DIY Cedar Underbed Storage
Hi Pretty Handy Readers, Jaime here from That’s My Letter to share a beautiful and simple storage idea using cedar boards. Let’s build some DIY cedar under bed storage bins and make use of that hidden space!
Cedar boards are readily available in most home improvement stores and typically come in 1×4, 1×6 and 1×8 widths. I used mostly 1×4 boards, which are actually 3 1/2″ wide, for this project because I only have 6″ of clearance under the bed. That’s still plenty of space to store items so let’s not waste it!
You’ll want to measure your space and make the under bed storage fit best for your needs. At 17 ½” w x 29 ½” l, these bins work great for this space. Cedar is naturally resistant to insects, smells great, and looks pretty too!
I added a simple pull handle to one end to make it easier to pull. A simple finger hole would work fine if you don’t want to use hardware.
Below are the step-by-step instructions to build the cedar under bed storage. (Please follow all safety precautions when operating power tools.)
Materials (for one bin):
- 2 – 1x4x8 cedar boards
- 1 – 1x6x8 cedar board
- 1 ¼” pocket hole screws
- wood glue
- saw, drill & drill bits
- nailer & 1¼” finish nails
- sander
- clear polyurethane (if desired)
- 4 – 1 ½” – 2″ casters
- 3/4″ wood screws
- handle pull (if desired)
Cut List (for one bin):
- 5 – 1×4 @ 28″ l (3 base, 2 long sides)
- 1 – 1×6 @ 28″ l (base)
- 2 – 1×4 @ 17 ½” l (short sides)
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the base by attaching boards using wood glue and 1 ¼” pocket hole screws. Be sure to pre-drill pocket holes around perimeter for later attaching sides.
Cedar typically has a rough and a smooth side. When making the base keep the rough side to the underside.
Step 2: Attach the long sides to the base using wood glue and 1 ¼” pocket hole screws.
Step 3: Attach the short sides to the base using wood glue and 1 ¼” pocket hole screws. Then attach the short sides to the long sides with 1 ¼” finish nails.
Sand smooth and apply clear polyurethane if desired. Attach casters to four corners and the pull handle to the center of the drawer front.
Fill up your new cedar under bed storage bins and push underneath for out of site storage. So beautiful, so functional, and great for off season storage or every day use. I hope you enjoy this project and have a spot in your home for cedar under bed storage bins. Enjoy!
~ Read More of Jaime’s Tutorials ~
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This is very nice post for carpantery.
These are a great idea. I might just build a few of these. Here in London we have a massive space problem and these would really help. You could probably even build them out of old storage pallets and paint them. They wouldn’t be as nice but pallets are free here.
Great idea, and I love it.
Yup, all for using hidden/un-utilized spaces, but curious minds would like to know how you keep the dust bunnies out? xx