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How to assemble a daybed with a trundle

A daybed is a single bed with a back and two arm ends, so it works as a sofa by day. The trundle is a second, lower bed frame on castors that rolls out from underneath, and it only works if the main frame is square and high enough for it to clear.

Time
about 2 h
Difficulty
Moderate
People
2 people
Steps
8

Tools needed

  • Allen keys (supplied)
  • Cross-head screwdriver
  • Spanner
  • Tape measure

Parts to check first

Before you start, lay everything out on a soft surface (the flattened box works) and check it against the parts list in your manual.

  • Back panel and two arm ends
  • Front rail and link spring or slats
  • Trundle frame with four castors
  • Trundle slats or link deck
  • Bolts, barrel nuts and castor screws

Step by step

  1. Step 1: Stand the two arm ends up and bolt the long back panel between them, finger-tight, with a helper holding the far end.

  2. Step 2: Fit the front rail between the arm ends at the height the manual shows; this rail sets the gap the trundle rolls under.

  3. Step 3: Drop in the link spring or lay the slats for the main bed, then tighten every bolt on the main frame.

  4. Step 4: Turn the trundle frame upside down on a rug and screw a castor into each corner, checking any locking castors go where the manual puts them.

  5. Step 5: Turn the trundle over, fit its slats or link deck, and check it sits level on all four wheels.

  6. Step 6: Measure the height under the main front rail and compare it with the trundle plus its mattress; the manual gives a maximum mattress depth for the trundle.

  7. Step 7: Roll the trundle in and out several times and adjust the main frame if it rubs on one side.

  8. Step 8: Put the mattresses on and push against the back panel to make sure the frame does not rack sideways.

Common mistakes

  • Using a trundle mattress that is too deep, so the trundle will not roll under.
  • Fitting the front rail upside down, which lowers the clearance.
  • Leaving the castors without their locks on, so the pulled-out trundle rolls when someone climbs on.

Safety notes

  • Lock the trundle castors before anyone sleeps on it.
  • Check the weight limits for both the main bed and the trundle; the trundle is usually rated lower.

This is general guidance for this type of product. Your product's own manual comes first: follow its order, fittings and torque values where they differ from this page.

Tags

Updated 2026-09-30

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