I built a DIY pull out bench that has storage and enough space for a twin mattress. This was built in a tiny house that needed to save space and have multimodal seating. It was also important to me to be long enough that an average sized person could lay down on it lengthwise.
Bench that converts to a bed DIY
The couch cushions convert into a mattress pad for someone to lay down some sheets and blankets. When not pulled out lengthwise the seat can fold up and offer storage for couch cushions or anything else.
The slat system
This multimodal flexibility is owed to the design of the slat system. The pullout bench has teeth that interlock the can pulled out or closed and interlocked. Its a bit hard to explain with words so I will show lots of pictures. The teeth of the slat bed can be pulled out lengthwise to make the bed.
When the teeth at are locked together the whole seat tow can be lifted up by the hinges of the bench. After being lifted up the storage area underneath revels itself. The whole contraption is rather magical.
Step by step guide to build DIY pull out bench
Step 1: Where will the DIY pull out bench be installed?
Measure the area where you want to build the bench. My area was x inches wide and I wanted it to extend out to 6 feet long when pulled out. Another consideration is how high do you want the bench to sit from the ground. I chose x inches tall off the ground. When you have the dimensions of width, height and desired length then you have to build a frame of these dimensions.
Step 2: Create the frame
The frame of the bench can be made with 2”x2” posts that screw into each other. This will make a rectangular box shape. Cut the pieces to size from the measurements made in the house. Make sure to consider how the height or length could differ based on how the wood pieces are screwed together.
Screw some pieces together and then bring the frame in the house to see if it fits before fully screwing it together. Trial and error will help.
Step 3: Build the smaller frame
After the frame of the bench is put together next the frame of the part that pulls out needs to be built. The whole mobility of the slat bench is based on a smaller frame sliding into a larger frame. The dimensions of the sliding parts frame will be determined by how it fits into the main frame. Measure off the framed box that has already been installed.
Leave wiggle room between the sliding frame and main frame so it is not too tight and can been easily pulled out.
Step 4: Alternate the slats
The slats of the bench will slide into each other. This is what will make the surface to sit on. To make this happen alternating slats need to put on the main frame and the sliding frame. Again with the slats leave some wiggle room between the slats so it is easier to pull out. You will likely have to use a sander to smooth out any problem areas where the slats are rubbing.
Step 5: Make sure all board rest on the lip so it can lift up
A lip on the other end of the cabinet must be built so the entire cabinet can lift up for the storage space. The interlocking teeth the cabinet will slide into each other and lay on this lip so they are connected. The whole bench should lift up unobstructed by anything in its radius.
Step 6: Trial and error
Trial and error pull out function of the slats and the lifting function of the hinges. Use the sander to make more wiggle room unscrew pieces to fix any problems. This way it can be made sure everything moves smoothly and predictably. Its ok if it takes numerous trial and error to get the slats to line up.
Step 7: Test the range of motion inside
After trialling the motion of the bench. Bring the bench inside and test fit it to the location. There may be additional kinks with the area it is installed in the house. Again you may need to use the sander to custom fit it to the area if pieces are not interlocking correctly.
Step 8: Install the main frame to a stud
If everything is fitting correctly now you can screw the frame of the bench to the floor and framing of the house. This will ensure the bench is fully attached to the house and wont move. Use 3 inch screws to drill through the 2 inch wood frame and into the stud of the wall.
Step 9: Finish by sanding
Now is a great opportunity to sand everything before preceding onto the next steps. Fill in any screw holes with wood putty. Smooth out any edges that will be in contact with human skin. Make the wood comfortable to the touch and looks nice.
Step 10: Stain and seal
Stain and seal the wood for a nice finish. I chose to stain my dark walnut.
More ideas for DIY pull out bench
The way I designed my bench is that is it pulls out lengthwise. I have also seen designs for pulling out the bench widthwise to make a wider bed. The bench almost starts out more as a couch and pulls out for a bed that is a roughly a full mattress size.
DIY pull out bed under platform
The process for building a widthwise bed is the same as building the pull out bench. The difference is the slats will pull out widthwise. It starts by building a 2″x2″ frame for the couch length and height and then building a smaller pull out frame into the couch frame.
For building bigger pull out benches, couches or beds thicker framing and wider slats may be necessary to support to larger load. Upgrade from 2″ posts to 3″ and have 6″ slats as opposed to 4″ slats.
How much does DIY pull out bench cost?
| Stain and sealer | 1x6x10 wood | 2x2x8 wood | Screws | 1/4 in Plywood | Total |
| $25 | $40 | $9 | $10 | $20 | $104 |
Conclusion: DIY pull out bench
Building modular seating and storage can be a bit challenging. Sometimes I get confused just looking out the slats of the pull out bed forgetting that I built it before. By following the above steps you can build a DIY pull out bench for your house.
More resources: https://tinyhouseblog.com/tiny-house/space-saving-hacks-for-tiny-house-living/