I searched high and low for an affordable natural element twin / daybed and came up with some beautiful options, but none within my budget for a two-year-old’s bedroom. This bed right here from CB2 is $978, and I was able to build a pretty dupe cane daybed for $150!

 

How to Build a Cane Daybed

Lumber

• 2 – 2×3 at 8′
• 6 – 2×2 at 8′
• 5 – 1×3 at 8′
• 3 – 1×2 at 8′
• 13′ – 18″ Open Mesh Caning from Frank Supply in W901U Unbleached

Materials

• 2 1/2″ Kreg Pocket Screws
• 1 1/4″ Kreg Pocket Screws
• Wood Glue **if you would like this to be taken apart at any point, do not use glue.
• White Wash Stain
• Wood Filler 
• Wood Conditioner
• Special Walnut Stain

 

Tools

• Miter Saw
• Level
• Tape Measurer
• Kreg Jig
• Kreg Jig Clamp
• Finishing Nail Gun *optional

 

How to Build a Cane Daybed

First create pocket holes in the front and back rails (the long 2×3″ cut to 75 1/2″). Mark the legs at 6″ high and secure the rails at 6″ with 2 1/2″ kreg jig screws. This gives a lower profile bed and allows for more of the caning to be visible.

You should now have two H Shapes, one with the front legs and front rail and the other with the back legs and back rail.

Now drill pocket holes on the underside of the arms and bottom rails (green) and attach the front and back sides (dark pink) together.

Once you are in a basically rectangular shape attach the back top rail (light blue).

Lastly attach the dark blue rail directly center. Now the basic structure of the daybed is complete. Now for the internal guts that hold up the mattress.

Attach a 1×2 1/2″ cleat below the top of the back rail to create a lip using 1 1/4″ screws every 8 inches. Do the same on the inside of the front rail. and lay the supports across. You can screw them into the cleat for a secure attachment, or feel free to have them resting as the mattress will rest on top.

Attaching the Cane

There were a few different techniques I considered when attaching the caning. First would be to create a slit in the arms and legs of the bed and insert the caning with a spline and wood glue. I attempted this and for my specific project I found it too difficult and it was start to split my caning. For those with more experience this might be the best option.

I decided to go with a frame method. I built a frame out of 1×2’s that sat inside each of the bed frame rectangles that allowed enough wiggle room for the cane to be sandwiched in between.

TIP: Submerge your cane webbing in water for 30+ minutes before trying to attach it. This give the caning flexibility and prevents it from breaking and overall makes the project a LOT easier.

First, create recessed screw holes in the 1/2 using your kreg jig tip just enough so when the screw is inserted the head can easily be covered with wood filler.

Next, rest the caning on a flat surface then lay the rectangle frame on top. Trim off any excess cane webbing leaving 1/2″-3/4″ remaining to wrap around the frame.

Once trimmed apply wood glue to the frame and wood glue around the inner rectangle of the bed frame. Place the caning along top of the bed frame, take the top frame piece and screw it in with 1 1/2″ pocket screws. Next pull the caning snug and attach the bottom frame piece using the same pocket screw. Finally, pull tight and attach the two sides. From the front you can take a flat head screw driver and lightly, but firmly press the caning back into the two pieces of wood.

Prep & Stain

Fill the gap between the frame and bed frame with wood filler as well as any visible pocket holes. Sand down with an orbital sander.

Apply pre-conditioner to the wood in preparation to accept stain. I used generic pine stud lumber. After 30 minutes begin to apply your stain. I then applied a thin coat of white wash stain and after 2-3 minutes wiped it off. Once the whole bed had white wash stain I then applied a light coat of special walnut.

Completing a project like this can sometimes feel overwhelming. If you need help learning the basics of not only tools, but how to cut wood accurately, caulk, finish paint like a professional. Check out, DIY Beginner Basics, you can go at your pace with my online course that teaches you how to DIY. Head on over to www.homeschoolwithtools.com and use code HONEYBUILT10 for $10 off.

To see how this same stain turned out on my living room builtin faux floating shelves click here. Or how to build a 10 person round table with simple framing lumber here.

To protect the bed be sure to apply 2 coats of polyurethane in satin (to keep a less shiny look).

And that’s it! a beautiful cane inspired daybed for a fraction of the cost! And the bedding is Beddy’s Vintage Pink! The perfect kid friendly, daybed bedding. You simply zip it up which makes it so easy for even a toddler to make her own bed, plus it keeps her feeling safe and secure and not falling. Use code: HONEYBUILTHOME20 for 20% off your entire order!

Be sure to follow along with more projects and tips on instagram @honeybuilthome and on Pinterest.