Kids Bed Legs and Rails

I definitely wouldn’t use MDF on the legs. I would use solid poplar that may need to be glued up, depending on the size of the legs.

-- Uncle Fester

I’m with UncleFester; do not use mdf for the legs. It is not suitable at all for structural members. I too would use poplar. It’s stronger, more stable (mdf swells up like a center fielder on steroids when it gets wet), paints just as well, the cost is similar, it has more strength (think kids jumping on the bed), and the DUST WON’T KILL YOU AS QUICK. Sorry, I don’t like mdf.

Steve

-- Steve in KY. 44 years so far with my lovely bride. Think I'll keep her.

The Pottery Barn stuff only uses MDF for stuff like shelves or backs of media walls and wood for the rest. I’d stick with the real wood, too. Using one of Ana White’s plans? She’s got a boatload of Pottery Barn knock off stuff on her site, and they’re nice, simple, and free plans! On second tought, maybe that site would exponentially increase your “honey do” list. Can’t wait to see the finished bed!

I actually took specs from pbarn.com and drew it up in sketchup.