting a couple of supports from scrap wood to hold each slat at the correct height makes this so much easier. Just cut two pieces of wood 8.5″ tall and slip them under the ends of each slat as you attach it. Finally, we are going to cut and attach the boards that sit on top of the sides and back of the daybed. Finally, you may choose to add a piece of 1/4″ plywood to the bottom of your daybed for added stability if needed.
We are not using a box spring on our daybed and our mattress definitely needed just a bit more support. If you choose to add a piece of plywood, cut it 36″ x 73″ or just slightly smaller than the twin mattress.
Then clean all of the dust from your daybed and you are ready for stain or paint. If you are planning to stain your daybed, I recommend using pocket hole plugs rather than wood filler.
Even though you can buy stainable wood filler, personally I’ve never been really satisfied with how it looks stained. If you are painting your daybed, I highly recommend starting with a coat of primer first.
Oil-based primer will help seal any knotholes in the wood and prevent bleed-through, especially if you are painting your daybed white or another light color. I created a custom color by mixing a few exterior paints I already had on hand.
Once the paint or stain has dried, you can move your mattress into place and enjoy! For now I’ve made a quick cover for my daybed from an inexpensive canvas drop cloth.
basket, similar vintage fan, Stay awhile pillow, painted floor tutorial World Market has a great option with a similar look to mine (but way more tailored.)
Or you can also buy awesome zippered covers on Etsy in a variety of colors. And remember, if you want a little more help, you can get detailed pdf build plans for the twin size daybed here.
