Last Updated on May 15, 2025 by Team Ideas24
Are you planning to replace your current bed with a new one? Now before you throw out or give away that old bed frame, here’s an idea that you might find handy… Build a box bed base instead!
Because who can ever have enough storage? There are always things around the home that needs a storage space or box. These featured boxes can hold up to 15 kilograms of weight, making them very useful for many storage needs.
If you want, you can also use this idea to make a planter box or a compost bin! Take a look at some examples from our album below. :)
Do you have an old bed base that you would like to turn into a storage box, a planter, or a compost bin? Learn how by following the DIY-er’s step-by-step tutorial after the album!
Contents
Building a Box Bed Base
Materials:
- Old Bed Base
- Wood Screws (some from the bed base)
Tools:
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Pliers
- Marker
- Measuring Tape
- T-Square
- Electric Wood Saw
- Wood File (or Sandpaper)
- Drill
- Piercer
- Wood Clamps
Steps:
Disassembly: To be able to start building you need to get your building materials. That means the bed base has to be fully disassembled.
Start by removing the screws. Make sure to save them, they can be re-used later in the project!
After removing the screws all the wooden boards should fall right out.
The plastic end-caps remain, they are a bit harder to remove since they are nailed to the wood. Wiggled them of with the claw of a hammer. If some of the nails remain in the wood, they can be pulled out using pliers.
All done, now you have your stack of building materials ready! Make sure to dispose of the plastic parts and the nails appropriately.
The only other thing you will need is a bunch of old screws, approximately 50 pieces with a length of 20-25 mm. If you have the materials, start working on the design.
Box Design and Material Preparation: The design of the box is pretty straight froward, you need to determine the length, width, and height. Based on the dimensions of your bed base you are bound to maximum dimensions. The maximum length is the length of a wooden board. The maximum width is half of a wooden board. The height you should choose based on your preference, but try to avoid 30+cm since this will create large spacing in between the boards.
The design is a two-piece frame and boards for the floor and sides. The frame you will make from the thick beams of the bed base. The rest will be from the ‘flexible’ boards.
This bed base had 13 boards that were 78 cm long. I choose the length of my box to be 55 cm. I choose this because it has to fit on a 60 cm shelf for its intended use.
The width did not really matter, but I wanted in to be the same as previous ones I build, so I choose the inner width of 34 cm. The outer width is approximately 3 cm wider because of the design, so keep this in mind if you design your box! The exact box width will be determined by the curvature of the side boards, so it is hard to determine exactly.
I will use 3 boards on both long sides, which require me to use 1 board per piece. This leaves 7 boards, which will allow for 14 short side and floor boards.
For the height I choose 28 cm because it looked good.
So in total I had to prepare these material:
- 4 Vertical frame beams: 28 cm
- 2 Horizontal frame beams: 55-2*1.5cm = 52cm (the 1.5 cm is the thickness of the frame beam)
- 6 long side boards: 55 cm
- 14 short side/ floor boards: 34 cm
Mark all dimensions on your material.
Check if your design looks good and check if you like the spacing in between the boards.
If you are 100% sure everything is OK, saw all beams and boards at the locations you marked.
Clean up the rough saw edges using a wood file or some sanding paper.
All done, now we are ready for the assembly phase.
Frame Assembly: The frame consists of two identical U-shape pieces. The materials we use during this step are:
- 4 * 28 cm wooden beam
- 2 * 52 cm wooden beam
- 8 * re-used screw (Note: remember I removed these from the bed base during the dis-assembly!)
Mark the two drill locations on the one of the 28 cm beams (check the photo, better than words.) In my case I could re-use some of the holes in the 52 cm beams, so I choose marked this location on the 28 cm beams.
Drill the holes 0.5-1 mm larger then the screw diameter, the screw should not cut into this part.
Check if the screws align with the 52 cm beam holes. If it fits drill the other 3 28 cm parts the same way.
The holes you need to drill in the 52 cm need to be smaller! The screw should fasten in the wood, so use a smaller diameter drill, in my case 4 mm.
Assemble everything, check the photo to see how it should turn out.
Making a Box: During this step we will transform the fill of wood into the box, almost there.
So assemble your parts and lay them out in comparison to the frame, check everything one last time. See if you like the spacing in between the boards (I used ~2 cm in between the boards). And for this step you need ~50 screws of 20-25 mm. They should not be longer than the thickness of 1 board and 1 beam combined, otherwise they will stick out!
Align the two outer boards of the floor, mark and pre-drill the screw holes.
Fasten the two floor boards by fastening 4 screws, one in each corner.
Align the upper board of the short side on the inside of the frame, and follow the same pre-drill and fasten procedure. (My design has the upper board not completely at the top of the frame, but 2 cm lower). Repeat step on the opposite side.
