DIY Farmhouse Crib – Build a Rustic Crib for Less Than $300
Looking for the perfect farmhouse-style crib that’s safe, stylish, and budget-friendly? This DIY Farmhouse Crib is designed with a low-profile build (perfect for shorter moms and dads), customizable height, and a beautiful rustic finish that looks straight out of a designer catalog.
Best part? You can build it yourself for under $300 with our FREE crib plans!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crib
Parent-friendly height – no more stretching or straining.
Budget build – farmhouse style without the expensive price tag.
Easy to customize – want it taller? Just adjust the legs and panels.
Rustic charm – the barn door trim gives it that farmhouse feel.
Step-by-Step DIY Crib Tutorial
Download the Plans
Start by grabbing your free printable crib plans with detailed diagrams and cut lists.
Build the Headboard (Back Panel)
Use 1×6 boards joined with a Kreg Jig
- Frame with 2×6 and 2×4 boards (rip them down for a cleaner look)
Add the Barn Door Trim
Glue + finish nails = instant farmhouse vibes.
4️⃣ Build the Side Panels
Drill 3/4″ pocket holes.
Attach slats with wood glue + finish nails.
Here is the bottom board. I have also marked here where my slats will line up just to help me line them up straight when I nail them in.
I attached this board to the outside bottom trim piece using wood glue and 1″ Spax screws.
Now I attached both of these pieces I created using the crib slats. These are 1×2 boards that I nailed in place using wood glue and 1.25″ finish nails. See how the pocket holes are getting covered up!
Here is one side finished up! You will need to make 2 of these…
5️⃣ Front Panel Time
Build your frame with pocket-hole screws.
Add evenly spaced slats (double-check spacing before nailing).
I built this basically the same as the sides but it will also have the frames. I built the bottom of the front by attaching the two boards like I did the sides, and then I attached the front legs to the bottom boards using pocket hole screws.
I built this basically the same as the sides but it will also have the frames. I built the bottom of the front by attaching the two boards like I did the sides, and then I attached the front legs to the bottom boards using pocket hole screws.
Next I made my pocket holes in my top board. Again watch your spacing on this part so that they will be covered!
I attached the top board using 1.25″ pocket hole screws into the top of each leg.
Next, I lined up that whole frame on top of the top front rail piece and attached it using wood glue and 1.25″ pocket hole screws.
The top rail will have a 1.5″ overhang on each side….
Next I added my front slats using wood glue and 1.25″ finish nails. Watch your spacing on this part!
Time for the mattress. I attached cleats to the front and the back of the crib using 2″ Spax screws.
6️⃣ Mattress Support
Install cleats with 2″ Spax screws.
Lay 1×4 boards across for the mattress base.
You can see where the pocket holes are attaching the sides to the front and back…
7️⃣ Stain + Protect
We love Varathane Briarsmoke stain 🌫️.
Seal with polyurethane for durability and easy cleanup
After I finished building the crib, my amazing stepdad was kind enough to offer to stain this to keep me from having to do it. I gladly took him up on his offer! I chose to use Briarsmoke by Varathane and I am so pleased with the results.
Speaking of stain… Did y’all catch our latest YouTube video on how to stain wood? Here it is!
He also sprayed the entire crib with a polyurethane after the stain dried.
8️⃣ Hardware Details
For a custom touch, add farmhouse hardware (we used Wayne Works 🤎).
Now let’s talk about that hardware… I die. Love it so much. I told our good friend Tyler of Wayne Works what I had in mind and he did not disappoint. He even rounded the edges just a bit giving them a softer look. He’s selling them guys! You can get them HERE!
📥 Get the Free Plans
We’ve made it simple! Click below to grab your FREE printable crib plans with step-by-step diagrams, cut lists, and material breakdowns.
➡️ Download the Free Farmhouse Crib Plans
🛠 Pro Builder Tips
Sand everything smooth 🪵➡️🧸 (baby fingers find splinters fast!).
Always test your crib mattress fit before final assembly.
Want a convertible crib? Builders have added hardware to make the front removable.
