instructables

How to Make a SOFA That Turns Into a BED

by diycreators

This attractive sofa bed is ideal for everyday use and For more AWESOME DIY Projects and updates
convenient for any time you have an overnight guest. see links below.
The exposed Southern Yellow Pine arms provides a Youtube: Click here
charming rustic feel and a sturdy frame. One of the Instagram: Click here
many great features of this multifunction piece is that
it can accommodate either a twin-size or full-size To build this exact bed I have plans here: Click here f
mattress. Another desirable element is the integrated or Downloadable Plans
shelf on the arm of the sofa, which can act as a
nightstand. Materials List are in the next step >>>>>

https://youtu.be/iZhIG_fJj9A

How to Make a SOFA That Turns Into a BED: Page 1

Step 1: What You Need/Cutting Lumber

Materials Used

- Detailed Plans: https://gumroad.com/diycreators

- (6) 2 x 12 Southern yellow pine
- (5) 2 x 3 lumber
- (6) 1 x 4 lumber
- 1/2-inch dowels
- lots Screws
- Wood Glue

- Danish oil https://amzn.to/2ygoG1O

Cushions solutions:
Futon mattress:https://amzn.to/2JIIKz7

Air Mattress:
Full-size mattress : https://amzn.to/2JLN0xJ
Twin mattress: https://amzn.to/2thuH8F

Tools Used:

Miter Saw https://amzn.to/2t0gLR5

Pocket hole jig https://amzn.to/2yj8vkh
1/2-inch dowel jig https://amzn.to/2M14bIr
Sander https://amzn.to/2tgGi7F
Belt sander https://amzn.to/2JK6fYt
Drill https://amzn.to/2MxNhC0
Countersink bit https://amzn.to/2tg3MKq

Let's Get Started

I began by using a miter saw to cut the lumber to the desired lengths. These cuts can also be achieved using a
circular saw.

How to Make a SOFA That Turns Into a BED: Page 2

Step 2: Making the Back and the Side Panel
For the back of the sofa, I laminated two pieces of
lumber. If you have a jointer or planer, you can run
these pieces through to clean them up. After stacking
the lumber, I marked both pieces at the same time to
indicate where to drill the dowel holes. I drilled the
holes on both pieces of the lumber and did a dry fit to
ensure that the holes are deep enough and that the
dowels will line up well. Then, I added glue to the
How to Make a SOFA That Turns Into a BED: Page 3
dowels and set them in the holes I made, followed by
adding glue to where the lumber would be joined. Use
a rubber mallet to fit the pieces together and clamps
to hold the pieces together while they dry. To make
the arm, I used the same process used to make the
back of the sofa.
Step 3: Building the Arm With Storage

Set up the wood as shown. I marked on both pieces would land.

of wood where the dowels would go and used a
dowel jig to make the holes. Do a dry fit first. Then assemble the arm. Start with
the bottom and attach the side using glue. Next,
When drilling, I recommend clamping your dowel jig install the shelf followed by the front of the arm.
down to ensure that your holes line up. For the Clamp the pieces together and allow the glue to dry.
middle-shelf section, I freehanded some dowel holes
and used a dowel center to mark where the dowel

How to Make a SOFA That Turns Into a BED: Page 4

How to Make a SOFA That Turns Into a BED: Page 5
Step 4: Attaching the Arms to the Back

For the first arm, I used dowels and wood glue to
attach the arm to the back of the sofa. By clamping a
scrap piece of wood to the back, I was able to use it
as a way to apply pressure to the arm. You can use a
piece of sandpaper to prevent the scrap piece of
wood from sliding when tightening the clamps.
Attach the other arm using wood glue and dowels.
Since I had the other side drying and I did not want to
move it before it was completely dry, I only added
dowels at the top. After the glue set up, I will use
screws to finish securing the arm to the back. For
now, clamp and let dry.

How to Make a SOFA That Turns Into a BED: Page 6

Step 5: Building the Frame for the Seat

I used two pieces of scrap wood to make a quick template. This will speed things up when setting the height of the
seat.

