When we transitioned my son from a crib to a twin bed, I tried to do it on as tight of a budget as possible. I got a vintage headboard, attached it to a metal bed frame, and used a bed skirt. It worked, but I didn’t love the look of the metal frame with the skirt. Here’s how it usually looked-

Not great, but not terrible. Still I was ready for a change. To start the makeover, I got a new upholstered headboard:

I wanted something more substantial while giving my son a soft place to read in bed. The headboard is from HomePop Furniture and has the prettiest gray fabric. It also comes in pink! I love the shape of the headboard and think it’ll accent the slope in the ceiling nicely.

The price is nice and affordable, but it looks and feels expensive.

Now, all I needed was to build the frame. I came up with the idea of using some shiplap for the base. Ready to see what I came up with?

how to make a diy twin shiplap bed

Let’s start with the video tutorial so you get an overview on what I did. Then, I’ll dive in with more details below:

If the video doesn’t work here, you can watch it on YouTube here. P.s. I’m trying to build that page up, so if you’d subscribe, I’d really appreciate that!

SUPPLIES

2x4s– 4 10′ pieces
Corner Trim– 3 8′ pieces
1×10– 1 6′ piece
Screws
Shiplap– 5 8′ pieces. Cut down to 28 16″ pieces
Metal Bed Frame
Driftwood Chalk Paint
Clear Coat Satin

step 1

Start by cutting your pieces to size. Cut the 2×4’s down first- you’ll need 3 38″ pieces, 4 75″ pieces, 4 8″ and 6 3″ pieces. Next, cut down the 1×10 to 38″. Cut down the shiplap to 28 pieces that are 16″ long each. Sand down the 2×4’s and the 1×10.

step 2

Next, build the frame. For the top you’ll need 2 of the 75″ 2x4s and 2 of the 38″ 2×4’s. For the bottom, you’ll do the same. Just replace one of the 38″ 2×4 with the 38″ 1×10. Use bolts to attach the 1×10 to the headboard.

Connect the bottom of the frame to the top with the 4 8″ pieces. Attach with screws.

step 3

And now it’s time to add in the shiplap! Use screws to attach the shiplap to the frame.

Finish the frame off by nailing on the corner molding to the front corners and the top of the bed. This finishes everything off nicely!

Note, we elevated the bed on scrap 2x4s to put the shiplap on evenly. You’ve got to love uneven floors!

Screw in 6 of the 3″ 2×4 to the frame. This holds the metal fame in nicely. You can also add in your own bed slats instead of a metal frame. We already had the frame so we wanted to use it.

step 4

Finally, it’s time to finish the bed! Fill all nail holes with caulk.

Next, give the bed two coats of chalk paint. I used the color Driftwood. I used a clear top coat once the chalk paint was dry.

after

Ready to see how the bed turned out?!

How much better does this corner look now?! The bed feels just as substantial as I was hoping it would. I like that the frame is subtle while still feeling solid. And boy, is it solid! It’s pretty heavy and will stand up to lots of jumping and playing. Perfect for a little boy.

shop Don’s room- headboard / bench / sconces / art / ceiling fan / ceiling fan blades / white paint / blue paint / black and white sheets / constellation globe

I looove the headboard. It was the catalyst for the whole project. Doesn’t it look nice between the sconces?!

Alright! There you have it! A DIY shiplap bed. My son has loved helping us make him a custom bed. You can even see him for a second in the video. This was a fun project and I’m so happy with how it’s come together.

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

If you love it, pin it!

Have you missed any of the posts on Don’s room? You can catch up here-

Don's Room- Fairview Cottage

Welcome to my little boy's bedroom. This room has slanted ceilings with clouds painted on the blue part. The deco style is vintage modern and includes a lot of DIY projects from the bed to the dresser! This space is perfect for a toddler and I hope it inspires you too!