A storage trundle allows you to keep extra bedding, toys, or other items neatly stored and out of sight under a bed.

Here’s how to build one of your own to match the style and décor of your space.


Materials

(Length of cuts will depend on the size of your bed)

  • Three-quarter-inch thick sheet of plywood (cut to 1½ inches less than the width and 1½ inches less than the depth of your bed)
  • (4) 1-by-10 cuts of lumber 
  • (4) Non-swiveling casters
  • Pocket hole jib
  • 1¼-inch Pocket hole screws
  • Handle for pull point

Measure and Cut Lumber

First, measure beneath the bed where you plan to use the storage trundle. The dimensions of the trundle should be slightly less than the width, depth and height of the space available. 

We’re using a three-quarter-inch thick sheet of plywood for the base for the structure.

It should be cut at 1½ inches less than the width and 1½ inches less that the depth of the space available. 


Assemble Trundle

With a pocket hole jig, drill pocket holes in the bottom side of the plywood every 12 inches or so around the perimeter to secure the 1-by-10 sides.

Mount the sides flush with the bottom of the plywood or extend them below it to conceal the castors.

In this case, we want the side to extend three-quarters of an inch below the plywood bottom. 

To simplify this assembly, lay three-quarter-inch scrap blocks on the bottom of the plywood as spacers to position the sides, before driving the pocket screws into place to secure them. 

Also, use pocket hole screws to secure the corners where the sides meet each other. 

When the castors are secured to the bottom of the trundle, align them so that the unit rolls perfectly straight.


Add Pull Point

On the outward-facing side of the trundle drawer, drill two symmetrically spaced one-inch holes to serve as a pull point for the drawer. 

Once the unit is painted or stained to match the bed, it’s ready to use. 


Further Reading

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Danny Lipford

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Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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