Hi friends! If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram (thank you – you rock!), you would’ve already seen sneak peeks of this project. I’m super excited to finally share the plans and tutorial with you! If you’re just joining us, here’s the skinny: this Summer, myself, along with four other DIY bloggers have each tackled a different project inspired by an item in the West Elm catalog. Check out our June and July projects.
It’s the final month of our West Elm Knockoff Decor Series and I’m a little weepy about it because it was so much fun to be a part of. I’m grateful my beautiful friend Aniko of Place Of My Taste included me in this Summer series; she put together a stellar lineup. These girls are all DIY Rockstars and it was an honor to be among the very best.
For this month’s challenge, we each chose to knock off either a piece of furniture or home decor item and this Alexa Reclaimed Wood Bed was my pick. West Elm’s version will set you back about $1,700. I built mine for under $200.
I knowwwww, right? Bananas!
And because I built this bed for my daughter, I’m renaming it the Evelyn Chevron Queen Bed. This is the second bed I’ve built for my four-year-old sweet pea and she’s thrilled about her new ‘big girl bed.’
Check out the Restoration Hardware-Inspired Toddler Bed I built for her a couple of years ago. I love how her new bed turned out, but I’m getting a little teary-eyed about her growing up. She also started Kindergarten this month. You guys. I AM TRYING TO KEEP IT TOGETHER. The days are long but the years are wayyyyy too short, amiright?
*This post contains affiliate links. To read my full disclosure policy, click here.
If you’re wondering where to purchase her bedding or any other item in her room, I’ve included a complete source list at the end of this post.
Alright, so let’s get started.
HOW TO BUILD A WEST ELM-INSPIRED CHEVRON RECLAIMED WOOD BED
You can use any kind of plywood here because it will be hidden from view, but I used my favorite brand, Purebond Hardwood Plywood. Read about why Purebond is the healthier alternative here. The frame is built out of regular ‘ole Spruce 2×4 studs.
And check out all those pocket holes. If you’ve spent any time around here, you’ll know that I rarely build without my Kreg Jig. Well, this was the first time I used the R3 model. It was so much easier and more efficient to move the tiny R3 around the edges of the large sheet of plywood, rather than trying to wrestle this behemoth into the K4 or K5 model (which would’ve been impossible for me —> tiny Asian lady). #worksmarternotharder
Awww… will you just look at that adorable R3? It’s so cute, it’s like a little baby unicorn! #namethatmovie
Although I built a massive workbench, the headboard was just too heavy and cumbersome to hoist up there, so I had to build on the floor. I am now rethinking that decision because I did about 10 hours worth of squats going back and forth from the floor to the saw. Ouch!
Overall, this is a super simple project to tackle, albeit extremely tedious. You’ll need to hydrate, stretch out your quads, glutes, maybe chug a protein shake or something because it’s “leg day” at the workshop and YOU WILL BE SORE for the next three days.
You’re welcome. But hey, at least your backside will look spectacular.
Measure, mark, cut, sand, stain, glue, nail. That will be your mantra for the next 10 hours. Repeat after me: “measure, mark, cut, sand, stain, glue, nail.”
I started with the smallest triangle pieces on the top and bottom and worked my way towards the center.** I highly recommend holding your boards in place and marking them that way, instead of using a tape measure. Cut the boards about 1/4″ long then trim them down 1/16″ (about half a saw blade width) at a time to ensure the most precise fit. All of the ends are cut at a 45º angle. Notice that most pieces are trapezoids but a few are parallelograms.
You like that? Welcome back to 7th grade Geometry, aka my nemesis.
**Edit: In hindsight, I’d recommend starting in the center and working your way outward. Find the center of the headboard, lay down the center boards first, then work outwards toward the outside edge of the headboard.
I used ordinary pine for the planks; I just stained the boards a variety of colors to achieve the ‘reclaimed wood’ look. Also, you’ll want to stain them before attaching them to the bed, so you don’t have to worry about taping each board off with the risk of bleed through.