Save your arms! Use a quality orbital sander with a dust attachment.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This crib isn’t just furniture—it’s a keepsake you’ll treasure for years 💕. Building your own crib means saving money, customizing it to your style, and creating something truly special for your little one.
Ready to get started? Download the free plans and start building today!
DIY Farmhouse Crib (Free Plans)
Tools
- Miter Saw
- – Pocket-hole jig (Kreg)
- – Drill/driver
- Brad Nailer
- – Orbital sander + dust collection
- – Clamps, tape measure, square
Supply List
- – 1×6 boards headboard/back panel
- – 2×6 boards trim; rip to ~5″
- – 2×4 boards frame; rip to ~3″
- – 1×4 boards mattress support slats
- – 1×2 boards side/front slats
- – Pocket-hole screws 1¼″ and 2″
- – 2″ brad nails & wood glue
- – 2″ structural screws e.g., Spax for cleats
- – Stain e.g., Varathane Briarsmoke & polyurethane
- – Optional decorative hardware
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Download & review plans — Grab the free printable plans and study the cut list, layout, and pocket-hole locations.
- Build the headboard — Join 1×6s with pocket holes; frame with ripped 2×6 (≈5″) and 2×4 (≈3″).
- Add barn-door trim — Glue and brad-nail the trim pattern for that farmhouse look.
- Assemble side panels — Drill 3/4″ pocket holes; glue and screw frames; attach 1×2 slats with consistent spacing.
- Build the front panel — Construct the lower front frame using pocket holes; add evenly spaced 1×2 slats.
- Install mattress supports — Fasten cleats to side panels with 2″ structural screws; lay 1×4 slats across to form the platform.
- Finish — Sand smooth; stain (Briarsmoke recommended) and seal with polyurethane. Let finishes fully cure.
- Optional hardware — Add decorative hardware. Dry-fit panels, confirm mattress fit, then assemble in the nursery.
DIY Farmhouse Crib
Free Crib Plans
Rustic Baby Furniture DIY
Build Your Own Crib
Low-Profile Crib Tutorial
Hi! I love these plans, but there doesn’t seem to be any indication of the cut angle for the two trim boards that are cut on an angle… Any ideas?
Thanks!
In case anyone comes looking for this answer – it’s a 20 degree angle cut
I made this crib successfully 2 years ago before our baby was born. He’s ready to go into a toddler bed, any recommendations on how to take the front rail off & convert?
Only, then it can be given to the tiny kids, to provide freedom from varied forms
of diseases. From the simple plastic or wooden constructions that children can ride on, to pull or push toys that toddlers would enjoy
to ride on, to motor-driven riders and miniaturized versions of popular car brands and makes which can be favored by young children, ride-on toys would continually be a section of any child’s playtime menagerie.
Ask people around, do some research or ask elders before heading
shopping for your loved one.
So….I’m becoming a grandma! I’d love to make this crib for the new little peanut to come but one question I have that I don’t think was asked yet…is this brand of stain infant/kid friendly? I know babies like to chew on things and I remember my kids used to chew on the rails etc…so that’s my question and then another one…if I chose to paint it…is there a kids friendly paint???
We are not builders but would like to purchase one of these beautiful cribs. Do you sell them?
I too am curious how a standard crib mattress fits when the death of the sides are .25” shorter than all mattresses I’ve seen.
I’m also having a hard time locating where I can buy the corner bracing as the Etsy shop link states they are sold out.
The crib mattresses I am seeing are 52″ x 27.5″, but it looks like it will only fit a 52x 27.25″. Can anyone tell me what size mattress worked for them?
Did you ever get this figured out? I also can not find the appropriate size
Can you now verify the dimensions of the final result? I’m about to begin building this and I believe it’s going to be 52″x27.25″. Is that accurate? I too want to make sure I have a mattress that will fit before putting all the work in. Thanks!
Hi,
What kind of polyurethane spray did you use after staining?
My husband and I have been eyeing these plans for a few weeks now. My only question stems from my concern of the mattress being so low. Is there a way to build this to have the mattress height be adjustable as the baby grows? I was planning on making the legs taller, as it appears some others have done, just because I like that look just a little better. However, my concern is I would have a harder time putting the baby in the crib or getting him out.
