How to Make a DIY Under-Bed Storage Drawer

This easy under-bed storage idea turns unused space into extra bedroom storage.

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Time

An hour or less

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

$20-50

Introduction

There’s a lot of storage space under the bed. The problem is keeping items contained, orderly and easily accessible.

Tools Required

Brad nail gun
Clamps
Drill
Miter saw

Materials Required

1-1/2” angle aluminum (2’)
1-1/4” washer-head screws
1-in. screws
1x4 board (18’)
1x6 board (2’)
2-in. screws
2’ x 4’ 1/2” plywood sheet
Appliance rollers (2)
Wood glue

This DIY under-bed drawer covers all the bases; Roll it out for access and roll it back in when you’re done. Before building, measure the height beneath your bed frame and alter our dimensions to suit.

Need more bedroom organization ideas? Check out these best-ever storage and organization tips.

Appliance rollers can be tough to find in home centers. Here the ones we used from Amazon.

Cutting List

Family Handyman

Under-Bed Storage Drawer Project Plans

Family Handyman

Project step-by-step (5)

Step 1

Build the Box

Drill countersunk holes and fasten the sides (B) to the ends (C) with wood glue and 2-in. screws (should need 24 total for this project). Attach the base (A) using the same method.

Step 2

Locate and Fasten the Cleats

Mark the cleat (D) locations, 2 in. in from the front/back and 5 in. from each side. Place the cleats in position and trace them. Drill four clearance holes in each cleat outline. Glue the cleats and tack them in position with 1-in. nails.

Flip the box over, countersink the clearance holes and then drill pilot holes into the cleats (D). Fasten the cleats with 1-in. screws (should need 16 total for this project).

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Step 3

Attach the Rollers

Separate the halves of the appliance rollers. Drill two clearance holes into each half of the roller with a sacrificial board underneath. Clamp the rollers to the cleats (D) and fasten with 1-1/4-in. washer-head screws (you'll need 8 total for this project).

Step 4

Attach the Drawer Front

Drill six screw clearance holes through one box end. Clamp the drawer front (E) to the box end with a 1/2-in. spacer underneath. Drill pilot holes into the drawer front, and then attach it with 1-1/4-in. washer-head screws.

Step 5

Install the Handle

Drill four evenly spaced clearance holes in the handle (F), and then clamp it to the top edge of the drawer front. Drill pilot holes into the drawer front and fasten with 1-1/4-in. washer-head screws.

Next, check out 12 ingenious bedroom furniture ideas.