How to make a wooden crib with adjustable mattress height

Building a wooden crib with an adjustable mattress height is a rewarding project that allows you to create a functional, safe, and personalized piece of furniture for your nursery. This project requires basic woodworking skills, patience, and some careful planning. Here is a detailed guide to help you create a wooden crib with an adjustable mattress height.

Materials Needed:

• Hardwood lumber (e.g., oak, maple, or birch)
• Plywood for the mattress base
• Wood screws (preferably brass or steel for strength)
• Wood glue
• Wood finish or non-toxic paint (optional for finishing)
• 4 heavy-duty crib mattress support brackets
• Adjustable crib rails
• Drill with bits
• Saw (table saw, miter saw, or hand saw)
• Sandpaper or electric sander
• Measuring tape and carpenter’s square

Step 1: Design the Crib

Before starting the construction process, plan your crib design carefully. Consider the following:

1. Crib Dimensions: A standard crib mattress size is 28 inches by 52 inches. Make sure to design the crib to fit this size.
2. Adjustable Mattress Height: The mattress support should be adjustable to accommodate a growing baby. Typically, there are 3 to 4 height settings. The lowest setting is used when the baby can sit up or stand, while the highest setting is for a newborn.

Step 2: Cut the Wood Pieces

You’ll need to cut various wood pieces for the crib frame, mattress support, and side rails.

1. Side Rails: Cut two long side rails from hardwood lumber. The length will be around 52 inches, depending on the size of the mattress.
2. End Panels: Cut two end panels from hardwood. These should match the width of the crib (about 28 inches) but may be slightly taller, depending on your design.
3. Mattress Support Slats: Cut 4-6 slats for the mattress support. These will be placed across the crib base to hold the mattress.
4. Support Beams: Cut the support beams to fit across the width of the crib. These will hold the adjustable mattress frame.

Step 3: Construct the Crib Frame

The main frame of the crib consists of the four main pieces: two side rails and two end panels.

1. Attach the End Panels to the Side Rails: Use wood screws and wood glue to attach the end panels to the side rails. The side rails should be placed flush with the tops of the end panels, with the lower part of the end panels serving as the bottom of the crib.
2. Reinforce the Corners: To ensure the frame is sturdy, add corner braces or dowels at the joints. This will provide extra strength and prevent the frame from wobbling.

Step 4: Install the Adjustable Mattress Support

The adjustable mattress support allows you to raise or lower the mattress to different levels. This is done by creating a series of holes along the side rails and installing a mattress frame that can slide into these holes.

1. Create Adjustable Holes: Use a drill and bit to create a series of evenly spaced holes along the side rails of the crib. These holes will hold the brackets for the mattress support. Make sure the holes are large enough to fit the metal brackets or wooden dowels that will hold the mattress frame.
2. Install the Mattress Support Brackets: Attach the brackets to the side rails using screws. These brackets should be positioned at the various heights where you want to set the mattress.
3. Prepare the Mattress Frame: Cut the plywood for the mattress base to match the dimensions of the crib (typically 28 inches by 52 inches). You can place additional slats across the plywood to ensure the mattress is well-supported.

Step 5: Attach the Mattress Support Frame

Now that the adjustable mattress height system is in place, you can install the mattress support frame.

1. Insert the Mattress Frame into the Brackets: Slide the mattress frame into the brackets at the desired height. You can make adjustments as your baby grows and needs more space.
2. Test the Frame: Ensure the mattress frame is secure and stable at each height. The frame should not shift or wobble once it is in place.

Step 6: Build the Side Rails

Now it’s time to add the sides of the crib, which provide the necessary safety features.

1. Design the Sides: Depending on your design, you may choose to use a full slatted side, a partial slat side, or a combination of solid and slatted panels.
2. Cut and Attach the Rails: Cut the side panels to your desired height and width. Use wood screws to attach these to the side rails of the crib frame. Ensure that the slats are spaced no more than 2-3 inches apart to prevent the baby from getting stuck between them.

Step 7: Sand and Finish the Crib

To ensure the crib is safe and smooth for the baby, sand all the surfaces carefully.

1. Sand All Edges: Use sandpaper or an electric sander to smooth out all edges and surfaces. Make sure there are no sharp corners or splinters that could harm your baby.
2. Apply a Non-Toxic Finish: Apply a non-toxic, baby-safe wood finish or paint to the crib. Make sure to let it dry completely before placing the mattress and baby in the crib.

Step 8: Final Assembly

Once everything is assembled and finished, place the mattress in the crib, adjust the mattress height according to your preference, and check the crib for stability. Make sure all screws and brackets are tightly secured, and that the crib frame is strong enough to support the weight of the mattress and baby.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can create a wooden crib with an adjustable mattress height. Not only will it serve as a comfortable and safe sleeping space for your baby, but it will also be a beautiful, long-lasting piece of furniture for your home. Remember to always ensure the crib is sturdy and that all materials used are baby-safe.

For more woodworking projects like this, you may want to explore Ted’s Woodworking Course for detailed plans and guidance: Ted’s Woodworking Course.