I used several different stains: Provincial, Special Walnut, Early American, and Ebony. I also used a little Weathered Gray by Varathane. Honestly, there’s no method to my madness, no right or wrong, no rhyme or reason – I just stained the boards randomly, sometimes using one color, other times, layering on two or three different stains.
Here’s a helpful video on the basics of staining wood:
As a military family, we move around a lot, which means we need furniture that can easily be assembled and disassembled. After a bit of searching online, I found these metal bed rail brackets and they were a dream to install. You just screw them into the wood and the two pieces hook into each other. Easy peasy. I love that the headboard, footboard, and side rails all come apart. It’ll make the movers happy, I’m sure.
Yay! Now it’s smooth sailing from here on out! Just add the mattress slat supports and mattress slats and you’ve got yourself a queen-sized bed!
Below is a photo of how the bed rail bracket connects the footboard to the sides:
After finishing the whole thing off with several coats of Arm-R-Seal (my new favorite topcoat!), I got it all set up in her room. And by “I,” I mean, “my husband.” He’s the grunt labor around here. I just build it; he hauls it. We’ve got a great thing going.
SHOP MY DAUGHTER’S ROOM
- DIY West Elm-inspired Chevron Queen Bed
- Bedside Table – no longer available, similar
- Area Rug – no longer available, Joss & Main
- Round Basket – no longer available, similar
- Sheet Set / Duvet Cover / Quilt and Shams
- Pink Chevron Throw Pillow / Watercolor Floral Pillow / Evie Pillow
- Ugly Dolls
- Pom Pom Blanket – no longer available, World Market
- Swing-arm Lamp (came in chrome, I spray-painted it gold)
- Grey Linen Lampshade
- Antler Wall Decor
Yes, I realize there are a crap-ton of pillows on this bed for a four-year-old. My husband thinks so too – on our own bed, mind you. I mean, honestly, the absurdity of it all!
Okay, fine. I’ll take some of the pillows away so you can see more of that beautiful headboard.
So what do you think? I think I have fallen in love with it. Mostly, because my butt looks fabulous now. #buildingismycardio
- Jen | The House of Wood | Chevron Reclaimed Wood Bed (you’re here!)
- Corey | Tiny Sidekick | Graphic Printed Basket
- Chelsea | Making Home Base | Reclaimed Pine Box Shelf
- Ursula | Homemade Carmona | Floating Wood Mirror
- Aniko | Place of my Taste | Painted Terrazzo Rug
If you enjoyed this project, I’d love for you to PIN IT so you don’t forget it!
Now go get your build on and be sure to tag me (@jenwoodhouse #jenwoodhouse #houseofwood) so I can see your handiwork! Did you miss our previous West Elm Knockoff projects? Take a peek here:
SLAB BENCH | FLOATING WOOD MIRROR | ACRYLIC SIDED SHELF
WOOD AND PIPE ENTRYWAY STAND | WOOD SLAT BENCH | RECLAIMED PINE BOX SHELF
PAINTED TERRAZZO RUG | DEEP PICTURE LEDGE | HAND-PAINTED STRIPED POUF
RECLAIMED PINE CUBBY SHELF | CHEVRON RECLAIMED WOOD BED | BUTLER STAND
WOODEN PLANT STANDS | EXPERT NOTICE BOARD | GRAPHIC PRINTED BASKET
A couple things! First of all, this bed is outrageous! I would absolutely love this! When I saw how big it is, I immediately wondered how difficult it was to get through the door, but then I read about disassembling it and that you guys are military! Woohoo! We are too! I love love LOVE finding other military family bloggers, especially those who create beautiful homes regardless of the fact that they’ll be moving soon. 🙂 Anyway! Just had to pop in and tell ya that I was tickled to read this post. 🙂
Hi Erica, Absolutely! Those bed brackets are a lifesaver! Thanks for stopping by and for taking the time to write me a lovely note!