Can anyone share a supplies list and cost?
I just bought all the supplies and it was around $140 (including a few smaller tools)
Do you have the list of supplies?
Regarding the metal decorations, I bought a sheet of aluminum for 15.00 at Menards and cut on table saw. Pretty easy, then a little sanding and some spray paint
I made this crib successfully 2 years ago before our baby was born. He’s ready to go into a toddler bed, any recommendations on how to take the front rail off & convert?
We are in the process of making this beautiful crib!! We can’t figure out why our measurements aren’t working! On the crib headboard there are 9 pieces of wood that have been ripped to 5″ wide. That’s equal to 45″. The bottom board is supposed to be cut at 49 1/2″. How does that fit? We cut 3 1/2″ off the bottom board, now we’re wondering if the crib mattress will fit!
Those boards werent supposed to be ripped to 5″ only the 2″ boards were supposed to be ripped down
Thanks for your reply Frank! But, the instructions say to rip all the 2xs. (2×6, and all 2x4s) “Next, I built the frame of the back part of the crib. I noted this in the plans… I chose to rip all of my 2x boards to give them straight edges. So, the 2×6 are all 5″ wide and the 2×4 are all 3″ wide. If you choose not to do this, it won’t mess with the dimensions of everything else, but it will give your crib a slightly different finished look.”
Only the top board, bottom board and 2 edge boards are 2″ boards, those make up the frame. The inside boards are 1×6 boards and DO NOT get ripped down. That is where your discrepancy comes from. Inside the frame is 49.5 inches
You’re right! Thank you for the clarification! ? I guess we were just in a ripping frenzy! I really hope the crib mattress fits!
I love this crib, but had one concern in regards to bow low it is. Wouldn’t want any creepy crawlers in there with the baby as well as is it comfortable for the parents in regards to bending down to lay baby to sleep?
I had a question. My friend absolutely loves this crib was gonna build it for her. However she asked if it was a convertible into toddler, day, and full bed. If it’s not do you think I could modify to make it into this? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Again congrats on having a little boy!!!
You could make it one by taking off the front piece. Then add another 2×6 to the front of each sidebar peices, add another bottom horizontal support for mattress and stain to match.
I have a question on the mattress size. Based on your plans, the area that the mattress will drop into and rest on will be 52″ x 27.25″. It looks like this is the minimum size for crib mattresses based on what I’m seeing? Since I’m not familiar with the mattresses themselves, will any standard crib mattress be able to squeeze in?
Can you now verify the dimensions of the final result? I’m about to begin building this and I believe it’s going to be 52″x27.25″. Is that accurate? I too want to make sure I have a mattress that will fit before putting all the work in. Thanks!
How much in total do you think this cost you to make??
In Canada, it cost me $57 worth of wood.
Where did you buy your wood that you were able to get everything that cheap?
I have an airstrike brad nailer, do you think 1.25in brad nails would work for attaching the trim on the headboard instead of finish nails? I guess I could do the finish nails by hand (just takes longer).
Also, for mine, I’m going to make the bed height adjustable by using connector bolts and instert nuts. I’ll post a pick when I’m done.
hi! i love the crib but i do have one question. Are you able to convert this into a toddler bed with the headboard and footboard? if so how would you do that?
I think this could be converted fairly easily with a few modifications to how you construct the crib front. I’m actually a considering this as I build one right now.
My thoughts are to use threaded inserts and connector bolts vice pocket hole screws to connect the crib front to the side rails. This will allow the crib front to be removed as a solid piece to allow for future installation of a toddler rail.
For the toddler rail, it will need the stability of the legs that are designed into the crib front, so I think I can follow the directions for the crib front (steps 7-9), and modify it so instead of installing the upper rail 30in high, add a lower guard rail approx 20in high with an opening of approx 16in to allow the little guy to climb in and out of bed. Only downside I can see, is that this makes a large piece to store when not being used. Luckily I have some time to design and build this since I won’t need to convert this for another 18mo.