Yes, you can make a cheap daybed with a comfy air mattress for under $130.
Not only is it inexpensive – but it is easy to make, movable and versatile (since it can be used as both a bed and a sofa). The added bonuses are that it looks super cool and it has 4 storage compartments too. Check it out:
They use a regular mattress in the photo. However, you can swap it out for an air mattress and essentially achieve the same thing – at a much lower price. (I also think that the platform could also make a nice big movable coffee table when not in use as a daybed. Talk about getting a lot of use out of a single piece of furniture!).
This is also a great alternative to an inflatable sofa bed if you want a piece of furniture with more structure and a firmer seating area. Inflatable couches tend to be a little softer because they don’t really have a “frame”.
Anyway, Lowe’s has a video explaining exactly how to make this DIY daybed below. It’s actually simpler than you may think – it’s made from 2 hollow core doors with wood board dividers in between. Basically, all this project involves is cutting, drilling, gluing and painting.
Detailed instructions on how to build a daybed
Tools Needed:
- Drill with pilot and countersink bits
- Jigsaw
- Miter box and handsaw
- Hammer
- Framing square
- Carpenter’s square
- Nail set
- Putty knife
- Clamps
- Wood glue
- Tape measure
- 180-grit sandpaper
- Painter’s tape
Materials Needed:
- Hollow Core Doors (about $25 apiece)
- 1″ x 6″ x 6″ board (1)
- 1″ x 8″ x 8″ boards (3)
- 2″ x 2″ x 8″ boards (4)
- 4″ locking swivel casters (4) (about $10 apiece)
- screws, finishing nails
The Daybed Air Mattress
There are plenty of inexpensive air mattresses you can buy for this project.
I am a fan of Intex products, and their Deluxe Dura-Beam air bed has a sturdier interior construction, flocked top and sides and a straight-line design. These features make it look, feel and perform more like a regular mattress.
Maybe the best part is that it costs less than $20.
You may also decide to get a double-high/raised/elevated inflatable mattress, depending on how high you want your bed. Expect to pay $30-$40 more.
There’s More?
What’s cool is that this concept works in lots more ways…
- If you prefer a rolling, movable bed or need a frame for an air mattress (or regular mattress), this works great and will save you some money.
- Want to sleep outside in the summertime? This elevated air mattress frame is ideal.
- How about a window seat? No need to hire someone to build it – just roll this over and lock the wheels in place.
And don’t forget the bonus storage area!