Build A Doll's Bed With Rails

This doll's bed is suitable for 16" to 18" sized dolls 

        The four legs should first be cut, the two long ones being 7/8"x 7/8"x12" and the two short ones 7/8"x 7/8"x 9 1/4".

       These should be planed up square and smooth and the top edges chamfered 1/16", as shown.

       The two side rails are next made  3/8"x 2 1/2" x 20 1/2".

       The four cross rails, two on the headboard and two on the foot board, are are made 1/2" x 1 1/4" x 8".

       Seven slats are next made 3/8" x 1 1/4" x 8".

       Two long supporting slats, on which the seven slats previously made rest, are now made 3/8" x 1" x 19 1/4".

       Three upright slats are now made for the headboard, two being 3/8" x 1 3/4" x 8", and one 3/8" x 3" x8". Three similar slats are made for the foot board, two 3/8" x 1 3/4" x 5 1/4" and one 3/8" x 3" x 5 1/4".

       Seven holes should be carefully bored where the cross rails and legs are joined. Use a small drill about 1/8" in diameter.

       These holes are 2 1/2" up from the bottom end of the legs and 1" down from the top ends. In assembling these parts, use glue, brads and 1 1/2" No. 8 round-head screws, as shown on the drawing above. Next place the slats, as indicated, using glue and 1 1/4" brads. Take pains to space these properly and center them on the cross piece. All brad holes, wherever placed, should be set with a nail set and the hole filled with hard beeswax.

       In nailing in the brads, rest the bottom support on the corner of the bench, so as not to strain the cross piece or legs in pounding with the hammer.

       Next attach the long side rails, having their ends flush with the outer side of the leg. Use glue and 1" brads. See that the rails are attached square with the long edges of legs. The two shorter supporting rails (3/8" x 1" x19 1/4"), are next nailed to the lower cross pieces at the head and foot of the bed, and close up against the long side rails. A few brads, 1" long, should be driven through from the side rails into these to help secure them in place.

       The seven cross slats are carefully spaced, glued, and nailed in place with 1/2" brads. While nailing, place a block of wood beneath the ends for a bearing.

       All pieces should have been sanded previous to assembling, and the bed may now be either stained or painted. If painted, a priming coat should be applied first. After this has dried it should be carefully sanded with No. 0 sandpaper and the finish coat applied.

• An 18" wooden doll bed design made with slats is here.