DIY Farmhouse Crib (Free Plans)
Build a rustic, low-profile farmhouse crib for under $300 with free printable plans. Parent-friendly height, customizable legs, and classic barn-door trim. Download the complete set of DIY Crib PDF plans, including the shopping list here!
Servings: 1 Crib
Cost: 300
Equipment
- Miter Saw
- - Pocket-hole jig (Kreg)
- - Drill/driver
- Brad Nailer
- - Orbital sander + dust collection
- - Clamps, tape measure, square
Ingredients
- - 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.
Notes
This crib was originally built in 2017. Before building or using a DIY crib, review current crib-safety requirements and verify the finished crib, including its dimensions, slat spacing, openings, mattress fit, mattress support, hardware, and finish. The original plans document how this crib was built but have not been independently tested or certified to current federal crib standards.