Align the upper board of the long side on the outside of the frame. Notice that you have to be precise while drilling since the frame is narrow from this side. Repeat step on the opposite side. The box is now strong! Just not a box yet.
Finish up by securing all other boards in place.
Note: If you plan to put heavy stuff in the crate, put 2 extra screws in every board that you will use to lift the box! I learned this the wrong way, a screw snapped the first time I tried to lift it with a lot of heavy stuff in it.
And now we are all done, the box is complete! These boxes hold 10-15 kg each!
Thanks to Fractality for this great project!
How to Reinforce a Box Bed Base for Heavy Storage
A repurposed box bed base is a smart way to add storage to your home without spending extra. But if you’re planning to store heavier items like tools, books, or equipment, it needs the right support. Reinforcing the structure ensures it can handle the load while staying stable and long-lasting.
Inspect and Strengthen the Frame
Start by checking the frame for weak joints or thin panels. If the bed base is made from particleboard or thin plywood, consider reinforcing the corners with thicker timber. Add wooden cleats inside the corners to help redistribute pressure. This will stop the box bed base from bowing or collapsing when stacked or filled.
Use Brackets and Corner Braces
Metal L-brackets and corner braces provide immediate structural support. Install them at each corner from the inside, using wood screws for a tight fit. These small reinforcements can dramatically improve the box’s strength, especially when it’s moved or stacked with other boxes.
Add a Bottom Support Grid
If the base is flat and made from a single panel, it may sag under heavy weight. Install a support grid beneath it using narrow timber slats spaced evenly. You can screw these directly to the base or build a small underframe that sits flush with the bottom. This distributes the load and prevents the middle section from warping over time.
Reinforce the Lid or Top Panel
For those using their box bed base with a lid or as a seat, the top panel also needs attention. Use thicker plywood for the lid or reinforce it with crossbars underneath. If you plan to sit or stack things on top, it’s worth adding two or three internal support rails that run the width of the box.
Choose the Right Screws and Adhesives
Don’t rely on nails or thin screws. Use heavy-duty wood screws or construction screws. Pair them with strong wood glue for added strength. This combo ensures your reinforcements stay in place even under continuous stress.
Finish for Durability
Once reinforced, seal the entire box bed base with paint, wood sealer, or varnish. This protects it from moisture and wear, especially if you’re using it in basements or garages.
With these reinforcements, your box bed base will be more than just a clever DIY. It’ll be a reliable and sturdy storage solution built to last.
Box Bed Base Gallery
Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox. ?
Stylish Finishing Ideas for Your Box Bed Base
Once you’ve built or repurposed your box bed base, it’s time to give it a look that fits your space. A polished finish doesn’t just boost its appearance. It also adds protection, making your storage more durable and visually appealing. Here are several ways to style your box bed base without compromising function.
Paint with a Modern Color Palette
A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to give your box bed base a clean, modern look. Try neutral tones like matte black, soft gray, or crisp white for a minimalist vibe. You can also go bold with navy, deep green, or even burnt orange for a pop of color that makes the piece stand out. Use furniture-grade paint for a smooth, scuff-resistant finish.
Add Wood Stain for a Natural Look
If you’re working with solid wood or plywood with a decent grain, wood stain is a beautiful option. Choose from warm oak, rich walnut, or light birch tones depending on your room’s aesthetic. Sealing the stain with a clear polyurethane topcoat brings out the grain and protects the surface from moisture and wear.
Apply Wallpaper or Fabric Panels
To make your box bed base more decorative, line the outside panels with fabric or wallpaper. Choose prints that complement your interior design, florals for a soft look, geometrics for something bold, or vintage patterns for a rustic feel. Attach the material with spray adhesive or a staple gun, then seal it with clear varnish if needed.
Install Decorative Handles or Pulls
If your box bed base has lids or drawers, upgrade the hardware. Leather straps, antique brass pulls, or minimalist bar handles can transform the entire piece. Handles aren’t just functional, they help tie the design into your space’s overall style.
Add Cushion Tops for Dual Function
A cushioned top turns your box bed base into extra seating. Choose durable fabric like canvas, denim, or faux leather and cover a foam pad to create a bench-style surface. This is especially useful if the box sits at the foot of your bed or by a window.
Use Trim for a Finished Edge
Adding corner trim or edge molding gives your box bed base a furniture-grade finish. Paint the trim in a contrasting or matching color for added detail. It hides rough edges and gives the unit a more refined appearance.
With the right finishing touches, your box bed base becomes more than just storage. It turns into a design element that blends style with function.
Conclusion
Building a box bed base is a smart way to repurpose old furniture into practical storage. It’s cost-effective, space-saving, and easy to customize for any room. With the right reinforcements and finishes, your box bed base can be both sturdy and stylish. Whether you’re storing clothes, tools, or decor, it’s a DIY project that adds real value to your home.
For functional storages to your home, check out our storage solutions article!