What did you do to hide the nail holes on the chevron pattern? Putty or just leave them?
Hi Donna, I didn’t bother filling the nail holes.
This is AMAZING! I would LOVE to build two for my little girls who share a room. Is there any way you could adjust the sizes to twin sizes (because I have NO idea how to even begin to do measurements for a twin sized bed)!
I will put it on the request list, Christie! Thank you for stopping by!
…eagerly awaiting those specs for twin beds. My Littles share a room. I’d love to make one for each of them.
Great news! The plans for this bed are now available (link in post)! The original West Elm bed doesn’t come in a twin, so had to come up with my own dimensions. Be sure to tag me @jenwoodhouse #jenwoodhouse so I can see your creations! Good luck and happy building!
This is amazing! I REALLY want to build two of these for my little gals who share a room. Is there anyway you could tell me the measurements for a twin bed (because I have NO idea how to measure for a twin bed versus a queen). You’re such an inspiration, and thank you for sharing these plans!
Christie, I’ve gotten a couple requests for the twin bed plans, so I will work on drawing up those plans as soon as time allows! Thank you!
Update: plans for a twin size are now available (link in post)! Yay! Be sure to tag me @jenwoodhouse #jenwoodhouse so I can see your creation! Good luck and happy building!
Beautiful bed. I so enjoy following your builds. I love to build too but between homeschooling one child and driving the others to school 30 min away, There’s not much time right now. I’m living vicariously through your blog 🙂
Awesome!!! What a beautiful bed! You do amazing work!!
Thanks Liz! <3
Jen, it’s absolutely beautiful! Your daughter must truly feel like a queen in that bed:) Thanks for the tip on the bedrails. I’m building a bed for my oldest soon and I was trying to figure out where exactly I would find that hardware.
The bed is wonderful. Thank you.
Jen this bed is seriously AMAZING! Your daughter is one lucky girl to have such an incredibly talented mama. Great job on one amazing knock off, you ROCK!
Oh my gosh I ADORE this bed! I’ve been drooling like Homer Simpson over donuts since your sneak peek. 😀
Girl, you rocked it!
I was going to start drawing up a plan for a king size of this exact bed for a friend… Your timing is impeccable. I wasn’t entirely sure where to begin, so thank you!
Hey Jen, this is super gorgeous, as always! Quick question – how did determine the dimensions of the overall headboard to ensure that the 1×3 would fit snuggly? I am hoping to build in a different size, and I am just having trouble calculating/visualizing because of the angles. Am I overthinking it? Do you just have to choose a number divisible by 2.5? Thanks!!
Jackie, I just kept the dimensions from the West Elm bed (those published on their site) in mind when drawing up the plans and things just worked out. Lucky for me, because I definitely would’ve overthought and made it more difficult than it needed to be.
Jen this bed is beautiful!!!
WOW, Jen! This is soooo inspiring. You’re so talented. I especially love that it’s not just a head board but you did the whole dang bed frame! You go girl <3
Stephanie @ Mommyzoid.ca
PS: Come share this over on the Ladies Collective Linkup! We'd love to have you 🙂
Thanks for the invite, Stephanie! Heading over to link up now!
This is GORGEOUS!! Wishing it was possible in a Cal King. ={
JEN!!!
What an amazing project this is! It’s huge, and I absolutely love it!!
Art. That’s what it is. Love and art.
Girl! Don’t you know I was thinking of you when I was attaching all those boards to the headboard?? 🙂
What a gorgeous bed! You are so talented, and I just love her room!
Thanks Alexis! And thank you for dropping by! <3
Girl! This was an amazing project. I am still dropping my jaw when I look at this monster DIY. Just Ah-mazing! I really loved having you on the team. Let’s repeat! XXOO
Thanks sweet lady! I had a blast – let’s do it again, for sure!