HIDE-IT-AWAY BEDHEAD

CUT FROM JUST ONE SHEET OF PLYWOOD, THIS BEDROOM PIECE HAS CURVED CORNERS FOR SAFETY AND SHELVES FOR SMART STORAGE

Photography MICHELLE HOLDEN Styling SAMI SIMPER

Tools & materials

n Safety equipment (mask, eye and ear protection) n Tape measure and pencil n Circular saw with straightedge n 1L and 2L paint tins n Jigsaw n Fine sanding sponge n 150mm combination square n Drill with 8G combination countersinking bit n Four quick-grip clamps n Microfibre cloths n Mini rollers with trays n Stud finder n 2400mm x 1200mm x 12mm structural pine plywood panel• n Woodworking adhesive n 8G x 40mm countersunk timber screws n Timber filler with scraper n Primer, sealer and undercoat n Low gloss water-based enamel interior paint n Safety straps

The single ensemble is a fave for kids’ bedrooms as it is both comfy and moveable (handy for cleaning), but the lack of a bedhead can make it look unmoored. This box shelving unit made from wallet-friendly plywood doubles as a bedhead and bedside table – thanks to the top shelf – while offering storage out of sight.

You’ll need the power tool trifecta for this project: circular saw, jigsaw and drill. Once the seven pieces are cut, it’s a straightforward glue, screw and paint job.

Cutting List

BACK PANEL 1100mm high x 1200mm wide

PANEL 950mm high x 1050mm wide

1 On the plywood, measure up 1100mm to cut a 1200mm-wide back panel with a circular saw. Measure across 1050mm and up 950mm to cut the front panel. From the 150mm-wide piece, cut a 950mm shelf and two 150mm shelf panels. From the remaining piece, cut two shelves 950mm x 150mm.

2 On the back panel, position a 2L paint tin in the top corners, flush with both edges and mark the curves in pencil. Use a 1L tin for the front panel. Use a jigsaw to cut the curves, checking the blade is unimpeded underneath. Sand all cuts and round over the edges slightly with a sanding sponge.

3 To make the base assembly, mark a shelf 5mm from the ends and 20mm in from either side using a combination square. Predrill with a countersinking bit, then apply adhesive to the shelf panels, position them against the shelf, flush with the ends, clamp and secure with 40mm screws.

4 Centre the base assembly on the front panel, flush with the bottom, use a combination square to check the overhang on both sides is equal and mark around the shelf. Measure 350mm up and mark a line for the middle shelf. Mark 350mm up from this to mark the top shelf. Repeat on reverse side.

5 With best sides facing up, place the front panel on the back, flush with the bottom, checking the overhang is even, then clamp together. Predrill two evenly spaced holes 5mm inside the shelf panel marks and four along the shelf marks. Remove top panel and countersink the holes in the back panel.

6 Position the front panel upright, clamped either side of the base. Apply adhesive to the base assembly and centre against the panel. Clamp and screw through predrilled holes. Apply adhesive to the middle and top shelves, check for centre, then clamp to the front panel and secure with screws.

7 Sand over the screw holes to remove breakout, then fill holes with timber filler using a scraper, leaving to dry. Sand over the filler to remove excess. Wipe all over the front panel and shelves with a slightly damp cloth to remove dust and leave to dry.

8 Apply primer all over the front and back panels using a mini roller, leaving to dry. Apply two coats of paint all over, leaving to dry after each coat. Tip: There’s no need to fill or paint the screw holes in the back panel as they will face the wall.

9 Apply adhesive along the shelf backs, then stand the front assembly upright. Position the back panel against it with equal overhang and screw through the holes. Secure safety straps into wall studs, 600mm apart and 1100mm up, using the supplied screws, and attach to the bedhead.

Keep in mind...

n Wear a mask and work in a well-ventilated area when cutting and sanding timber.

n To check the depth of the countersunk holes, place a screw upside down in the hole – the head should sit just below the surface.

1 Craftright ‘Quick Action’ 300mm 2 piece clamps, $9.98, I/N: 5860150. 2 Poly interior timber filler, $16.85/390g, I/N: 1210360. 3 Dulux ‘1StepPrep’ primer, sealer and undercoat, $33.90/500ml, I/N: 1370231. 4 Ryobi ‘ONE+’ 18V cordless jigsaw, $139/skin only (battery and charger sold separately), I/N: 6210486. 5 Ecoply 2400mm x 1200mm x 12mm structural CD grade pine plywood, $78, I/N: 0340164•. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

n Even though the bedhead is secured to the wall, don’t let kids climb or sit on it.

n The gap created between the bedhead and wall by the strap is about the same as most skirting.

1 Cordless drill/driver

Both Sam and Tilly’s go-to for big and small projects is a cordless Ryobi drill, as it’s lightweight but packs plenty of power. “Being cordless you can take it anywhere and it’s a must for drilling pilot holes, countersinking holes, driving screws and bolts and fast-tracking any flat-pack furniture assembly,” says Sam.