Apply wood glue. Then secure the lumber in place creating a frame. For the front support, I secured the lumber
using glue and pocket hole screws . Also, install the middle support.

How to Make a SOFA That Turns Into a BED: Page 7

Step 6: Sanding

This was rough lumber with knots, sap, and unevenness. For these reasons, I sanded the sofa four times. First I
used 80-grit sandpaper, then 120-, followed by 220- and finally 400-grit.

If you haven't already, now is a good time to add more reinforcement from the back into the arm with storage,
using screws. I covered the holes with wood filler, but you can plug the holes with a dowel rod.

How to Make a SOFA That Turns Into a BED: Page 8

Step 7: Apply Finish

I used Danish Oil to finish the sofa, but you can use whichever stain or finish will suit your space best.

How to Make a SOFA That Turns Into a BED: Page 9

Step 8: Installing the Slats and Front

For the slide-out feature on this sofa to work, you moderate to heavy use of the sofa bed.
have to secure every slat. To make sure I left
adequate spacing, I laid down two slats at a time and Front:
separated them with another piece of wood, as
shown. I then was able to secure the correct slat I attach the lumber that will be secured to the front of
using a nail gun. I recommend gluing and screwing the panel.
the slats into place, especially if you anticipate

How to Make a SOFA That Turns Into a BED: Page 10

Step 9: Finishing Touches

I predrilled the slats that would be attached to the
front of the sofa to avoid any wood splitting. Like I
said before, I recommend gluing and screwing the
slats if you will be using the pull out feature
frequently.
I advise rounding the edges of the slats with a router,
sander or even a rasp.
Although I don't find it to be an issue, there have been
many suggestions to add a stop on the end of the
slats that are attached to the front panel. which would
prevent it from being pulled out all the way.

How to Make a SOFA That Turns Into a BED: Page 11

Step 10: Glamour Shots
Here are some photos of the finished product.
You can make your own custom cushions, or you can
use some of the suggested ones I found on Amazon.
Cushions solutions:
Futon mattress https://amzn.to/2 JIIKz7
Air Mattress:
Full-size mattress: https://amzn.to/2JLN0 x J
Twin mattress: https://amzn.to/2t huH8F
If you use this bed at its full-sized potential, you can
cut an extra piece of wood to cover the gap and
attach it using corner brackets.
This DIY Sofa Bed is the perfect solution for a myriad
of spaces: dorms, apartments, children's rooms,
How to Make a SOFA That Turns Into a BED: Page 12
guest rooms, tiny house, camper etc. With its
functional design, you may even choose to use this
bed as a permanent sleeping arrangement.
To build this exact bed I have plans here: https://gu
mroad. com/diycreators Every purchase goes toward
materials which help me provide future content.
Thanks in advance.
If you enjoyed this project, stop by my social
channels to see what I'm up to next. If you happen to
make this, please share your result with me on
Instagram.
Youtube: Youtube.com/diycreators
Instagram: instagram.com/ Morediycreators
 https://youtu.be/iZhIG_fJj9A

I love this sort of versatile furniture. Especially when it has storage built into it all too! It really
makes sense as homes are getting smaller and smaller and we really have to maximise the real
estate that we have at home. I would definitely want to try giving this build a go in my spare time!
Great design. I'm going to go get the supplies tomorrow. Was looking for something that fits a full
futon and looked nice too.
you could put stops on the pull out boards so you don’t go all the way out like small prices of scrap
wood under the boards that extend
Trying to find a bill of materials, I discovered that the project description doesn't include that and in
fact, you can't find that out without either subscribing to all of the writer's projects or paying for a
"pro" version of Instructables. Disappointing.
Must be a bug. Try step 1 again now.

