This project was built and designed by the team at Kreg Tool, offering a smart and stylish solution for a growing child’s bedroom. The adjustable height feature allows the bed to adapt as your child grows, making it both practical and long-lasting.
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Why This Bed Design Makes Sense
Transitioning from a crib to a regular bed can be a big step, and flexibility makes the process easier. This bed is designed with that transition in mind, allowing mattress height adjustments from around 12 to 18 inches.
Not only is it functional, but the bed also adds a clean and modern look to a child’s room. The thoughtful design includes unique leg shapes and clever storage space below when set in its taller position.
Design Concept and Flexibility
The foundation of the build is a sturdy box frame with slats for mattress support. To elevate the design, the team added custom cutouts and leg shapes that enhance the bed’s overall appearance.
One of the most unique aspects is the ability to flip the bed frame. In the early stages, it can be used in the lower position, and later flipped to create more space underneath.
Material Choices and Tools
This project primarily uses plywood, making it strong, stable, and budget-friendly. Walnut veneer plywood adds a polished finish for the legs and sides, while Baltic birch plywood is ideal for mattress support.
The build uses a circular saw, jigsaw, router, and a Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig to join everything securely. These tools help ensure clean cuts, precise fits, and a sturdy frame that holds up over time.
Breaking Down the Build
The team started by creating a foot template using MDF, shaping it with curves that give the bed a playful look. After sanding the template, the final pieces were cut and cleaned up to prepare for laminating.
Each leg consists of two laminated pieces, providing both strength and visual depth. The frame pieces were sized to match the dimensions of the legs, ensuring everything would fit together smoothly.
Smart Assembly Tips
For the main frame assembly, dowels and pocket holes were used to keep everything solid and square. Clamping each piece in place before screwing it together helped ensure tight joints and proper alignment.
Once assembled, the entire frame was rounded over to remove sharp corners. This step added both safety and a more finished look to the bed’s edges.
Making It Adjustable
To allow for mattress height adjustments, spacer blocks were added at set intervals along the frame. These blocks help position the supports accurately depending on the chosen height.
The mattress cradle pieces were glued and attached to support the slats securely. This creates a stable surface for any standard-sized mattress and ensures a safe sleep setup.
Final Touches and Finish
The entire bed was sanded smooth and cleaned up before finishing. A clear or lightly tinted topcoat would enhance the grain of the plywood and protect it from daily wear.
With its completed look and practical features, this adjustable height bed stands out as a functional and stylish DIY project. It’s the kind of build that grows with your child and lasts for years.
Ready to Build One Yourself?
This bed is a great mix of design and durability, making it ideal for any growing family. If you’re interested in building one, the team at Kreg Tool walks through each step clearly in their video tutorial.
Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
This adjustable bed design really showcases how thoughtful planning can solve multiple problems at once. The flip-ability is brilliant — getting that extra under-bed storage space just by flipping the frame is the kind of efficient design that makes a project worthwhile. Plus, having a bed that transitions with your child means you’re building once instead of buying twice.
The material choices here are spot-on for a kids’ bed. Baltic birch plywood is incredibly stable and won’t sag under mattress weight, while walnut veneer gives you that premium look without the premium price tag. When working with plywood edges, taking time to round them over like they did isn’t just aesthetic — it’s a safety must-have in a child’s room.
One thing I always emphasize with bed builds is getting those joints right the first time. The combination of pocket holes and dowels they used creates a rock-solid connection that won’t loosen up over the years. Kids are tough on furniture, and a wobbly bed frame is nobody’s friend. Take your time with the assembly and don’t rush the clamping — those tight joints will pay dividends down the road.