- Detailed Plans: https://gumroad.com/diycreators

- (6) 2 by 12 Southern yellow pine

How to Make a SOFA That Turns Into a BED: Page 13

 - (5) 2 by 3 lumber
- (6) 1 by 4 lumber
- 1/2in dowels
- lots Screws
- Wood Glue
So, yes there is a B.O.M. and No, there isn't either as the writer offers but two of the three
dimensions expected!
Great quality video- not so great carpentry skills- consult with from some professionals before you
teach people the wrong things. But I stress- great video work PLEASE continue.
I think he's done a great job and I've learned some things. But it would be great if you could tell us
exactly what you think he did wrond and how to do it better so we can learn even more. Thanks.
Excellent post, I just might try this instead of reupholstering my existing sleep sofa. Thanx for
sharing.
Imagine the comfort it gives.congrats on your beautiful work.

Gidday mate, Marcus from Australia here - loved the vid and easy way you explained the process
many thanks. I'm going to put small casters on my pull-out panel (hidden behind them) so that it
slides out easier, especially on those nights when you have to convert it for a mate who has had a
few too many to drive!!
Maybe use some rope attached the main frame, threaded through the front and then looped back
into the front to create (a) handles to pull the bed out easily and (b) a method to stop the front from
being pulled out to far. Love the idea though as I've been looking for a way to update a futon
mattress i have in our spare room.
Brilliant!
Thanks!

The design is so GOOD! Always get bonus points for simplicity and an added shelf. :D

:D I agree thank you

Great Instructable! I showed my wife...and guess what I'm going to be making :) Thank you so
much. It looks great!
Nice! Thats Great!

I like your tips and your vibe in this video!

Thank you

Nice Job!
Thank you

What a great idea! I love this and it just happens that we desperately need a replacement for our
futon. Thank you!!
Awesome!

Great design and I enjoued the instructable. Had to vote for this one!

Very well done video and build.

Heavy, however!
As to the screws at the back, simply fasten and clamp the pieces together then, instead of drilling

How to Make a SOFA That Turns Into a BED: Page 14

 for the screws, drill for half-inch dowels. Then glue it up and pound 1/2" dowels to line it up and
hold it together. Cut the dowels a bit long, then sand them flat after the glue dries. No screws
showing, no screw holes to cover/fill.
One small addition to the 'pull-out' slats might be a piece of 1" stock fit to the underneath of each
P-O Slat such that it would catch on the front support rail when the front was pulled out to 'The
Max.' If you wanted to remove the P-O section completely, you would simply tilt it up to clear the
'stops.'
Seen this design years ago, the only major difference being the bookshelf on the end which is a
nice touch.
What I see in the video is you cutting what appears to be something like 2x12 lumber. Nowhere in
the bill of materials is anything like that specified, unless it's maybe what you called "(6) Southern
yellow pine (lumber)". If so, it could be a little more specific.
Nice design!

Thank you

Very good design. Great instructions as well.

Thank you.

Sure wish my old body would allow me to work on the floor like that. :) That is a good idea.
Installing hidden casters on the slide out may help with the sliding on carpet. Just a thought.
Thank you, Caster would be a good option for sure.

Hi. Very nice and logic design. Bravo ! What is the tool you used to fit and align the dowels
togather at the begining ? Thanks. Alex :-)
Great design and execution man! I loved the video as well, all your mind tricks and clever
workarounds, as well as how you mention your mistakes rather than hide them. Great pedagogy
right there :)
Thanks, I apprectiate the feedback

You made it simple, that the genius of your project.

Thank you :D

Clever design! I love it :)

Thank you :)

so what mattress is best those purple memory things or normal bed

I have no ecperience with purple.

You, sir, are brilliant! Your instructions and even boo-boos are clear, and the design so attractive, I
should be able to make this with without a problem!
Awesome Thank you.

Great project! I may build one. A futon mattress may be a great option because it could fold while
in couch mode then lay flat when you pull out the bed.
Thank you, My Futon just came in the mail. Fits verry well.

Very clever design. Nicely done!

Thank you

How to Make a SOFA That Turns Into a BED: Page 15

That is so clever!! Great build buddy.

How to Make a SOFA That Turns Into a BED: Page 16